A Couple's Guide to St Tropez

St Tropez is full of amazingly chic hotels. The Byblos is an institution, as is the Château de la Messardière. Both are on the larger side, with fantastic restaurants, great bars attached, swimming pools and 5-star service. If you fancy something a little more intimate, check into Hotel Ponche in the heart of the old fishing district. It has 22 rooms, is family-run, and the owners have been there since the 1950s – they have all the best stories about St Tropez.

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St Tropez has some wonderful seafood restaurants, many of which are right on the port. Sit at L’Escale, complete with sandy floors and fish tank, and watch the big yachts come in and out of town. Alternatively try Le Girelier. It’s open for lunch and dinner and has a large wine cellar. If you fancy something a little more low-key, on the beach, there’s great seafood at Le Migon at the water’s edge, looking up at the Cap Camarat lighthouse.

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There are three beaches in town, which are small and cosy, but they can get busy in summer. Head to La Glaye, in the old fishing district, or Bouillabaisse Beach. The larger beaches are out of town. Pampelonne Beach is the most famous (it’s where all the stars hang out), which is actually comprised of lots of beaches with different names. Head to Tahiti Beach in the north, where clothing is “optional”, and sit at the Tahiti Beach restaurant, which is the oldest beach club in town. Or hire a lounger at the Bagatelle Beach Club, which has more of a party vibe, with great food. Club 55 is the most famous of all the beach clubs – it’s super swanky and very chic, with great service. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, take a picnic, grab a towel and watch the world go by, together.

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Chez Madeleine is a perfect place to have an “apéritif” (the drink before dinner). If you just want something light to eat, you can grab a plate of “charcuterie” too (cured meats). Or have some oysters and champagne. If you want to watch the sunset facing the old port, and the yachts, head to Sénéquier or Bar du Port, both of which serve food.

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St Tropez has a couple of lovely museums in beautiful buildings or with amazing views. Head to the Musée de l’Annonciade to see artwork from 1890 to 1950 or walk up to the Citadel, on the hill overlooking the town. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century and there is now a Museum of Maritime History in the dungeons, celebrating local seafaring life.

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There are lots of walks you can take around the coastal path. Either start at the Cap Camarat lighthouse and walk down to the beach or beyond, or there’s a longer walk to take around the headland at Pointe de la Rabiou. Check out the route here. Take a picnic or else finish up at the beachside restaurant, Les Salins, for some fresh fish and a glass of wine.

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