There are places that seem to exist outside of time — where mornings move slowly, afternoons stretch into golden hours, and the simplest moments become memories.
Saint-Tropez has always carried that kind of magic. A place where Provençal charm meets the effortless glamour of the Côte d’Azur, where days are spent wandering sun-drenched streets, lingering over long lunches, and embracing the art of slowing down.
During our summer escape to the South of France, we spent a few unforgettable days discovering the beauty of Saint-Tropez — from its iconic seaside charm to the quieter moments found just beyond the bustle of town.
We flew into Nice and rented a car for the drive to Saint-Tropez, which took us along the beautiful coastline and into the slower rhythm of the Riviera. Having a car was especially helpful for exploring beyond the village — from beaches and beach clubs to nearby Provençal towns and hidden corners of the peninsula.
For our time in Saint-Tropez, we had the pleasure of staying at Hôtel Villa Marie, a peaceful retreat tucked away among umbrella pines and Mediterranean gardens overlooking the Bay of Pampelonne.
Having previously stayed at Villa Marie’s sister property, Bastide de Marie in Provence, we had long hoped to discover its sister retreat along the Riviera — and our three nights here were everything we imagined. Each property has its own distinct sense of place, yet both share that same feeling of understated elegance, warmth, and the art of slow living that makes the South of France so special.
Away from the energy of town, Villa Marie feels like its own little world — a place designed for slow mornings, long lunches, and afternoons spent by the pool. Yet, just 20 minutes away, you can find yourself wandering the harbour, exploring boutiques, and soaking in the lively charm of Saint-Tropez before returning to the peacefulness of this hidden retreat.
What we loved most was the intimate, Provençal character of the property. Unlike larger Riviera resorts, Villa Marie feels quaint and welcoming — a place filled with thoughtful details that make it feel like home. The interiors were a dream, blending Provençal charm with coastal influences, natural textures, timeless furnishings, and beautiful pops of Saint-Tropez-inspired orange. Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and the scent of pine trees in the warm summer air, every corner captured the effortless elegance of the South of France.
Saint-Tropez is a place best enjoyed slowly. While it’s known for its glamour and iconic beach clubs, some of my favourite moments were found in the quieter details — wandering through the old town in the morning, stopping for a coffee, browsing little boutiques, and letting the day unfold without too much of a schedule.
Getting lost in La Ponche, the oldest neighbourhood of Saint-Tropez, is one of the best ways to experience the charm of the village. The cobblestone streets, colourful facades, tiny boutiques, and flower-filled corners make every turn feel like a postcard.
A visit to the Place des Lices Market is a must while in Saint-Tropez. Held twice weekly, Tuesdays and Saturdays the market is filled with flowers, fresh produce, antiques, linens, and tons of clothing — offering a glimpse into everyday Provençal life.
For those who love a good antique hunt, Le Jas des Robert is one I had saved for a future visit. Located just outside Saint-Tropez in Cogolin, this Sunday brocante is a treasure trove of antiques, vintage finds, furniture, decorative objects, and curiosities.Set in a more rustic Provençal setting away from the bustle of Saint-Tropez, it feels like the kind of place where you could spend a slow morning wandering through stalls, searching for a one-of-a-kind piece to bring home.
Beyond the glamour of Saint-Tropez, the village is filled with beautiful little boutiques and shops tucked along its charming streets.
A few places worth wandering into:
Maison Mer-A beautiful stop for coastal-inspired pieces and seaside treasures, Maison Mer has that relaxed Saint-Tropez feeling — a mix of beach and Mediterranean charm home pieces.
Galeries Tropezienne– A fun place to browse for fashion, accessories, and little finds while wandering through the village.
Fragonard-A classic French perfumery and one of my favourite stops while visiting Provence. Fragonard is known for its beautiful fragrances, soaps, and Provençal-inspired gifts — I picked up a few pieces of apparel.
Same– An American brand I already love with its first boutique in Saint-Tropez. Effortless, feminine, and made for summer days apparel.
Rondini and K. Jacques– No shopping guide to Saint-Tropez would be complete without mentioning its iconic handmade sandals. Both Rondini and K. Jacques have been part of the fabric of the village for generations, creating beautifully crafted leather sandals that capture the effortless style of the Riviera.
Club 55– Even if you don’t spend the day at Club 55, the boutique is worth a little stop. The iconic beach club has a beautiful selection of resort pieces, beach essentials, and Saint-Tropez-inspired finds — I picked up a really beautiful hat.
One of my favourite moments was simply walking along the harbour as the light softened in the evening. Watching the boats return, admiring the colourful buildings, and soaking in the atmosphere is such a quintessential Saint-Tropez experience.
One of the best parts of travelling through the South of France is the rhythm of the meals — slow breakfasts, long lunches, and dinners that stretch well into the evening.
Each morning began with breakfast at Villa Marie, surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and the peaceful beauty of the property. It was the perfect slow start before heading out to explore Saint-Tropez.
It felt like the perfect extension of the Villa Marie experience, we had lunch the first day we arrived by the pool, it was relaxed and easy.
Homer is worth the stop. With just a handful of tables, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite before continuing your afternoon of wandering. We ordered the lobster roll (what they’re known for) and the tuna avocado sandwich — both served on buttery brioche bread and absolutely delicious.
No trip to Saint-Tropez feels quite complete without a day at a beach club. It’s very much a part of the culture here — arriving in the late morning, spending a few hours by the sea before settling in for a long lunch that effortlessly turns into an afternoon.
I did quite a bit of research before our trip, narrowing my list down to Lou Lou, Gigi, and La Réserve — all of which were also recommended by our hotel. Since Villa Marie has such a beautiful pool, we decided one beach club day would be perfect for our three-night stay.
If you’re visiting Saint-Tropez for the first time, it’s worth knowing that beach clubs here tend to be significantly more expensive than elsewhere along the Côte d’Azur. For comparison, we’ve spent €20–30 for a lounger in Nice and roughly €50 in Cannes, whereas Saint-Tropez starts at around €80 and up for a beach chair, towel, and water. It’s certainly a splurge, but one that’s very much part of the Saint-Tropez “tourist” experience, the locals tend to hit the more wild beaches without any chairs or service.
Most beach clubs offer two lunch seatings — typically 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. — with the later seating often becoming a little more lively as the music turns up and the afternoon unfolds. While we didn’t experience anything particularly rowdy, there was definitely an energy to it that made the afternoon feel celebratory and fun.
What I loved most about Lou Lou was how relaxed and welcoming it felt. The service at the beach was lovely, nothing felt intimidating or overly precious, and we never felt rushed throughout the day. Lunch was equally delicious — we shared the vongole for two while lingering over the rustic seaside setting.
We arrived in the morning and didn’t leave until nearly 5 p.m., which feels like the perfect way to experience Saint-Tropez: nowhere to rush off to, just an afternoon spent soaking up the Riviera sunshine.
Our first evening in Saint-Tropez was spent dining at Villa Marie, the perfect introduction to the property and the relaxed elegance of Riviera living.
Set among the gardens, the restaurant captures that effortless “dolce vita” feeling — a beautiful setting where dinner stretches into the evening and every detail feels thoughtfully considered. The menu celebrates Mediterranean flavours, with beautifully prepared seafood carpaccios, fresh seasonal ingredients, and Provençal classics like calamari.
We made our way to La Muna at La Réserve Ramatuelle one evening, hoping to catch one of those dreamy Riviera sunsets from the rooftop. While the weather had other plans, bringing cool temperatures and overcast skies, it somehow made the evening feel all the more intimate.
The food was wonderful, the service was lovely, and despite missing golden hour, there was still something undeniably romantic about the setting. The menu draws inspiration from Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, offering beautifully prepared sushi, fresh seafood, and vibrant dishes designed for sharing.
For our final dinner, we wanted something quintessentially Saint-Tropez, and Chez Camille was just that. Nestled along a small cove on the water, it’s the kind of place that feels timeless — understated, effortlessly charming, and filled with locals and French families who have been returning for years.
Known for its bouillabaisse, dining here feels like a true Riviera experience. We began with the mussels au gratin before ordering the restaurant’s signature bouillabaisse, a dish that is as much a ritual as it is a meal. Served traditionally and meant to be enjoyed slowly, it’s one of those experiences that feels synonymous with the South of France.
What I loved most about Chez Camille was its unpretentiousness. Despite its reputation, there’s nothing overly polished or performative about it. The staff were warm and welcoming, and while visitors certainly make their way here, it still feels wonderfully local.
We stopped in at Bar 1904 for an afternoon drink, a more intimate space that feels slightly removed from the main areas of the hotel. While it doesn’t offer the sweeping views you might imagine from such a spectacular Riviera property, the separation creates a sense of privacy and calm for hotel guests. I ordered the Perle de Fuego, a beautifully balanced cocktail made with mezcal, kumquat liqueur, pineapple, kalamansi, and verbena —it was delish.
Even if you don’t sit down for a full meal, stopping by Sénéquier is a Saint-Tropez ritual. Sitting along the harbour with its iconic red chairs and waterfront views, it has been part of the fabric of Saint-Tropez for generations.
There are always more places to discover in Saint-Tropez. A few that came highly recommended during my research:
Les Moulins de Ramatuelle — A charming Provençal restaurant surrounded by gardens and olive trees, perfect for a long summer evening.
La Petite Plage — A beautiful waterfront restaurant in the heart of Saint-Tropez, known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu and seaside setting.
No trip to France feels complete without a little pastry wandering, and Saint-Tropez is no exception. Between iconic Riviera treats and beautifully crafted pâtisseries, there are plenty of reasons to make room for something sweet.
A Saint-Tropez classic, the Tarte Tropézienne is a must-try while visiting the village. This iconic dessert is made with a soft brioche base filled with a light, creamy filling — the perfect balance of delicate sweetness and buttery richness.
Located in the heart of Saint-Tropez village as well as along the route de plage, this was a lovely stop for road snacks on the way to Provence. I especially love the breakfast pastries, breads and of course we tried the Tarte Tropèzienne here too.
Of course, I had to make a stop at Cédric Grolet. Knowing his creations are limited and popular, we used the click-and-collect option ahead of time to make sure we could try a few favourites.
We picked up the famous Tropézienne which was my favourite of the trip, along with the Vanilla Flower — one of his signature floral creations. The attention to detail and artistry behind each pastry is truly beautiful, making it as much an experience as it is a dessert.
A beautiful stop for coffee or an afternoon treat, Dior des Lices combines the elegance of the Dior maison with the relaxed charm of a Provençal garden setting. Perfect for a slower moment between exploring the village.
We stopped by Barbarac for a scoop after one of our dinners for their artisanal gelato. I had the salted caramel, and it was the perfect little treat while wandering the harbour.
Beyond the pastries and gelato, I also had a few coffee and wellness spots saved for a future visit:
We truly loved our time in Saint-Tropez. There is something so special about the way this place balances so many different sides of itself — the glamour and the beach clubs, but also the quiet streets, the wild coastline, and the slower rhythm of everyday life.
What I loved most was that Saint-Tropez feels both relaxed and romantic. The beauty is there if you want to seek it out, but it never feels like you have to be part of the scene. There is a more bohemian, effortless side to it that I found so charming — from wandering the village streets to enjoying long meals by the sea.
If we return, I would love to explore more of the surrounding areas, including the villages of Grimaud and Gassin, as well as some of the more untouched beaches like Plage des Salins and L’Escalet, with their wild landscapes and hidden coves.
For now, I’m leaving Saint-Tropez with so many beautiful memories — and already dreaming of the next time we can return to the Riviera.
Nadia Colella creates bespoke cakes, pastry art, and hand-painted commissions. Each piece is a small work of art, thoughtfully crafted to bring beauty and meaning into your life — whether for a special event, a bespoke piece, or a brand collaboration. Please share a little about your vision or project below. All custom investments start at $2,000.
