Have you chartered a yacht in Saint-Tropez? What to do with your days?

A legendary town on the French Riviera, Saint-Tropez is a must for anyone who wants to discover a superb town with a village feel, as well as some incredible scenery. You can stay in a sumptuous villa on site or opt for a more original holiday by chartering a yacht in Saint-Tropez. Once you’ve got your boat, you’ll undoubtedly need to know what to see and do in Saint-Tropez. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your stay.

Saint-Tropez, a chic tourist destination

Known and loved since the 1950s thanks to a French film star (need I mention the star in question, Brigitte Bardot?), the little fishing village has now become a must-see Mediterranean spot for the international jet-set.

The town can be reached naturally by land, but can also be an excellent anchorage for those coming by boat. Once you’ve settled in, take a stroll around the old town. This picturesque area is home to many sights, including the baroque church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption and the chapel of Sainte-Anne. The former will dazzle you with its elegant orange-red walls. Its two-tone bell tower (red and ochre) is known the world over as the town’s emblem. The Chapelle Sainte-Anne is located in the neighbouring commune of Ramatuelle. It dates back to the 16th century and every year (on 26 July) hosts a special celebration in honour of the saint, protector of seafarers. As well as the religious aspect of this event, you can also discover the creations of around a hundred local artisans who exhibit their wares during the festival.

The old fishermen’s quarter (La Ponche) in Saint-Tropez is also a must for those who like a simple but friendly atmosphere.

Do you prefer cultural venues? The town is home to a number of museums, the best known of which is the Annonciade, located on the port. Here you’ll find works by some of France’s greatest painters. There are also several galleries and artists’ studios in the town. The Musée d’Histoire Maritime is also worth a visit to find out more about the town’s past.

Saint-Tropez is also a Mecca for shoppers. The greatest designers have opened their boutiques here (Chanel, Hermès, Lanvin, Dior…). You can also push open the door of Bla Bla Bla, a shop that regularly invites new designers. The town’s main shopping area is around Place des Lices. This is also where you can discover the local market (which takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings). It’s the perfect place to buy all the local produce: succulent fruit and vegetables, handicrafts… Don’t forget to visit the Rondini family shop when you’re in Saint Trop’. Why should you? Have you never heard of Tropezian sandals? These iconic shoes are designed and manufactured here. So you can create your own custom-made sandals.

In Saint-Tropez, you can also taste the delicious and incredibly famous tarte tropézienne. Enjoy an ice cream on the harbour or sit down in one of the many restaurants on site. Sipping a cocktail on the beach or having an all-night party in one of the Tropezian nightclubs can also be part of your discovering programme.

Saint-Tropez, view from the sea

Renting a yacht to stay in Saint-Tropez also gives you the chance to discover the wonders of the surrounding area very easily.

You can spend a night in the marina and take advantage of the very exclusive setting. You can also leave the city for a few hours to discover other major sites on the French Riviera.

You can also discover the Ramatuelle nature reserve, in the heart of the Port-Cros national park. Here, you can go scuba diving in dedicated areas or head ashore to discover some superb little villages. Your yacht can also take you to the Isles of Gold off Hyères. Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant are all easily accessible by sea from Saint-Tropez. It’s an opportunity to explore unspoilt territories with top-class nature, pine forests, beaches of fine golden sand and impressive rocky massifs. You’ll also be able to spot over 140 species of bird, endangered reptiles and more than 180 species of fish, not to mention a rich flora including more than 500 species of algae. The area is also home to a rich historical heritage, with no fewer than 18 forts and military batteries, and a number of wrecks dating from antiquity to the early twentieth century to discover while diving.

Cruising along the coastline is also a rare opportunity to discover the French Riviera in a different way. The National Park has 68 regulated mooring buoys (Bagaud Nord and Sud, Anse Saint-Pierre and Anse Fausse Monnaie).

The west is not the only destination for a yacht from Saint-Tropez. Of course, you may prefer to explore eastern cities such as Saint-Raphaël, Antibes, Cannes, Pampelonne, Nice and, if you have time, Monaco. Chartering a yacht in Saint-Tropez is also a gateway to Italy (San Remo or Savona, for example). To put together a tailor-made programme, simply ask the Arthaud Yachting crew.