St. Tropez, has been, since the 60’s, one of the most popular beach resorts in southern France. It rests on the French Riviera and has been the sunny playground of many a well-known celebrity, from Picasso to Brigitte Bardot in the past, to today’s well-known celebrities. There are many reasons that celebrities and hordes of other visitors are drawn to St. Tropez. Not only does it offer the fabulous white sand beaches of the French Riviera and yacht-filled marinas, but there are also the many cafes and shops that line the cobblestone streets of the historic town. In fact, St. Tropez is known as THE beach destination for the rich and famous.
St. Tropez offers two entirely different travel seasons. The summer months are considered to be “in-season.” This is when madness descends upon the town and hotel rooms, tables at restaurants, and parking spaces are at a steep premium. It’s also a time of excitement and the vibe of the town and the beach is not to be missed.
October through May is considered to be “off-season,” but what an off-season it is! Spring and autumn are warm in southern France and the winter is quite mild. There’s even a skating rink in the main town square that’s surrounded by sparkling fairy lights in winter.
There are at least forty beaches in St. Tropez. Some may become very busy in season and others are more remote. The huge three mile long Pampelonne beach is among the most popular beaches. Others include the Bonne Terrase, Bouillabaisse Beach, Tahiti Beach, and more. Besides the beaches, there are plenty of other things to do. Visitors can explore the coast, walk the coastal footpaths, parasail, scuba, visit local vineyards, visit the Old Port (Vieux Port), or visit to one of several museums. The Maritime Museum is informative about St. Tropez’s historic past. La Maison des Papillons is all about butterflies. The Citadel and Three Towers are examples of St. Tropez’s ancient fortifications. The Place aux Herbes is the busiest of St. Tropez’s squares and is a busy market where all sorts of fresh food and produce can be bought. Place des Lices is the center of the shopping scene.
When planning a trip to the beach, keep in mind that renting a lounge chair, cushion, and umbrella can be costly – about 35 Euro for all of it, although each piece is rented separately. There are free beaches but many people prefer to rent the lounge chairs at one of the many clubs that line the beaches as space can be at a premium during busy seasons. Should you venture to Nice to visit the beach, be prepared to pay about 20 Euro per day for a lounge chair and an umbrella. The museums of St. Tropez also charge a price of admission.
When in St. Tropez, stay at the Hotel Byblos Saint-Tropez and mingle with beautiful people from all walks of life. Just minutes away from the port with its world-famous beaches, fishing boats, and yachts, the Hotel Byblos was built in 1967 and is Mediterranean in style. It’s been upgraded many times since 1967 and has combined the tradition of Provencal arts with the amenities of a luxury hotel. The clientele of the Byblos is prestigious and is composed of those looking for a unique, sophisticated holiday.
The Byblos is composed of 47 rooms and 47 suites, all beautifully decorated. Amenities include Wifi Internet access, three exciting restaurants, a spa, an outdoor heated pool, a fitness center, meeting facilities, complimentary shuttles to beaches, and nearby tennis and golf.
