ST TROPEZ

Saint Tropez's situation, out on the tip of the peninsula, meant that the main arterial routes and train lines passed it by. On a positive note this means that it has not become massively developed or much changed through the decades.
Naturally it is somewhat developed but there are no high rise apartment blocks and no massive port developments to accommodate massive cruise liners. Hence Saint Tropez remains an exclusive jewel of a destination and a self-regulating summer haven.

The down side is that there is one road in and one road out. During the summer months everyone has got to use the same route, seemingly at the same time and traffic is difficult to say the least. Approach it with good humour and patience and you'll survive it or alternatively try not to travel at peak times. Another way out of this problem is to use a boat or two wheeled methods of transport.

The population of Saint Tropez is a tidy 5,400. During the high season numbers swell from 45 - 60,000 summer visitors. It's quite a considerable difference and is not without its problems, crowded streets, parking problems but it also all adds to a great holiday atmosphere and this tiny town copes extremely well. It is helped considerably by the fact that the miles of white sandy beaches are not actually in Saint Tropez itself, they are located on the other side of the peninsula, a car journey or a bike ride away and this helps to ease the pressure.

It encourages the crowds to spread out along the beautiful stretch of coastline that wraps the Gold de Saint Tropez all the way into the neighbouring town of Saint Maxime. This is the nearest and next biggest town to Saint Tropez with 12,000 residents and its own stretches of white sandy beaches.

In the opposite direction lies Cavalaire sur Mer, Gassin and Cogolin. However the geography of Saint Tropez, with the sea on one side, a protective hill rising above it, 5km of beaches to the south east and local vineyards stretching out on the plains behind the town, means that it really is out there, on its own, by location and by reputation.