Paris and Nice are some of the most visited places in the world, and France, in general, is the most popular tourist destination across the world. With more than 90 million tourists each year before the global pandemic, the numbers confirm its popularity. The city has been dubbed ‘the city of love’, ‘the city of lights’ and the ‘fashion capital of the world’. France truly has something for every traveler. Home to the famous Louvre Museum and the enigmatic Mona Lisa. A tourist could spend weeks visiting museums, but would miss so much more that France has to offer.
However, France offers so much more than Paris. One of the most famous places is Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. In addition to its well-known beautiful and pristine beaches of warm azure sea, there is the charming provincial village of Saint-Tropez. With its cobbled streets, quaint shuttered cottages and boutique shops, it will delight the senses. Travelers will also find museums, art galleries, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. While many beaches are private, tourists can find plenty of well-equipped public beaches. The town is said to have received its name from Saint Topes who was martyred, his body floated in a small boat, and Saint-Tropez is where he landed. So, save time for sunbathing and people watching to explore the city, immerse yourself in the culture, and learn some of the language.
Visit these top-rated museums in Saint Tropez
Annonciade Museum
- Location: 2 Place Georges Grammont, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Famous for exhibiting and presenting some of the collections of French masterpieces created by famous French artists like Matisse, Derain and Marquet. The Annonciade Museum is a must-see museum in Saint-Tropez. It is the most popular destination for famous artists and budding artistic talents. The museum was established in 1922 by a French Neo-Impressionist named Paul Signac, who became the founder and developer of the pointillist style along with Georges Seurat. The museum will captivate the hearts of all art lovers.
Maritime History Museum
- Location: 1 Mont de la Citadelle, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Located in the heart of Montée de la Citadelle, inside the 400 year old citadel which was built to defend and protect the city from military attacks. The museum is dedicated to the maritime history of France and is very popular with tourists who want to learn about the history and culture of France. The Maritime History Museum also houses the statues of the heroes of Saint-Tropez, the Bailiff of Suffren, General Allard and Hyppolite Bouchard, including the volunteers and armies who once sacrificed their lives to protect the city.
butterfly museum
- Location:17 rue Etienne Berny, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Located in the heart of Saint-Tropez, is the Butterfly Museum. Home to the collection of huge number of distinct butterfly species including uncommon varieties found mainly in Africa and South America. The museum was founded by Dany Lartigue, a painter, passionate collector of butterflies, who for decades passionately acquired different specimens. Because Lartigue was a painter, all of the butterflies are artistically arranged so that visitors can best appreciate the colors and details of these amazing animals.
Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum
- Location: 2 Pl. Blanqui, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
In the 1960s the building was a building for the police. However, after being featured in the movie “Gendarme De Saint-Tropez” which depicts the hilarious life of a French policeman in Saint-Tropez and featuring Louis de Funes, it was eventually turned into a commemoration of the gendarme and cinema in Saint-Tropez. The museum pays tribute to the police officers of the old town and to the history of films shot in or about Saint-Tropez. As well as exploring the region’s various cinematic influences, guests are encouraged to learn about the remarkable history of the “Gendarmes de Saint Tropez”.
These beaches are worth visiting in Saint Tropez
Bouillabaisse Beach
For visitors who want to experience something a little more exclusive and private on a low-key beach compared to Pampelonne, Plage de la Bouillabaisse is the place to be. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and soft sand on the romantic and glamorous beach located at the entry point of Saint-Tropez, the beach is surrounded by restaurants, resorts and even water ski parks, the beach is the one of the highlights when visiting the city. Perfect for visitors who just want to relax and unwind, sunbathe.
Pampelonne Beach
Quite famous as the longest beach in Saint-Tropez, it stretches for about 5 km and offers the finest sand and the cinematic view. Locals, tourists and celebs flock to the area’s celebrity hotspots, including Club 55. It is famous for being featured in several films such as the “And then God created womanand the famous Nikki Beach, best for its events and parties animated by DJs. Guests can take advantage of the exciting atmosphere as they can rent lounge chairs and dine at the beach-side restaurants. Check out the clubs and party like there’s no tomorrow.
More beautiful places to see in Saint Tropez
Old Port (Old Port)
- Location: Canabiere, Marseille
Located on a peninsula, the port of Saint-Tropez offers a natural place for a large port. Connected to Marseille, the oldest city in France, founded in 600 BC, the city is known for its bustling ports which were maximized for commercial activities and are still considered the busiest seaport for oil in the country. There are three ports, namely Marseille, Lavera and Fos. Travelers can catch a glimpse of the city’s wide harbors, with yachts and small fishing boats, as well as the colorful establishments famous with tourists for the various cafes.
La Ponche: the old town
- Location: Ponche Beach, St. Tropez, France
The old town of Saint-Tropez is commonly called “La Ponche”. It is a small village famous for its spectacular fishing industry. For most of the year, it has less than 3000 inhabitants. Visitors traveling through the city can enjoy the rustic old French cottages and imagine how simple life would be. From old ports to beautiful scenic beaches perfect for those Instagram-worthy photos, visitors will never run out of photo opportunities. It is full of shops, small cafes, narrow streets and even restaurants.
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption Saint-Tropez
Located in the old town of Saint-Tropez, the astonishing parish church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is known to be one of the emblematic monuments of the city. The church has an ochre-coloured spire and steeple visible from miles away. The church was built in the Italian-inspired Baroque style and features a white limestone facade. In contrast to the sea and sky, it is painted with striking red and yellow accents. Once inside, tourists can see woodcarvings dating back to the early 1800s. There is also a sculpture of the head of Saint Tropez, which is used every year during the “Bravades” parade.
Thoronet Abbey
- Location: 83340 Le Thoronet, France
Let yourself be tempted and live a medieval experience at the Abbaye du Thoronet. It is the most spectacularly maintained of the Cistercian abbeys in Provence and was built around 1160 and 1230. The monastery is now classified as a national monument for its austere but exact architecture and its excellent acoustics. It provides intriguing takeaways regarding life under the Cistercian Order of Saint Bernard. The museum is open to tourists with a ticket price of US$8.60. It is definitely an experience not to be missed.
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