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?