St Tropez, France Guide

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.

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.