THINGS TO DO IN ST TROPEZ

If you can drag yourself away from the pool, you’ll probably want to know about things to do in St Tropez and surrounds. Long sunny days are yours to enjoy, whether you want to meander through the Provençal countryside or sip cocktails at the beach clubs of Pampelonne Beach, or family-friendly Cogolin Plage. You can explore the old town of St Tropez and the port by boat or foot, dine at excellent restaurants or stroll through vineyards, sampling local cellar-door wines and then wander home… Our events calendar also highlights a whole host of St Tropez events to enjoy throughout the year.

Villa Tropez is well located for driving to the coast’s glorious beaches, by way of direct access to roads that run behind the main congested coastal route (from St Maxime to Pampelonne), which ensures you’ll avoid most of the traffic that St Tropez is (in)famous for. You can also take the water taxi from nearby Port Grimaud to St Tropez, to avoid the coastal traffic.

Here’s our insider’s guide to the area, complete with local tips to help you maximise your holiday time.

Things to do in St Tropez – beaches

Pampelonne

To avoid hitting the St Tropez traffic, take the first exit at the Geant supermarket roundabout, and head towards Ramatuelle. At a roundabout just before Ramatuelle, turn left where there are signs for La Croix Valmer and Beaches/Plages. There are many small roads leading off the main road onto Pampelonne Beach, depending which beach club you are heading for. All roads lead to public areas of the beach also.

Why not hire a jet ski and zip around the multi-million dollar yachts moored just off the beach. The cost is approximately 60EUR for 20 minutes (which is enough for a good workout!) at the jet ski rental next to Club Tahiti (at the north end of Pampelonne beach).

If you’re keen for a full beach day, leave before 9.45am to miss most of the tourist traffic. And if you want to take an ‘aperitif’ at the day clubs, make your way there at about 4pm.

 

Marines du Cogolin

On the Geant Roundabout, take the St Tropez exit and follow the road as if you were going to St Tropez. You will see a sign ‘Marines du Cogolin’ on the left, where you will turn left. Shortly after a petrol station you have reached your destination. There are cafes and restaurants along the beach.

 

Things to do in St Tropez – leisure activities

Horse Riding

Cogolin: 06 11 81 11 32
Grimaud: 04 94 43 24 09

Bicycle rental

Cycles Evasion: 61 Avenue Georges Clemenceau, Cogolin: 04 94 54 71 13
Prairies Bike rental: +44 1179 353796 (situated in the Prairies Caravan Park, in Port Grimaud, past the main car parking for the ‘little’ Venice’– worth having a walk around, lovely canals)

Golf

Beauvallon (golf course on road towards St Maxime): 04 94 96 16 98
Golf Course at St Maxime: 04 94 55 02 02

Tennis

Grimaud Tennis Club: 04 94 56 41 88
St. Tropez Tennis Club: 04 94 97 15 52

WaterSlide parks

The largest water park of the area – Aqualand at St. Aygulf – is approximately a 45-minute drive. It’s north of St Maxime along the coast road, just before Frejus. It has dozens of water slides, and go-karting next door.

Skiing

The ski area of Isola 2000 and neighbouring resorts are approximately a 2 1/2 drive, with good snowfall conditions for the Southern Alps.

Things to do in St Tropez – cruises

By far the most amazing way to discover the Côte d’Azur and Gulf of St Tropez is to take to the seas. Cruises can be arranged between the months of February to November. Choose between setting sail aboard the world-famous maxi yacht, Leopard III, with an exclusive charter, or taking a gentle cruise aboard the Brigantin II. One-hour guided boat trips on the Brigantin II cost around 9EUR per person (half price for children). During the cruise you’ll see the old village, the famous beaches and the spectacular millionaire’s bay. With a full commentary in English; you’ll learn about the history of Saint-Tropez as well as the houses and yachts of celebrities, and all the glitz surrounding the bay. You’ll sail close to the coast, for up-close photo opportunities.

The Brigantin II can be chartered out to groups or individuals on an hourly or day rate for anniversaries, marriages, cocktail parties or ferry services.

 

Things to do in St Tropez – restaurants

There are a plethora of fantastic restaurants in the area surrounding Villa Tropez. A particularly lovely afternoon or evening out is to walk through the cobblestone streets of one of the ancient hilltop towns of Grimaud, Gassin or Ramatuelle before eating in one of the many terraced restaurants lining the alleyways. Here are a few of our favourite restaurants in the area.

St Tropez

Restaurant/Plage de la Boullabaisse – At Restaurant de la Boullabaise you’ll find great seafood in a gorgeous beach/bay setting (ask for a table outside overlooking the bay). Fantastic for either lunch or dinner. On a private beach for kids to play on. Highchairs available. Mains 20-35EUR. On the road into St Tropez, 1km before the town on your left.
Tel: 04 94 97 54 00

Café de Paris – On the port of St Tropez, Café de Paris is a very popular bar to be seen in, with dining tables at the rear.

Plage de Gigaro

Restaurant Couleurs Jardin – This exotic decked setting on the beach offers à la carte European-fusion food. Main courses 20-30EUR. They also have a takeaway pizza cabin where you can order and eat on the beach. Open all year. At Plage de Gigaro, off the D93, between La Croix Valmer and Ramatuelle.
Tel: 04 94 79 59 12.

Gassin

La Ferme LaDouceur – La Ferme LaDouceur offers a daily set menu (there is no à la carte menu) for 45EUR for three-course menu with unlimited local wine. Lovely vineyard terrace setting, though quite touristy. On the D61 between St Tropez and Ramatuelle.
Tel: 04 94 79 24 95

La Mole

Auberge de la Mole – Offering a set menu 60EUR, with all you-can-eat pates to start and marinated fruit to finish, served in grand pots, Auberge de la Mole has bustling dining room at the rear and plastic terrace tables al fresco. You’ll find the restaurant on the right as you drive into the centre of La Mole village.
Tel: 04 94 49 57 01

La Ferme du Magnan Terrasse – Known as the one of the best restaurants in the south of France for the food and the views (nice to know that the rest of France regards our terrace valley view, which is the same as the restaurant, as one of the best!). President Sarkozy is seen here dining with his entourage, with one of this visits to celebrate his earlier election victory. On the N98, towards La Mole/Toulon. Mains 25-46EUR.
Tel: 04 94 49 57 54

Pampelonne beach: family friendly

Restaurant L’Esquinade – Situated right by the water at the very south end of Pampelonne, this relaxed beach-shack style restaurant offers tables in the sand. Friendly family-run. Great inexpensive seafood dishes. Open all year. Main courses 12-25EUR including a free digestif: a huge bottle of Marc d’Provence plonked onto your table. From Ramatuelle, take Route des Plages. After the roundabout below Ramatuelle, turn right onto Phare de Camarat and follow signs for L’Esquinade.
Tel: 04 94 56 26 31

Cogolin

Restaurant Le Pointu – Typical Provençal meals in a nautical cavern setting, close to home. You’ll find the restaurant on the road towards Grimaud at 9 rue Carnot (150 metres from the Hotel de Ville parking). Mains around 15EUR.
Tel: 04 94 40 80 63

Pizzeria Del Sol – Known as the ‘friendliest place in the area’, this is a warm inviting little local restaurant which you can find at 34 Rue Gambetta. Pizzas/pastas around 10EUR.
Tel: 04 94 54 47 39

 

Things to do in St Tropez – nightspots

Les Caves du Roy (Hotel Byblos), in a street off the bouledrome in St Tropez, is ‘the’ nightclub of St Tropez. Most of what you hear that happens in St Tropez, happens in here. Book in advance.
Tel: 04 94 56 68 00

VIP Room is another celeb-spotting spot. Book in advance.
Tel: 04 94 97 46 06

 

Things to do in St Tropez – tours

We offer several itineraries that explore the highlights of Provence’s vineyards and gourmet food production houses, which can be tailored to your needs. Suggestions include:

• Visit the famous French houses and vineyards of Bellet AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée). Having been household names for centuries, these two houses and their tastings are a must do for any enthusiast visiting the region.
• Discover the area currently sending rosé-coloured shockwaves throughout the world of wine: Correns. Tour the vineyards and villages of this region, home to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and taste wines from their Château Miraval estate: a joint venture with none other than Beaucastel’s Perrin et fils family.
• Learn how the various wines are produced followed by wine-tasting. Taste and purchase the region’s wine specialty: the dry floral rosé, ideal for quaffing in the summer sun and a fantastic compliment to the local Provençal food.
• Visit a nearby Provençal market town on market day, where delicious aromas of the fresh regional produce on offer fill the air.
• Tour the Au Bec Fin production houses where olive oil, anchoïade and tapenade are just a few of the delicacies on offer.

  For more information or to arrange a personalised tour for your group, please contact us.