St Tropez is all about the beach but the town has great history and there are so many places and things to see and explore. It's a great shopping town too, with lots of unique little boutique shops selling everything from top designers to quirky beach stuff.
For such a small, seemingly inconsequential, fishing port, Saint Tropez has had a big history featuring during the Napoleonic era as well as the second world war. In the tradition of most of Frances towns and villages Saint Tropez also has its own bustling markets and busy street life.
Perhaps more well known for it's fabulous residents, famous summer visitors and the pursuit of a hedonistic lifestyle, Saint Tropez is also a cultural haven for artists, the sailing community, gourmets, walkers and hikers and people from all walks of life and their varied interests.
Historical St Tropez
Saint Tropez's earlist history suggests that it was the Phoencians who originally established this tiny town along its multiple trading routes in the Mediterranean Sea. It is also thought to be a town built in honour of the martyred Saint Torpes executed by the Emperor Nero for his faith in Christianity.
Whichever is true what remains standing, as testament to Saint Tropez's history, are monuments that would suggest a greater military and strategic role. There are many historical discoveries to be made amongst the winding twisty streets and the beautiful port area of Saint Tropez. Look out for Porte de la Poissonnerie, La Tour Guillaume, the 18th Century Eglise Paroissiale and the Annonciade Chapel.
The Citadelle, St Tropez
The Citadelle and it's museum, stands high on a hill above the pretty St Tropez town. It is a monument to the historical significance of this tiny town and today houses the Naval Museum and provides a magnificent view point over the peninsula. Even if you are not interested in Naval history it is still worth the climb up the hill for the beautiful view and the sense of history that this edifice projects.
The original Citadel was begun in 1589 in response to the increasing threat from Spain initiated by the religious conflict between France and Spain at the time. At this point the Citadel represented not much more than trenches and an earthen bank but it was a beginning nevertheless.
The actual structure came a few years later at the instigation of the renegade Governor of Provence, d'Epernon. Much to the consternation of the Tropeziens as it was built on the site of a mill used for local harvests.
This initial incarnation of the Citadel wasn't to last for too long however as a siege between the rival faction, those loyal to the King and those loyal to d'Epernon, saw the Citadelle razed to the ground in 1596.
Still in use
Strategic port
Calm waters
Still nights
After a brief period of peace the Spanish remained a threat to the area and a new Citadelle was ordered to be constructed. It was built quickly and by 1608 stood proud over the port of Saint Tropez. Through the centuries it has been added to but original structure still remains to this day.
Final additions came about in the 1820's to boost protection from a land attack, a new entrance was built and proper store rooms for gun powder added, but since then it has remained unchanged. In WWI it was used to house civilian prisoners, in WWII it was held by the Germans before suffering an allied attack and today houses the Naval Museum.
Museums and Galleries in Saint Tropez.
The French Riviera is famous for its artists. Many of the greatest names in the history of art have been attracted to the beautiful light in the area, giving rise to new methods of painting and new techniques discovered in an attempt to capture and portray the artists vision of this regions landscapes and people. No doubt, like the rest of us, they were also more than happy to live in such an agreeable climate and so gathered here, inviting like minded friends to visit them, giving rise to a cultural centre for painters, sculptors and writers.
L'Annonciade, St Tropez
The museum began life as The Chapel of Notre-Dame de l'Annonciade and was built around 1568. Today it is a gallery that houses some important works of art by artists that contributed to the infamy of the Saint Tropez region.
The artist Paul Signac was the first established artist to discover this particular corner of the Riviera. Independently wealthy he sailed into town on his yacht, 'Olympia' in 1892 and was so taken with Saint Tropez that he decided to stay.
Signac was famous for his paintings made using the pointilist technique of painting. A technique that focus' on using sharp points of primary colours used to make up a softer but realistic image. It is also sometimes known as post-impressionism.
Signac invited other influential artists to his home in the South of France and so assisted in the 'discovery' of the French Riviera for many artists.
Local sculpture
Museum
Artists light
Murals
They included Matisse, Bonnard, Camoin, Derain and Marquet. You can see their work displayed at the Annonciade museum in the Port of Saint Tropez aswell as many other important artists.
Saint Tropez remains an inspiration to a new generation of artists and you can find their work at many small 'Ateliers' or galleries from which they work, display and sell their artwork.
Markets in Saint Tropez.
One of the joys of a holiday in the South of France is browsing the local markets and Saint Tropez is no different. The clientèle of the markets may have changed but the markets themselves often have stayed faithful to their trade for generations. It's a local custom that hopefully will never change as it constitutes the very fabric of French village life and is a joy for the rest of us to rediscover.
Places Des Lices
The Places des Lices in the centre of St Tropez is a long leafy square that is set back from the hub of the port area deeper into the town. The huge mature Plane trees offer a welcome canopy from the mid day summer sun and cast an ethereal light over this beautiful Square.
It is quite easy to see what it means when you hear about artists being 'inspired by the incredible light' of this region when you step into the Place des Lices. It is framed by restaurants and shops but they do not encroach onto the square too much.
Explore the Provencal market here on Tuesdays and Saturdays where you will find local produce and arts and crafts. If you are feeling brave you may even challenge the locals to a game of Petanque or boules although on your own head be it. A safer option is to simply sit and watch from one of the park benches scattered around this gorgeous town square.
Streets
Skyline
Views
Sunlight
Place aux Herbes. Situated behind Le Senequier, the famous bar in the port area of Saint Tropez, the Place aux Herbes is the place to go to buy fruit, vegetables, flowers and fish, fresh from the local fishermen in the port.
It too is a lovely square, tucked away in Saint Tropez' ancient winding streets, reached by walking through an archway that features decorative mosaic tiling.Shop here for fresh produce every morning.
Renting holiday Accommodation in St Tropez
As you can see there are plenty of places to visit in St Tropez during your vacation, these are just some of the options. If you are ready to book a holiday rental in St Tropez then please use the search facility below or click on 'Browse Rentals' in the main menu to find your perfect holiday apartment or villa, luxury or inexpensive, to rent now.
This 2 bedroom villa in the picture postcard town of Ramatuelle is the ideal retreat for your holiday. Surrounded by vineyards and woods you will feel in the heart of French countryside but still be close to the famous St Tropez beaches.
A wonderful sweet 2 bed townhouse in the centre of St Tropez that sleeps 6. If you are looking for the ultimate convenient location for your summer under the St Tropez sunshine without a car, this is it.
Superb original French home on the waterfront only moments from St. Tropez town centre. It's a 6 bedroom home that sleeps 12 with a pool and direct access to the sea. The villa is a short walk from the nearest sandy beach and 10 mins from Pampelonne.
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Bedrooms: 5
