Saint Tropez - French Decandence with a Provencal Twist
The place where topless beaches were invented, Saint Tropez is probably one of the most famous yacht charter France resorts on the Cote d’Azur. Though regarded in the past as a place of decadence and immoral fun, Saint Tropez has managed to attract the well-to-do of Europe and Americas, while still being an inspiration to painters and writers thanks to its natural beauty.
General Info
Named after a Christian martyr, this quiet fishing village that used to be frequented only by painters and writers is today known for the wealthy tourists that come to sunbathe, sail and generally flaunt their excessive lifestyle. Also, the town has had quite the bad reputation among the resorts of the French Riviera due to a more liberal behavior of its guests (this is the first place where topless beaches were allowed). But today it’s regarded as a carnival town where everything goes.
Sitting on the Saint Tropez peninsula, the town lost its medieval appeal a long time ago, now being home to numerous expensive yachts moored in the marina while their owners sit at the exclusive cafes which line the promenade or where Yacht Charter aficionados come to take in the sights.
Travel & Arrival
For those who want to avoid the hassle of traffic, catching a flight to Saint Tropez is probably the best choice and this can be done by landing at the Aeroport International Saint-Tropez-La Mole, 17 km southwest of the city center. Arrival to town can be done by car or by bus via the N98, which also passes through Cogolin. However, most Yacht Charter tourists arrive from Marseille International Airport with more flights from the UK and other major European cities.
The N98 is also the route to take by car when coming in from the west. The road continues further east, down the coast, until it connects with the city of Sainte-Maxime. Traffic during the summer months is known to be chaotic, with all the Yacht Charter enthusiasts travelling up and down the cities of the French Riviera.
If traveling by train, the tourist can get off at one of the following cities and follow a link from there: St. Raphael (38 km), Des Arcs (47 km) and Toulon (70 km). From these stations you can catch a bus to Saint Tropez.
If you don’t own a boat, you might consider booking a ferry trip that can be boarded from St. Raphael, St. Maxime, Nice or Cannes. There is also the option of getting in from Toulon, especially since this town is linked with Rome.
Avant & Apres Sail
Those with their own boat or those who use a Yacht Charter will be happy to hear that the harbor is the number one spot in town to see and be seen. In fact, everybody seems to be in or around the old port (Vieux Port). The other important gathering place in town is the colorful Place aux Herbes, where you can also get your fill of fish, fruit, vegetables and flowers.
For those Yacht Charter parties who have no interest in trivial “people watching”, which is the essential summer sport in St. Tropez, there are some other interesting buildings in the old town, like the Musee de l’Annociade with paintings by Signac, Matisse, Utrillo and Bonnard and the Butterfly Museum, the former residence of photographer J.H. Lartigue.
Events & Activities
The most enjoyable activity in Saint Tropez and indeed the reason so many people flock to its shores during the summer days is sunbathing. The beaches are located in the Baie de Pampelonne or Grania, south of the city. Be warned though, many beaches here are “naturist” which is another word for nudist. It’s a known fact that nobody bares it like the French, and no more than here, at this Yacht Charter popular destination.
From the range of “land-based activities”, the Yacht Charter crew might choose tennis, squash, golf, horseback riding and hiking along the coast.
For those with a more active vacation in mind, a wide range of water sports are sure to keep you occupied and in the warm Mediterranean waters. Sailing is also one of the favorite pastimes since so many boats are moored in the harbor. There is even a local regatta held in early October which manages to attract all sorts of boats and Yacht Charter devotees.
Another popular festivity in St. Trop as it’s called by foreign tourists is the Fete de la Bravade, basically the day of the town’s patron saint, which is held every May. The festivities date back to the 15th century and are one of the last reminders to Yacht Charter tourists of the region’s Provencal heritage.