Saint-Tropez sits on the southern shore of the gulf that bears its name, at the end of a peninsula facing north. Before the yachts, it was a fishing and seafaring port, then a haven for painters who gathered around Paul Signac, who arrived in 1892. The village has retained its ochre and pink façades, narrow lanes and citadel above the rooftops.
Choosing where to stay in Saint-Tropez means deciding between village life, with everything within walking distance, and the quieter hills, with their gardens and pools. We have hand-picked these places one by one; see our hotels in Saint-Tropez page for more.
Which neighbourhood to choose in Saint-Tropez
- The port and La Ponche: the historic heart, between the quays and the former fishermen’s quarter; the best choice without a car.
- Around Place des Lices: plane trees, pétanque and a market twice a week, with a little more peace and quiet.
- The hills south of the village: around Sainte-Anne Chapel, with homes and gardens set away from the bustle.
- Towards Les Salins and Canoubiers: on the eastern side of the peninsula, with pine trees, villas and the quietest beaches in the municipality; a car or bicycle is essential.
For a weekend, the village wins out: dine by the port and walk back. For a week in summer, a house with a pool outside the centre offers more space.
In the village, a stone’s throw from the port
Here, you can forget the car: the quays, museums, restaurants and Plage de la Ponche are all within walking distance. Three hotels, each with its own take on the town centre.
Hotel la Ponche
On Rue des Remparts, in the heart of the former fishermen’s quarter, this five-star hotel has rooms facing the sea, just steps from the little beaches in the old village. The fine-dining restaurant and bar round out the offering. The neighbourhood stays lively late into summer evenings: a place to be at the heart of it all.
Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez
On Traverse de la Gendarmerie, a few minutes’ walk from the port, this five-star hotel has a décor inspired by the 1960s and 1970s. The rooftop pool and Clarins spa let you alternate strolls along the quays with quiet afternoons. Depending on the room, the view looks out over the town rather than the sea.
Airelles Pan Dei Palais
On Rue Gambetta, close to Place des Lices, this hotel’s air-conditioned suites are arranged around a heated outdoor pool. A hammam, treatments and a shuttle to a private beach make it a good option for a car-free couples’ stay: walk to the centre and take the shuttle to the beach.
In the hills and towards Les Salins
Away from the quays, there are gardens, pools and quiet nights; having a vehicle is a good idea.
villa Sant-Anna
On Chemin de Sainte-Anne, south of the village, this guesthouse has an outdoor pool, hot tub and garden. The rooms have a balcony or terrace, and some look out to sea: ask for one when booking. A good choice for those who prefer the welcome of a home to the service of a large hotel.
La Bastide de Saint Tropez
On Route des Carles, away from the bustle of the port, this five-star hotel is set around its gardens and a heated pool. The spa and two restaurants, one Mediterranean and the other Italian, make it easy to stay in for dinner. The rooms have a terrace or balcony.
Loumar
On Chemin des Salins, on the eastern side of the peninsula, this guesthouse has a country feel, with a garden, outdoor pool and private terraces. After a continental breakfast, the beaches of Les Salins and Canoubiers are close by. You’ll need a car or bicycle to reach the port and restaurants for dinner.
What to see in Saint-Tropez
Start at the port, in front of the colourful façades along the quays, then continue through the lanes of La Ponche to the Portalet Tower. Higher up, the Citadel overlooks the gulf: its keep, built between 1602 and 1608, houses the Museum of Maritime History, while its ramparts offer sweeping views over the bay.
The Annonciade Museum, housed in a 16th-century chapel, brings together works dating from 1890 to 1950, from Signac to Matisse and Bonnard; it is closed for an expansion project, so check whether it has reopened before you go. Every Tuesday and Saturday morning, year-round, the market at Place des Lices brings together producers, fishmongers and artisans beneath the plane trees.
The municipality’s beaches, from Les Graniers to Canoubiers and Les Salins, are linked by the coastal path, which continues to Pampelonne, in the neighbouring municipality of Ramatuelle.
Nearby
- Ramatuelle and Gassin: two hilltop villages amid the vineyards of the peninsula.
- Grimaud and Port Grimaud: a medieval village, followed by the waterside town designed by François Spoerry.
- Sainte-Maxime: across the gulf, about 20 minutes away by boat.
When to visit Saint-Tropez
In May, June and September, the weather is mild and the village has room to breathe. In July and August, crowds and traffic jams on the road around the gulf are part of the experience; winter is peaceful, but some hotels close.
Every year on 16, 17 and 18 May, the Bravades honour Saint Tropez, the town’s patron saint: since 1558, musketeers and sailors in costume have paraded through streets decked in red and white. In late September and early October, the Voiles de Saint-Tropez brings classic yachts and modern sailboats together; in 2027, it runs from 25 September to 3 October.
How to get there and get around
Saint-Tropez has no railway station. Regional ZOU! buses connect it to Saint-Raphaël-Valescure TGV station, via Sainte-Maxime, and to Toulon station. By sea, the Bateaux Verts cross the gulf from Sainte-Maxime year-round in about 20 minutes; other boats arrive from Saint-Raphaël or Le Lavandou, and from Nice or Cannes in peak season.
Once there, explore the village on foot. In summer, the access road gets congested: once you’ve parked in a car park at the entrance to the village, such as Nouveau Port, forget about the car. For other destinations, see our Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur page.
Saint-Tropez is part of our guide to where to stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. For comparison, also read where to stay in Sainte-Maxime, across the gulf, where to stay in Le Lavandou, farther west, and where to stay in Saint-Raphaël, near the TGV station.
Frequently asked questions
The essentials, answered.
What is the best neighbourhood to stay in Saint-Tropez?
For a first visit, the old village, between the port, La Ponche and Place des Lices, is still the best choice: restaurants, the market and small beaches are all within walking distance. For peace and quiet, a garden and a pool, opt for the hills south of the village or the countryside around Les Salins, on the eastern side of the peninsula. You’ll need a car or bicycle for evenings out.
Can you stay in Saint-Tropez without a car?
Yes, if you stay in the village. Saint-Tropez has no railway station, but regional ZOU! buses connect it to Saint-Raphaël-Valescure station, via Sainte-Maxime, and to Toulon station. The Bateaux Verts cross the gulf from Sainte-Maxime year-round in about 20 minutes. Once there, you can get everywhere on foot; only the country houses require a vehicle.
Where are the beaches in Saint-Tropez?
The village has its own small beaches, such as La Ponche, at the foot of the former fishermen’s quarter. Farther east, the coastal path leads to the quieter beaches of Les Graniers, Canoubiers and Les Salins. The famous Pampelonne Beach, often associated with Saint-Tropez, is actually in the neighbouring municipality of Ramatuelle; reach it by car, bicycle or on foot along the path.
When should you book for Saint-Tropez?
As early as possible for July and August, as well as for major events. Every year on 16, 17 and 18 May, the Bravades celebrate Saint Tropez, the town’s patron saint, with parades in costume. In late September and early October, the Voiles de Saint-Tropez brings classic yachts and modern sailboats together in the gulf; in 2027, it is scheduled for 25 September to 3 October. Outside these periods, there is more choice.
Is Saint-Tropez suitable for a couples’ or family stay?
The village is best suited to couples’ breaks: most of the places in this guide are hotels or guesthouses with a spa, pool or restaurant, designed for a peaceful stay. Families will be more comfortable in a house with a garden and pool outside the centre, near the quieter beaches of Les Salins or Canoubiers. Always check each property’s policy on children.
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