St. Tropez: So Much More Than A Fishing Village

By Michael Berman

8/22/15

For many years, France’s St. Tropez has been a favorite getaway for

celebrities, the Jet Set, and other glitterati. While there’s no denying the

popularity of the small fishing town in the summer, when the harbor is packed

with million-dollar yachts and the bars and nightclubs are jumping with the young

and privileged, there is more to this historic, coastal spot on the Mediterranean

Sea than meets the eye. The vibrant art, luxurious shopping, and bright pastel-

colored architecture are truly sights to see, especially in the warm sunlight when,

if you’re looking, you’ll notice true character of the village: a sun-drenched, posh

paradise. As you sit outside at a small restaurant along the harbor sipping

cocktails and watching the sun glistening on the sea, you’ll know these moments

are precious. As an ode to beauty, luxury, and the endless summer, St. Tropez

shines as one of the brightest gemstones in the crown of the French Riviera.

Perhaps the best way to arrive in St. Tropez is by boat. Bateaux Vert runs

service from highway accessible St. Maxime directly to St. Tropez several times

a day. As the boat glides across the Mediterranean and the summer breeze

tickles your shoulders, you take in the sunlight reflecting off the crystal clear

water and the illuminated pastel Provencal buildings. It is truly a composition of

beauty.

Street Art

When arriving in St. Tropez, do stop to admire the artists’ work. A group of

artists gather along the water to sell their unique portraits of the St. Tropez

landscape. Some are modern and abstract, and some are more literal, but all of

the artwork is worth seeing. It is one way to capture a future memory of this

picturesque paradise.

The St. Tropez Dining Experience: Service with a Smile

Dining in St. Tropez is all about sitting outside for hours and lingering over

gorgeous morsels of the freshest, most delicious Mediterranean food and simply

irresistible mixed drinks. Restaurants in St. Tropez feature stunning water views,

mouth-watering cuisine, and al fresco dining. La Vague d’Or, a traditional French

restaurant with impeccable service and a delicious a la carte menu, is a must-try.

Café de Paris is a lovely al fresco bar/ restaurant/ café that serves deceptively

potent cocktails is also worth a visit. It’s a great spot to people watch and is

located right on the harbor for spectacular views.

Nightlife

St. Tropez is known for its uninhibited nightlife, and one is often treated to

a celebrity sighting at the nightclubs and bars. See and be seen as you mix,

mingle, and dance the night away at Les Caves du Roy, otherwise know as the

place to be in St. Tropez. Surround yourself with luxurious white décor at Nikki

Beach, another well-known, top-rated nightclub. You can experience the laid-

back lounge music as you sip intoxicating concoctions at both of these popular

spots.

Beaches and Shopping

Be sure to visit Plage de Pampelonne, the most legendary beach in St.

Tropez. Known for it’s warm water and soft sand almost as much as the crowd of

beautiful people who frequent it, Plage de Pampelonne is the hot spot in the

summer. Shopping in St. Tropez may be a sport, with Chanel occupying an entire

villa, but for the authentic feel of St. Tropez, try the outdoor markets. Place des

Lices Market is the place to find clothing, fresh food, local crafts and jewelry as

well as fresh flowers. You can also find secondhand Chanel clothes if you look

carefully.

Yes, St. Tropez is one of a kind. Do make the trip to this glamorous and

gorgeous spot on the Mediterranean. You wont regret it.

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What do you remember most from your visit to St. Tropez? What interests

you most about going? Would you go back? If so, why?