St Tropez holidays 

1. When it comes to imbibing all things glitz in St Tropez, it has to be the not-so-humble beach clubs. The daytime vibe is where you’ll best capture St Tropez’s gilded social scene. Some are better known than other – but all are tres chic. To be in with a chance of celeb spotting, then these are perhaps the beach clubs you should be angling for. Along the Pampelonne Beach is where you’ll find the mega-yacht bods at the famous Club 55. La Reserve a la Plage is where jet-setters come to swim, bronze and dine. For a chance of a full-blown glimpse of glitzy celeb party on a yacht, take a seat at harbourside Cafe Senequier and watch.
2. Shopping is the chichi-est of pastimes here after a beach club or yacht party. High-end fashion brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes line the streets but you’ll find boutiques selling anything from sandals to bohemian jewellery for that perfect St Tropez vibe.
3. The La Ponche district is arguably where the soul of St Tropez lies. Think narrow streets, sorbet-hued buildings and cute little cafes. Wander past fishermen’s houses next to butterscotch sand, pop into art galleries and get a real dose of local life with a game of petanque at Place des Lices. This is where you’ll find a genuine slice of old-world Mediterranean.
4. Dine like a superstar. As you’d expect from a town that does everything high-end, the dining comes with anything from hip shacks to Michelin-starred spots to be seen in. Thankfully, it’s not all hype. The food here has its own kind of celebrity status, often on themes of seafood and Mediterranean fare. Limiting yourself to the beachfront would be doing yourself a disservice, as would missing out on the town’s namesake cake – the tarte Tropezienne, a brioche of simple joy.
5. Little but mighty, the harbourfront Musee de l’Annonciade punches way above its weight. Its whitewashed rooms brim with Pointillist stars such as Matisse, Signac and friends, earning it a reputation as one of the Riviera’s cultural gems. It is small enough to lap up in under an hour, which leaves plenty of time to wander along the harbour, drift past pastel facades and duck into the old town’s narrow lanes. Before long you will come to Place des Lices, where the original La Tarte Tropezienne awaits. Note – this is best demolished on a sun-drenched terrace.

• Gassin is just next door to St Tropez, but it’s worlds away with its traditional cottages and flowerpot-lined cobbled streets. Come for the views of the surrounding countryside filled with vineyards – in fact, just below the village is Chateau Minuty – or if you prefer, just idle away the hours spreading out on the pavement terraces of one of the cafes and restaurants here.
• Regarded as the beach side of St Tropez, Ramatuelle is also worth visiting for its history, setting and tranquillity – imagine flower-filled lanes that spiral uphill, vaulted passages and terracotta tiled roofs. Although it’s St Tropez’s quieter neighbour, don’t expect it to be sleepy, as Ramatuelle offers a hub for local arts, food, music and culture. It’s also home to Pampelonne Beach – where you’ll find the legendary clubs Club 55, Nikki Beach and Bagatelle. Come here on Thursdays and Sundays to find a lively Provencal market that’s perfect for artisan pastries and local cheeses.
• Saint-Maxime is a 20-minute drive from St Tropez, without traffic (expect longer in summer). It’s still an ideal spot if your intention is to pop into St Tropez once or twice. What you get in return is priceless though: a classy French Riviera break without the glitz and dizzying prices. You’ll find colourful fishing boats, bakers, butchers and more, all bypassed by superyachts and ignored by paparazzi.
• If you love beach breaks, then you’re in for a treat in sun-drenched St Tropez. Pampelonne is the real showstopper with its 5km of golden sand and the chicest of clubs where Champagne flows freely with scores of 11/10 on the views and glamour vibes.
• For a gentler vibe, head for Bouillabaisse with its shallows and sunset magic with stellar views across the shimmering gulf towards nearby Port Grimaud. If you fancy slipping into something more serene, then the locals’ favourite Les Canoubiers is where the water is so clear it’s practically see-through. It’s a sheltered spot, in a bay with a relaxed neighbourhood vibe filled with natural beauty.

Between June to August is great if you like lots happening. It’s the season for glamour, parties and posing. May and September is much better if you’re aiming for fewer crowds, and the weather is still pleasant with lower prices being a bonus.

The closest major town to is Sainte-Maxime, located across the bay. You can drive, or get a boat across the bay – Les Bateaux Verts runs regular shuttle services.

The closest major city is Toulon, approximately 70 km to the west by road, while Cannes is about 90 km to the east by road.