Saint-Tropez is much more than just a wealthy resort for the rich and famous. Even more, its artists greatly influenced the history of modern art and film. Also, WW II’s Operation Dragoon or “the other D-Day” happened here. Overall, this scenic and historic town is a haven for beaches, museums, shopping and culinary delights. I loved my time here and love sharing travel tips. So, read on to discover the gems of Saint Tropez France highlights beyond the glitz.
About Saint-Tropez
The French Riviera’s Saint-Tropez lies on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez about 42 mi (68 km west of Nice. The town was named after the Christian martyr Saint Torpes. Legend goes that he was decapitated in Pisa. Then, his body drifted in a boat to this location. The famous WW II military campaign, Operation Dragoon happened here. After the war, the area attracted artists of the French New Wave in cinema and the YeYe movement in music. Later, it became a resort for wealthy tourists and jetsetters.
In the early 20th century, Saint Tropez attracted the avant-garde for the emergence of modern art. Paul Signac discovered this area with a light-infused climate inspiring other artists, such as, Matisse and Marquet to come here. The painting styles of pointillism and fauvism started in Saint-Tropez.
The area’s beautiful beaches lie along the Baie de Pampelonne, south of Saint-Tropez. Many of the beaches offer windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking. Brigitte Bardot, the muse of Saint-Tropez, made this area more known in the film And God Created Woman. Later the film series, Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez contributed to the town’s reputation.
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Saint Tropez France Highlights
Vieux Port or Old Port
Strolling along the harbor takes you to the heart of Saint Tropez. The sun-glistening waters filled with super yachts remind you of the financial wealth afloat here. Thankfully, the spiritual wealth is a glance away with artists displaying paintings, bustling cafes and even the famous Annoniciade Art Museum. Just a couple streets over, you can enjoy a meal or drink for half the price. The quayside cafes offer fantastic views of the harbor and peoplewatching.
L’ Annonciade
Near the harbor front is the modern art museum, L ’Annonciade. Since the 19th century, St. Tropez played a major role in the history of modern art. Artists flock here for inspiration in the sunny days of Provence. The Annonciade Museum is a testament to these artists and the Pointillist, Nabi and Fauvist movements. Housed in a 16th century chapel, the museum has showcased the regional art since 1922.
Paul Signac moved here in 1892 and turned his home into an artist colony. It became the meeting place for renowned artists, such as, Henri Matisse and Albert Marquet. In 1886 Paul Signac developed Pointillism, a branch of Impressionism, painting small dots of color that form images. His contemporary, Matisse influenced the fauvism genre. Overall, eight rooms showcase collections of paintings created between 1890 and 1950. Several works by Signac are displayed, along with 6 by Henri Matisse and many more reputable artists.
Old Town or “La Ponche”
Saint Tropez France Highlights
The Old Town borders the Vieux Port harbor and lies below the citadel. This is the historic center of the fishing villages. It offers pedestrian zones with narrow cobblestone roads and alleyways. The quaint area is filled with shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The 18th century Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption stands out in the skyline with its Italian Baroque bell tower. Inside the church is the bust of Saint Tropez, the town’s patron saint.
By continuing northwest to the Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption near the harbor and passing by the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) is the Statue of Pierre-André de Suffren, one of the most important admirals of the French navy fleet in the 1700s.
Citadelle de Saint-Tropez
The 17th century La Citadelle stands above the town overlooking the sea above Pointe de Cimetiere. The hexagonal fortress houses the Musee d’Histoire Maritime (Museum of Maritime History) in the former dungeons. The bastions offer amazing views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
The path up to the citadel is a steep climb from the Old Town. I didn’t enter the citadel, because I became mesmerized by the walking trail outside. It takes you along the hilltop coastline outside the citadel walls, with spectacular views of the Old Town, cemetery and beaches below.
Watch Towers / WW II Operation Dragoon Monument
Being on the coast, Saint Tropez built 4 defense towers (3 remain). The Tour du Portalet and Tour la Viewille stand on both sides of cove La Glave. They are located near the historic fishing village La Ponche. The others include Tour de Suffren and the now lost, Tour de Jarlier.
On the square near the Old Town’s Tour du Portalet is a WW II monument with informational placards, flags and monuments for the World War II campaign, Operation Dragoon. It’s called “the other D-Day,” being overshadowed by Normandy. Considered one of the most successful amphibious events in history, it played out in the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. This is a must-see for military buffs and an interesting way to learn important WW II history.
Brigitte Bardot Statue & Square
Saint Tropez France Highlights
In the square next to the Musee de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema and iconic Hotel de Paris stands the Brigitte Bardot statue. The bronze sculpture commemorates the famous actress born in Saint-Tropez. It depicts Bardot as a Botticelli-style nude figure in a seashell.
The actress turned animal activist put Saint Tropez on the map in her movie, And God Created Woman, filmed in 1956. She popularized Tahiti Beach becoming known as a clothing-optional site. Informational displays in the square depict other celebrities and movies filmed in Saint-Tropez. For example, Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief, Catherine Deneuve in La chamade and Rachel Welch in The Biggest Bundle of Them All.
Musee de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema
Just across the street from the Brigitte Bardot statue is the Musee de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema. This unique museum displays 2 historical topics of Saint Tropez: the gendames (police department) and cinema. Housed in the former police building, it offers exhibits on Bridgette Bardot’s And God Created Woman, along with other French cult films of the 1960’s.
Beaches along the Pampelonne
Saint Tropez France Highlights
Many of the beaches lining up along the Pamelonne strip are in Ramautuelle. Tahiti or Bridget Bardot Beach put this area on the map from her 1956 movie. About 25 beach clubs operate in this area with their unique services. They don’t require memberships and anyone can visit the clubs for a meal or rent an umbrella/chair. However, the taxis from Saint-Tropez are expensive.
Plage de la Ponche and Plage de la Fontanette – These beaches are in the old town of La Ponche, where fishermen once docked their boats. Their small pebble beaches attract less crowds. The Sentier Littoral coastal hiking trail begins at the Plage de la Ponche.
Plage des Graniers – This beach is near the old town, within a short walking distance of the citadel. It offers sun beds and umbrellas for rent, along with reputable seafood restaurants.
Plage de la Bouillabaisse – This large sandy beach is just outside the town. It offers free public showers and toilets with seaside restaurants. In the summer it’s roped off with lifeguards and umbrella rentals.
“There is a certain dignity to being French.”
– Brigitte Bardot
Plage des Tahiti or “Brigitte Bardot Beach” This is famed as a nudist beach and made famous by it’s the legendary French actress. Bardot popularized Tahiti Beach as a clothing-optional destination. After years of political “clothing fights,” Tahiti Beach is clothing-optional with other nudists beaches nearby, such as, Cap d’Agde.
Plage des Salins – This quiet beach is shaded by pine trees with a pebble shoreline and pristine waters. This family-friendly beach has a pizzeria, free public showers, and toilet facilities. It provides sun beds and umbrellas for rent with a lifeguard on duty in the summer.
Sentier du Littoral Coastal Path – This scenic coastal path begins outside the old town of La Ponche along the peninsula of Saint-Tropez. It offers various terrain with the panorama through hills, beaches and seaside trails. The path leads to Plage des Salins with various monuments along the way.
Enjoy Saint-Tropez!
As aforementioned, Saint-Tropez is much more than wealthy resort for the rich and famous. The community’s history in WW II, modern art, music and film are fascinating to explore. Overall, the shopping, restaurants, scenic walking trails, beaches and historic landmarks are spectacular. If you are lucky to visit Saint-Tropez, please leave comments below on how best to enjoy your time in this jewel of the French Riviera beyond the glitz.
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