The Magic of St Tropez
Discover what makes this iconic location a must visit for your travel list, and how St Tropez has a unique soul of its own.
St Tropez was not always the most famous resort in Europe. Farming folk sheltered within thick cool walls, raised their poultry and kneaded their loaves; fishermen returned from the deep with their nets full, and wine growers guarded their vaulted cellars. Huddled about its church, protected by its citadel and wooded hills, the village slumbered to the chant of cicadas.
But it was popular with artists long before the international jetset arrived in the 1960’s. It was attracting the artistic and dissolute long before Brigitte Bardot appeared in “God Created Woman”. Paul Signac and Georges Seurat came in the late 19th century, and by the forties and fifties it almost became an extension of the Parisian Left Bank with Picasso and Sartre, amongst others, becoming regular visitors.
The cobbled-stoned La Ponche quarter recalls its past as a fishing village, but now super yachts by far outnumber the fishing boats in the old harbour. The charming little village streets, spreading out from the port, are now filled with fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants, real estate agencies, art galleries, yacht brokers and home decoration shops.
The extraordinary light in the South of France and the Mediterranean, which lends itself to being painted in watercolour is a constant lure. There are over twenty art galleries and workshops hidden in the back streets of the village.
The region surrounding St Tropez is well suited to wine production, thanks to well drained soil and a favourable climate. The variety of landscapes mean that each terroir is subtly different. Dozens of grape varieties can be grown in this part of the world which leads to the production of many distinctive wines. Historically known for light, drinkable rosé, the area is now making some exciting red wines: some of these are excellent served chilled on the beach. Many young vignerons are moving towards organic production so you may see horses ploughing through the vineyards or a herd of grazing sheep replacing weed killers. We will be happy to introduce you to some vineyards for private tastings.
When it comes to music, St Tropez is probably better known for drawing the superstar DJs to its clubs than for its live bands and concerts, but this glamorous fishing village has a fair mix of music venues and special events. There is the Festival “Les nuits du Chateau de la Moutte ”in July and August each year : it is hard to imagine a more romantic event than attending one of these outdoor concerts in the grounds of a castle overlooking the sea. Equally romantic are the flood-lit castle above Grimaud village where “Les Grimaldines” music festival takes place, and the slopes below Ramatuelle village with “Les Nuits Classique”. We can get you tickets for any of these events.
There are over 25 beach bars in the St Tropez area, where you can contemplate the waves, drink, dine, show off or sleep on a comfortable mattress. These are “Beach Clubs” with no membership required, where celebrities, oligarchs, presidents, princes, tycoons, models and anyone else can come and relax. We will be happy to book one to suit your requirements.
Pampelonne Beach is the number one beach that has fuelled St Tropez’s reputation since 1955. Nearly 5 kms of fine white sand separate the Mediterranean Sea from the acres of scrub covered dunes. It is a site of natural beauty that offers a rural backdrop to the world’s most glamorous beach party scene. No line of high rises mars the coastline. Dunes rise gently behind the beaches, then there are acres of bush, grass and vineyards before reaching the interior. Though Pampelonne is the longest, most famous and most popular, there are many other St Tropez beaches worth seeking out. Some are within walking distance of the village, and these are detailed in the villa house books. Further afield there are some fine beaches at Gigaro and beyond La Croix Valmer.
The land in this part of the coast is protected, and the views down to the beaches and up to the Maures mountains are spectacular. The peninsular is covered in umbrella pines and beautiful vineyards and olive groves. When you drive over the hill past Ramatuelle village, and down into the green valley with the sparkling Mediterranean beyond, you can be forgiven for thinking that you have arrived in Paradise.
We look forward to helping you plan your visit to this Paradise.