Things to do in Saint-Tropez
I ordered them as a walking route, from the harbor up to the heights, with the beaches last. Prices and hours are from official sources as of October 2026, and I flag where two sources disagree. To see where Saint-Tropez sits among the other towns, read my French Riviera guide.
A stroll along the colorful harbor front, a coffee on a terrace (the tourist office names Sénéquier) and the lanes around the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. During the Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta, fine sailing boats fill the port.
The market is on Place des Lices, in the heart of the village, with local produce, flowers, crafts and clothing. On other days the square belongs to pétanque players. A separate fish market with its own hall is mentioned by the tourist office.
Housed in a former 16th-century chapel near the harbor, it holds paintings from 1890 to 1950, mostly Pointillist, Nabi and Fauvist. The tourist office names Signac, Matisse and Derain. An extension is announced.
A 17th-century bastion overlooking the gulf, reached on foot from the village. The museum covers the port, fishing and yachting over three floors, including a modern sailboat by Philippe Starck, “Virtuelle”, on the second floor.
It covers the films shot in the village and the Gendarmes de Saint-Tropez series. It is on Place Blanqui.
An Italian Baroque church with a bell tower visible from afar, carved woodwork and a bust of Saint-Tropez. It also hosts classical music concerts.
Four towers once protected the bay. The Tour Vieille and the Tour du Portalet date from the 15th century, ruins of the Suffren tower are still visible, and the Jarlier tower is on Rue Jarlier in the historic center.
Created in 1955, it pairs cream and brioche. The traditional version is presented as the most authentic.
The bay's great sandy beach, in the neighboring commune of Ramatuelle. Public and private sections sit side by side. Access is free.
The tourist office mentions a coastal path from the Portalet tower toward the Canebiers and Salins bays, then Pampelonne. Further on, the Sentier des Douaniers follows Cap Camarat between La Croix-Valmer and Ramatuelle, with turquoise coves.
Itinerary
One day is enough for the harbor, the village and one or two museums. Pick a Tuesday or Saturday to get the market.
By interest
The harbor, the village lanes, the towers, the market, the coastal path and Pampelonne beach (free access) cost nothing. You can fill a day without buying a ticket.
Three museums: the Annonciade for painting, the Citadel for maritime history, the Gendarmerie and Cinema museum for pop culture. None of the sources I read mention a combined ticket.
The Gendarmerie and Cinema museum is open daily, which makes it the simplest option. The Annonciade and the Citadel are possible, subject to their opening days.
The tourist office mentions terraces, bars and clubs. I name no venue until I have tested it myself.
Where to base yourself
The village is compact, with the harbor at its center. These are the areas to know.
| Neighborhood | Feel | What to see |
|---|---|---|
| Harbor and quays | Colorful facades, terraces, yachts | Port, Annonciade, Brigitte Bardot statue |
| Old village | Lanes, church, towers | Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, Jarlier tower, Portalet tower |
| Place des Lices | Market, pétanque | Tuesday and Saturday market |
| Citadel | Heights, gulf view | Citadel, maritime history museum |
| Pampelonne (Ramatuelle) | Great sandy beach | Beaches, restaurants |
Pampelonne beach, in the neighboring commune of Ramatuelle, is the reference: fine sand, free access, showers, toilets, lifeguard and restaurants, dogs allowed on a leash all year. Public and private sections sit side by side. In the village, the tourist office lists the Ponche and Fontanette beaches.
Staying in Saint-Tropez lets you enjoy the harbor in the evening and the morning. I give no hotel prices until I have a dated check.
The village is walkable. To get there, the tourist office highlights the boat: Les Bateaux Verts connect Sainte-Maxime, Port Grimaud, Les Issambres and Les Marines de Cogolin, at €9 one way for an adult (€4.90 for a child) and €16 round trip (€9 for a child), all year. From Nice and Cannes, Trans Côte d'Azur runs a service in high season only. By road, you can combine the train to Toulon or Saint-Raphaël–Valescure with a ZOU! bus (lines 878 and 879 from Toulon, line 876 from Saint-Raphaël). From Cannes, the boat is the most direct option in summer, and my day trip ideas from Nice covers outings starting from Nice.
Saint-Tropez calendar
The Bravade is the village's patron saint festival, held May 16, 17 and 18 according to Côte d'Azur France: residents and bravadeurs parade in traditional dress. Several sights are closed on May 17 (the Annonciade, for one).
All eventsWhere things are
The places in this guide, from the harbor to the beaches. Hover a name to find it on the map.
Keep going
Your questions
Yes, if you like harbor towns and the sea. Saint-Tropez has a colorful port, a village of narrow lanes, a 17th-century citadel, three museums and a market twice a week. The Pampelonne beaches add a second day. Out of season, several sights close, so check dates first.
Start with the harbor and, on a Tuesday or Saturday, the Place des Lices market before 1 pm. Visit the Annonciade museum and the village lanes, then climb to the Citadel for the view over the gulf. Finish at the harbor. The Pampelonne beaches need a separate day.
One day covers the harbor, the village and one or two museums. Add a second day for the Pampelonne beaches in Ramatuelle or the coastal path. A third day only makes sense if you plan to explore the rest of the gulf.
They are different. Saint-Tropez is a village centered on a harbor, with its beaches in neighboring Ramatuelle. Nice is a larger city. I cover both in my guides. Your choice depends on whether you want a harbor village and sea, or a bigger town with more to see.
By boat with Les Bateaux Verts from Sainte-Maxime (€9 one way for an adult, €16 round trip), all year. From Nice and Cannes, Trans Côte d'Azur sails in high season only. By bus, ZOU! lines leave from Toulon (878, 879) and Saint-Raphaël–Valescure (876).
The Place des Lices market is open Tuesday and Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm, year-round. On other days the square is used by pétanque players. A separate fish market with its own hall is mentioned by the tourist office. These are the official listing's hours.
Who writes this guide
The French Riviera has been my passion for years. I explore its towns, beaches and hotels to bring you the addresses and advice I would like to receive before every trip, from Menton to Saint-Tropez.
By Enzo
