Saint-Tropez★★
Saint-Tropez was a sleepy fishing village until the 1950s — then came Brigitte Bardot. The film "And God Created Woman" (1956) made the place overnight the epitome of jet set and bohemia. Today, "Saint-Trop'" is a bizarre mix of Provençal village charm and absurd luxury: fishing boats next to 50-meter yachts, boules-playing retirees next to Instagram influencers.
The Vieux Port (Old Port) is the heart of the action — the pastel-colored houses reflect in the water, an espresso at the Quai Jean Jaurès costs €5, and seeing and being seen is the program. In the mornings, real fishermen still dock here and sell their catch directly from the boat.
The Musée de l'Annonciade is a surprise: In a former chapel by the harbor hang works by Signac, Bonnard, Matisse, Braque, and Dufy — all painted in Saint-Tropez. Paul Signac discovered the place in 1892 and invited his artist friends. The collection is small but exquisite.
The Citadelle (1602) on the hill above the town houses a maritime museum and offers the best view over the bay, the rooftops of Saint-Tropez, and the Massif des Maures. The garden with peacocks is freely accessible.
Away from the hustle and bustle: the Sentier du Littoral — a coastal hiking trail that leads from Plage des Graniers to Cap Camarat. Wild coves, pine forests, turquoise water — the original Saint-Tropez.
Musée de l'Annonciade: €8. Tue–Sun 10–13 and 14–18. Citadelle: €4, daily 10–18:30 (winter until 17:30).
💡 Tipp
Saint-Tropez has no train connection! Arrive by bus from Toulon (about 2 hours, €3 with Zou! bus) or by ferry from Sainte-Maxime (15 min., €8 one way, Bateaux Verts). In summer (July/August), the access via the only road is often congested — expect 1–2 hours of traffic. Best to arrive early in the morning or by boat.
