One of the most well-known spots along the iconic French Riviera, St. Tropez is a truly luxurious destination. A hotspot for celebrities and the elite since its earlier days, it is also popular with cruise lines and international travelers looking to get a taste of this world-famous resort area.
Clients of Isle Blue can find a wonderful villa in the region, and enjoy the very best that this “luxe” site has to offer, without any of the challenges of visiting such a popular tourist spot. Your personal villa specialist can help you choose an ideal location placing you close to the village, the waterfront, or just outside of it all. Perch on the higher cliffs or sit right along the shore, enjoy the culture and nightlife, the shopping and the oh-so-unforgettable foods and wines.
Getting to Saint Tropez
There are several ways to arrive in St. Tropez. The closest airport is Toulon Hyeres around one hour by car from the town. Some European carriers make flights available. The Nice Airport is much larger and roughly 1.5 hours by car. Upon arrival at either airport, the transfer options are limited to taxis, and even helicopter transports. Guests of Isle Blue can arrange for pickup service that takes them easily, comfortably and quickly to their villa.
Many use the waters that surround the area, taking a cruise ship or a ferry from Nice or Cannes, or many other destinations. St. Raphael’s Old Port is also a common point of departure offering the Bateaux de Raphael shuttle that heads across the bay to St. Tropez. You can then be picked up by your driver in the port.
Getting around the area is another issue, and one in which many decide to hire drivers and cars. This is because the roads are very narrow and winding, heading up into the hills and rapidly back down to the waterfront. It is best if you can allow yourself the chance to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful scenery and let someone else handle the driving.
As most experts advise, the streets in town are “two donkeys” wide, and this is one reason that walking is so popular. There are some shuttles and many bicycle hire options, and you can work with your concierge to determine the ideal transportation system for your needs. Daytrips into the countryside, days spent exploring the town on foot or cycle, and a driver for an evening on the town are all options available.
What to Do in the Cote D’Azur
For the most part, exploring the village is an absolute essential. It is full of the streets and alleys, cafes and shops, and iconic scenes (the gorgeous local fish market, the men bowling in the parks, the tree lined streets) that make for a truly idyllic European experience. There is also a wonderful waterfront that allows you to watch the boats arrive, the pedestrians enjoying the scenery or the nearby beaches, and more.
The places that savviest travelers visit include the Chapelle Ste. Anne, the Museum of L’Annonciade, the Pointe du Capon, the Vieux Porte, and the Place de Lices. If you hope to do some celebrity spotting while on a visit, the Les Caves du Roy is the iconic nightclub where most pay a visit.
Naturally, time at the St Tropez beaches is a must, but if you are looking for one of the finest, Nikki Beach is the one most would recommend. Others include Pampelonne, which is historic and a World War II landing site and Plages La Glaye, de la Fontanette and La Ponche.
Dining is another “must do” activity, but you have an overwhelming number of options in this small area. Some of the finest and most popular include Restaurant Le G, which is small and lesser known, La Pomme de Pin, Plage L’orangerie, Au Vieux Gassin and La Vague d’Or. Don’t forget to try as many versions of tarte Tropézienne as possible!
Where to Stay in St Tropez
Isle Blue features a range of elegant luxury rentals in St Tropez to choose from. Still available for a last minute summer vacation on the Cote d’Azur is the villa Topaz located in Saint Tropez. (Photo of villa Topaz shown above).
Villa Topaz-St Tropez features a private pool, outdoor bar, chic decor and a short walk to the center of St Tropez and Pampelonne beache. The 5 bedroom villa starts at $940 per night and goes up to $3800 per night in peak season.