From Sea to Shore: Exploring Saint-Tropez’s Coastal Charms

It took two films, a handful of bohemian artists, and a wave of movie stars to transform this Provençal fishing village into its current glamorous avatar. Saint-Tropez, France, is a place where art, glamour, and glorious beaches create an impossibly picturesque coastal town. Clichéd as it may sound, Saint-Tropez truly is a luxurious haven. The light is different here; it throws a golden patina over everything. It was this same light that once drew painters like Paul Signac, Henri Matisse, and Pierre Bonnard – artists who strove, brushstroke by brushstroke, to capture its spectacular beauty.

A Guide to Saint-Tropez, France

A trip to Saint-Tropez, France, should not be accompanied by a checklist. Take the time to savour its mood. Sunlit, slow-paced, and effortlessly magnetic. Step off the yacht decks and the glossy avenues and let the sea guide you inland.

• Vieux Port
  Start here, early in the morning. The harbour is in motion with the choreography of daily life. Fishermen haul in their catch, artists set up their easels, and the masts of sailboats sway against the pale sky. Order a café crème at a quaint café and soak up the magic.
• La Ponche
  Wander into the tangle of lanes behind the port. This is where Saint-Tropez began. You’ll find beautiful pastel houses with quaint, tiny doors. Pause by the water’s edge where Brigitte Bardot and Roger Vadim created movie magic.
• Praia de Pampelonne
  Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s crowded. But you cannot visit St Tropez, France, and not visit this famed beach. The turquoise-hued sea is lined by endless stretches of sand. Plan your visit during dusk, and you will be rewarded by the horizon melting into shades of rose and gold. It’s worth braving the crowds for.
• Musée de l’Annonciade
  This museum is small, but it contains multitudes. Signac, Matisse, Derain, the artists who first fell under the spell of this light. Spend some time admiring the works, and you will understand why artists came in droves to Saint-Tropez, France. Everything here seems illuminated from within. Even the shadows glow.
• Place des Lices
  In the afternoon, when the sun softens, locals gather here for pétanque (the Provençal game of Boules). There’s laughter, espresso, and the sound of metal balls clinking. Sit on a bench and close your eyes. This is the Saint-Tropez that few tourists notice. Unrushed, unbothered, and utterly unique.
  Beneath the famed glitz and glamour of this sparkling coastal town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France lies a village that still belongs to fishermen and artists. Herein lies Saint-Tropez’s secret. 

A Villa Beyond Compare in Saint-Tropez, France

While you are in Saint-Tropez, France, why not indulge in the art of elevated luxury? Located in a secluded area yet close enough to the famed hotspots of the world’s most fashionable coastal retreat, One Hôtel Privé offers you an exclusive property with refined contemporary décor, sun-filled spaces and luxurious amenities.
Villa Water's Edge stands right on the shoreline within the exclusive gated Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez estate. Shaped by clean lines and open spaces that allow the magical light to move freely within the property. The infinity pool merges seamlessly with the sea beyond, and a private path leads straight to the water. Six beautifully appointed bedrooms face the horizon. Everything feels curated just for you.
For those who seek more than luxury, experience perfection at One Hôtel Privé, your private gateway to the Côte d’Azur. Visit our website for more information.