St Tropez, France Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Located on the French Riviera, St Tropez is a vibrant and luxurious coastal town that has become synonymous with glamour and extravagance. Known for its stunning beaches, upscale restaurants, and prestigious yachts, this charming destination exudes a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. With a rich history, St Tropez has evolved into a popular vacation spot for the rich and famous, as well as a haven for artists and creatives. From its picturesque streets lined with designer boutiques to its bustling harbor filled with extravagant vessels, St Tropez offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Why St Tropez, France?

  • St Tropez is located on the French Riviera and is a popular celebrity haunt.
  • The town was immortalized in the 1960s by Brigitte Bardot in the film "And God Created Woman".
  • St Tropez was once a humble fishing village before becoming a popular holiday destination.
  • The town has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars and nightclubs.
  • The famous Pampelonne Beach in St Tropez is over 6km long and renowned for its beauty.

St Tropez, France Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
54° F
41° F
February
55° F
43° F
March
57° F
45° F
April
63° F
48° F
May
68° F
54° F
June
75° F
61° F
July
81° F
66° F
August
81° F
66° F
September
77° F
61° F
October
70° F
55° F
November
61° F
48° F
December
55° F
43° F

Average Rainfall

January
3.1 inches
February
3.2 inches
March
2.9 inches
April
2.1 inches
May
2 inches
June
1.5 inches
July
0.6 inches
August
1.6 inches
September
2.6 inches
October
3.9 inches
November
4.1 inches
December
3.4 inches

Overview

Synonymous with riviera-chic, the sparkling shores of St Tropez first inspired Parisian artists with their dazzling light. Popularised by starlet Brigitte Bardot, this smouldering spot is one of the most recognisable resorts in Europe - a favourite of the international jet set, famed for its enduring sense of glamour.

Sweep down the coast from Monaco in your elegant yacht, ivory sails billowing in the wind, past historic Grimaud, pine-fringed shores of the red Estérel mountains soaring in the background. You’ll pass Belle Époque mansions and gleaming design villas - vying to spot your own sprawling property nestled in the hills. Mooring off the vast white sands of Plage de Pampelonne in scenic Ramatuelle, you’re whisked ashore to the hedonistic haunt of the well-heeled elite Le Club 55 - indulging in gourmet cuisine amid the exclusive crowd.

For something a little more low-key, stroll the cobbled streets of the romantic old town, past designer boutiques and galleries, pausing for champagne at one of the voguish bars. Come the evening retreat to the sumptuous surrounds of your villa, glowing terracotta roofs of the old town clustered below, exquisite sailboats jostling for space in the harbour. Have your chef curate a selection of the region’s finest wines, while soaking up the sensational coastline - as sun sets on this glittering Mediterranean gem.

History

Located on the French Riviera, St Tropez is a picturesque coastal town that has become synonymous with luxury, glamour, and a vibrant social scene.

The origins of St Tropez can be traced back to ancient times when it was known as Athénopolis, meaning “city of Athena,” due to its location near the temple of the Greek goddess. In the 2nd century BC, the Romans conquered the area and renamed it Heraclea Caccabaria. It was an important trading port for the Roman Empire and a hub for the production of purple dye, a highly valuable commodity at the time.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, St Tropez was invaded by various groups, including the Saracens and the Spanish. In the 15th century, the town came under the control of the Counts of Provence and became a fortified stronghold against pirate attacks. However, by the 16th century, St Tropez had fallen into decline and was virtually abandoned.

It wasn’t until the early 19th century that St Tropez started to gain attention again. The French writer Guy de Maupassant discovered the charm and beauty of the town during a visit in 1887 and wrote about it in his novel “Bel-Ami,” sparking interest among the Parisian elite. Artists, writers, and intellectuals began to flock to St Tropez, drawn to its idyllic setting and Mediterranean lifestyle.

In the 1950s, St Tropez’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous began to take hold. Brigitte Bardot’s visit to the town in 1956 to film “And God Created Woman” put St Tropez on the map as a jet-set destination. The town became a popular holiday spot for celebrities, with regular visitors including Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger, and Jack Nicholson.

Today, St Tropez remains a popular tourist destination, known for its luxurious yachts, designer boutiques, and bustling nightlife. Despite its glamorous reputation, the town has managed to maintain its old-world charm, with its narrow winding streets, pastel-colored houses, and quaint fishing port.

Transportation on St Tropez, France

Getting to St Tropez, France and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
  • Visa: Check French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
  • Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
  • Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
  • Arrival Form: Complete if required.
  • COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

  • Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
  • Children under 10 or less than 135 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
  • Adhere to speed limits: Urban areas: 50 km/h; Non-urban roads: 80-90 km/h; Dual carriageways (expressways): 110-130 km/h; Motorways (autoroutes): 130-130 km/h
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
  • Vehicles coming from the right have priority unless road signs indicate otherwise. Always be cautious at intersections.
  • Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout and give way to the right.
  • Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
  • Use headlights at all times, even during the day.
  • In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Local Transportation

France has a robust and efficient transportation system that makes it easy for travelers to get around the country. From high-speed trains to regional buses, there are plenty of options for getting from one city to another. The Paris Metro is a popular and convenient way to navigate the capital city, while rental cars are a good choice for exploring the countryside. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available in major cities. Additionally, France has an extensive network of bike lanes, making cycling a popular and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Know Before You Go...® - St Tropez, France Travel Tips

Before making their way to St Tropez, France , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in St Tropez, France even more relaxing.

Capital: Saint-Tropez
Population: 5,000 (estimated)
Size: 5.86 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 220/240
Time: zone:+1 (GMT/UTC )
Official Language: The official language spoken in St Tropez is French. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, English is widely spoken as a secondary language by locals and visitors alike. Other languages such as Italian and Spanish may also be heard.
Currency:
  • The official currency in St Tropez is the Euro (€), which is widely accepted throughout the town. It is recommended to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or in case of emergencies. ATMs can be found in strategic locations around the town, making it easy to withdraw cash in the local currency.
  • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in St Tropez, with most establishments accepting major cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, it is always advisable to inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to avoid any issues with transactions being blocked due to suspected fraud.
  • In addition to cash and cards, mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular in St Tropez.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Tipping is not mandatory in France, but it is considered a gesture of appreciation for good service.
  • In St Tropez, it is common to leave a small tip for waitstaff and taxi drivers. A general rule of thumb is to leave 5-10% of the total bill as a tip. However, some high-end establishments may already include a service charge in the bill, so it is always a good idea to check before tipping.
  • Tipping in bars and cafes is not expected, but rounding up the bill to the nearest euro is appreciated. Additionally, if you receive exceptional service, you can leave a larger tip as a way to show your appreciation.
  • Like the rest of France, St Tropez has a value-added tax (VAT) of 20% on most goods and services.
Dress Code: The dress code in St Tropez, France is stylish and fashionable, with a focus on high-end designer clothing and beach-inspired attire.
Topography: St Tropez is a coastal town in France known for its stunning beaches, picturesque harbor, and hilly landscape surrounded by vineyards and forests.
Telephone: France country code: +33 Area code: 1 (for Paris)

St Tropez, France Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in St Tropez, France villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons!

See our favorite France villas for weddings.