ST TROPEZ
One of the most famous resorts on the French Riviera
St Tropez is one of the most famous resorts on the French Riviera. Since the Fifties when Brigitte Bardot appeared in 'And God Created Woman', this small fishing village has been transformed into a haven of glamour and wealth with a worldwide reputation for attracting Hollywood A-listers and billionaires. The harbour quay with its open-air glamorous restaurants and dazzling collection of super-yachts is a people-watching heaven. That said it has still managed to retain its original village ambience with designer boutiques such as Hermes and Chanel blending in with the local shops and the village residents playing Boules in the Place des Lice, where there is a busy and very popular market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
It is in close proximity to many well-known beaches on the peninsular, the most famous being the beautiful Pampelonne beach, a 5km stretch of golden sand in Ramatuelle. There are a vast array of private and exclusive beach clubs where you can eat and drink including the renowned Club 55 where you will find the rich and famous sipping magnums of champagne & Rose and lounging away the afternoons on their sun loungers! There are several night clubs in Saint Tropez including the famous Les Caves Du Roy at the Hotel Byblos
GRIMAUD
Perched on in a hill in the Var
The village of Grimaud is a perched on a hill in the Var with historical links to the Grimaldi family. The village is dominated by its 11th-century castle (partially restored). The Gulf of Saint Tropez was known as the Gulf of Grimaud until the end of the 19th century. It is a beautiful little village to wander around and stop for a coffee or to eat in one of the lovely local brasseries/restaurants.
The seaside town of Port Grimaud lies midway between Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime. This seaside town was created by the architect Francois Spoerry in the 1960s by modifying the marshes of the river Giscle on the bay of Saint-Tropez. Built with channels in a Venetian manner, but with French "Fishermans" style houses resembling those in Saint-Tropez. This mainly traffic free town is popular with boat owners as most properties come with their own berth. It has its own little beach, some excellent restaurants including a lovely restaurant overlooking the sea at the Hotel Giraglia and weekly local markets.
LA GARDE FREINET
Medieval French mountain village
La Garde-Freinet is a medieval French mountain village, located in the Massif des Maures, 15 km northwest of Saint-Tropez. Established in the 11th century, the village has preserved its character with its field stone houses, old fashioned street names, and a village square framed with some lovely restaurants and local art galleries.
There are local weekly markets every Wednesday and Sunday. From the top of old Fort Freinet one can see the plains of Saint-Clement and the Argens valley, all the way to the Alps. Getting to La Garde Freinet is a very picturesque drive through winding roads, lined with forests of cork, oaks and chestnuts.
GASSIN
Offering panoramic views over St Tropez peninsula
Gassin is located in close proximity to St Tropez and perched high up on a rock, it is less than 4 km from the sea. There are stunning panoramic views from Gassin village over the countryside to the Gulf of St Tropez and the sea, which one can enjoy whilst eating at one of the many fine dining restaurants in the village square. This is a great place to come to escape the crowds and the heat for either lunch or dinner. The village is surrounded by beautiful vineyards which have tours and wine tasting.
RAMATUELLE
Spectacular views of the local vineyards and beyond
Ramatuelle, is a village with similarities to Gassin as it is perched up high with spectacular views of the local vineyards towards the Gulf of St Tropez and Pampelonne beach.The village has a wonderful atmosphere with some excellent restaurants, small local weekly markets, cobbled winding streets and in the summer entertainment is provided with bands playing in the square.
LA CROIX VALMER
Close to stunning beaches including Gigaro Beach
La Croix-Valmer is at the foot of the Massif des Maures hills in the Bay of Cavalaire-sur-Mer, halfway between Le Lavendou and Saint-Tropez. This is a small village with a main high street and a very good market on Sunday mornings which takes over the town. There are some lovely restaurants and bars and a great auditorium for public entertainment and bands during the summer months.
This little town is popular and closely located to some other stunning beaches such as Gigaro Beach and Cavalaire Beach. During the Second World War, the beaches of La Croix-Valmer were part of the Allied invasion of Provence during Operation Dragoon. The name of one of the local beaches, Plage du Débarquement ("Landing Beach"), bears witness to this.
CAVALAIRE SUR MER
Bustling French seaside town and beautiful harbour
Cavalaire-sur-Mer is located on the now defunct route of the old railway Saint Raphael-Toulon (sometimes called Train Pignes). It is a lovely bustling French seaside town with a beautiful harbour, a 4km long sandy beach (with private beach clubs) and some excellent shops and restaurants. There are loads of activities for adults and children, from water sports to sailing and renting of bicycles to tennis at the local tennis club.
There is a very good weekly market on Wednesdays as well as excellent fresh fish, meat and grocery shops. For night life there is a Casino and a few evening bars and nightclubs!
Cavalaire is ideal for those after a slightly more affordable and less chi-chi version of Saint Tropez but still within easy distance for the odd day or night out.
LE LAVANDOU
Stunning coastal scenery and views
Le Lavandou is located at the foot of the Maures Massif and this seaside resort and neighbouring villages have some of the finest sandy beaches on the French Riviera. It is very similar to the town of Cavalaire as a bustling town with some great restaurants, shops and lots of activities for adults and children.
The beaches of Le Lavandou have always seduced visitors and won awards for their exemplary environmental quality. There are hidden wild creeks around family friendly beaches which offer many activities and spectacular views of the Iles d’Or, notably the Poquerolles Islands which are a must-see if you visit this area.
There is a superb Provencal market which is near the sea every Wednesday in the summer and there are a number of coastal paths which you can use to access the different beaches.
ISLANDS OF THE COTE D'AZUR
