Saint-Tropez / France

In the south of France, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, lies the enchanting Saint-Tropez. This picturesque town, situated between Marseille and Nice, is the jewel of the famous French Riviera and home to approximately 4,000 residents. In the 1950s, Saint-Tropez became a sought-after destination for filmmakers, who shot unforgettable films here, including the iconic The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez (if you haven't seen this famous series with Louis de Funès, it's as if you haven't lived). When visiting this fascinating place, you should definitely not miss the museum in the former gendarmerie station, where you will find many artifacts from legendary films. Additionally, you can participate in interactive workshops and experience the atmosphere of film classics like Mystery in Saint-Tropez firsthand. This experience, full of the charm of French cinema, is the perfect complement to any holiday in magical Saint-Tropez.

What to taste in Saint-Tropez?

Already in the mid-1950s, Polish pastry chef Alexandre Micka invented the sweet tart tarte tropézienne, a traditional Saint-Tropez delicacy made famous by Brigitte Bardot and still available to taste today. Other popular dishes include:

• Bouillabaisse – a traditional fish soup or rather fish stew made from fresh sea fish and seafood, seasoned with herbs, garlic, tomatoes, and saffron,
• Ratatouille — a dish that best captures Mediterranean vegetables and cuisine,
• Fresh seafood — grilled fish, mussels, oysters, etc.,
• Pissaladière – onion tart,
• Salade niçoise – salad with tuna, eggs, tomatoes, and olives,
• Local wine – especially rosé varieties, which pair excellently with light Mediterranean cuisine.

Why will you love Saint-Tropez?

From the picturesque waterfront promenade, lined with colorful houses and cozy cafes, you can enjoy wonderful views of the sea, where fishing boats and luxury yachts sway. If you crave true French atmosphere, don't hesitate to venture into the narrow streets of the old town, which are full of charming shops, elegant restaurants, and great places to sample local specialties. And don't forget to visit Place des Lices, where you can enjoy the traditional French game of pétanque in the company of locals.

Saint-Tropez is also known for its beautiful beaches, stretching along a 5-kilometer coastline south of the town. The beaches are ideal not only for swimming and relaxation but especially for water sports, such as windsurfing, canoeing, water skiing, or diving. Closest to the port are Plage de la Boullabaisse or Plage des Graniers with both sandy and pebbly parts, and a bit further south, the iconic sandy Plage de Pampelonne or Plage de l´Escalet, sheltered by beautiful cliffs.

Practical tips:

• Official language: French, but English is also spoken in tourist areas.
• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Opening hours: In Saint-Tropez, they may vary depending on the type of place and season. Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from about 10:00 to 13:00 and then from about 15:00 to 20:00. Supermarkets may have longer hours. Sundays vary — some shops are open only in the morning, others not at all.
• Public transport: It is mainly provided by buses, which often operate seasonally or as shuttle services. During the high season, ferries also run from nearby towns. It's best to combine these options with walking, as the center is small and easily accessible on foot. Cruise ships do not dock directly in the port – visitors are transported to the shore by smaller boats (tenders).
• Weather: Saint-Tropez has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters (averaging 10 °C) and hot sunny summers (often over 30 °C). The main tourist season is from May to October.

The most interesting from the history of Saint-Tropez:

Saint-Tropez owes its name to the half-legendary, half-real martyr Saint Torpes of Pisa, whose body supposedly landed here on a boat after he was beheaded during Nero's reign. The town was founded under the name Athenopolis as early as the 6th century BC by the Phoenicians, was controlled by the Romans at the turn of the era, and in the 9th century was a frequent target of pirates. In the 15th century, Saint-Tropez was fortified by the Genoese, but until the early 20th century, it was just a small fishing village. In the 1920s, the town was visited by many famous personalities like Coco Chanel or Elsa Schiaparelli, and in the 1950s, it was made famous far beyond its borders by a series of films including And God Created Woman with Brigitte Bardot. After the war, Saint-Tropez became famous – especially thanks to artists, particularly abroad. Tourism remains its main economic activity to this day.

Useful information

• How to choose the right cruise?
• How to choose a cruise line?