Saint-Tropez

Do you do Saint-Tropez ?

Ever since Guy de Maupassant and Paul Signac took this ultra charming fishing village and marina out of anonymity, Saint Tropez has found itself more and more in the spotlight. A series of good will ambassadors from the worlds of literature, painting and cinema, and especially “New Wave” film celebrities have made their way through the narrow, winding picturesque streets of this Provencal jewel on the Côte d’Azur. Colette, Jean Cocteau, Jean Marais,  Jean-Paul Sartre, Boris Vian, Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut are just a few of the personalities that have been attracted to Saint-Tropez over the years. Still today, the city, a favorite destination of the international jet set, remains an authentic French village as witnessed by the charming Ponche quarter or the famous Place des Lices where local inhabitants play the traditional game of “petanque”, and the stalls of the outdoor market.

Located between sea, pine groves and vineyards, Saint Tropez offers visitors an idyllic beach vacation setting which continues to make one dream.

The center : the picturesque marina

Dropping anchor in the port of Saint-Tropez is synonymous with discovering an historic orange colored fortified village bathed in natural light, dominated by the charming two toned bell tower of the Citadel which once protected the city from pirate invasions. The old center of Saint-Tropez is a curious blend of authenticity, luxury and pomp to the delight of celebrities, as well as history and culture lovers. The Place de la Gendarmerie Nationale,  immortalized by the film “Les Gendarmes de Saint-Tropez » and its renowned comic French star, Louis de Funés, remains unchanged and is now home to the new version of the mythical Hôtel de Paris Saint Tropez, made famous in the 1960s by the city’s icon, Brigitte Bardot. Elegant clubs like the nearby VIP Room welcome the great names associated with Saint-Tropez’ night life, making the city a festive and trendy destination. Leaving the port area, streets like General Allard, François Sibilli and Gambetta are home to the city’s most attractive boutiques where visiting stars do their shopping. The Place des Lices market which contains the finest regional products in addition to second hand and antique objects is also a well known meeting place. And in order not to miss any of the activity of the quarter, reserving a room at La Maison Blanche hotel, is highly recommended. This elegant contemporary palace hotel is located right on the Place des Lices.  For more exoticism, try the Pan Deï Palais. Built in 1835 by General Allard for his wife, Princess Pan Deï, the mansion which bears her name invites guests on an unforgettable journey into the heart of India. The Hôtel Biblos Saint-Tropez on the heights of the Citadel features Mediterranean culture ranging from the Orient to Provence. Nearby, on Avenue Paul Signac, the Ermitage Hotel offers guests a vintage look paying tribute to 1950’s design.

A Heaven on Earth

On leaving the center of town, we very quickly arrive at the more residential properties where nature takes over. From the Gulf of Saint-Tropez side of the city, villas and hotels flourish, facing the blue sea. For the pleasure of vacationers, the Kube Hotel Saint-Tropez with its ultra modern design possesses all the comforts one could possibly hope for including its spa and its Skybar with an uninterrupted view of the sea, as does the Villa Belrose, although in a more classic style. On the other side, at the tip of the peninsula, on the route des Salins, the eco-responsible Hotel Sezz excels in the art of well-being. Further back, in the countryside, the Hotel Benkiraï is an invitation to peace and serenity in a Mediterranean décor alongside its turquoise blue swimming pool.

Secret refuges on the hill

For a veritable retreat and a breathtaking setting between sea, pines and vineyards, hotels like the Villa Marie, and the Muse Saint-Tropez Ramatuelle overlooking Ramatuelle Bay from the top of the hill are extremely privileged sites. Here, guests can enjoy the ultimate in luxury in a charming and discreet venue without the frenetic atmosphere, flashbulbs and paparazzi of Saint-Tropez, These havens of peace are ideal for contemplation and for the sensual pleasures of Mediterranean life. What more could anyone ask of such timeless and luxurious palaces?