
Le Challenge Interclubs Regatta, Golfe de Saint-Tropez
For four weekends throughout the year, four sailing clubs based on the Bay of Saint-Tropez compete at the Challenge Interclubs.
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© seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com
© seesainttropez.com
© seeprovence.com
The little Venice of the Saint Tropez peninsula created in the 1960s
Port-Grimaud is a purpose built Venetian-style Provençal village that looks as if it has been there for centuries. In the sixties Alsatian-born architect François Spoerry bought a large piece of swamp by the coast and over four years created one of the most successful property developments in France.
In Port-Grimaud, no two houses are alike. The colours of the stucco vary from cream to ochre, from white to mauve. In front of each home is a private dock, for those who like to keep their yacht within arm's reach.
Spoerry found inspiration for Port-Grimaud in the fishermen's quarter of La Ponche in Saint-Tropez, where pastel-coloured houses line the cobble-stoned streets.
Port-Grimaud isn't just successful with home buyers, but also with tourists who come in droves to wander about the quays and streets, cross the bridges, and take a refreshment at one of the many bars and cafés. Market days are especially popular and are highly recommended.
If you want to avoid those crowds and take in this unique village at your leisure, come in spring or fall. But then the village shows a gloomy side: most of the homes are secondary residences, with the shutters closed during the absence of the owners.
For four weekends throughout the year, four sailing clubs based on the Bay of Saint-Tropez compete at the Challenge Interclubs.
The Brocante (or flea market) Le Jas des Robert has become a must-see place for the bargain hunters of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Envied by many towns, La Grande Braderie de Saint Tropez is, under any circumstances, an event not to be missed.
Between 40 to 60 yachts participate, which despite the at times variable weather conditions, is always a success.
Spoerry was a sailor, but above all an architect with keen insight. The swamp bordering the Mediterranean sea created a lot of nuisance during heavy rains. It would quickly flood and waters spread to nearby Cogolin. Grimaud itself was, as a village, less susceptible, since it lies perched on top of a hill. Its countryside in the lower plains however was equally affected by the floods.
So, when Spoerry approached those in power with his plan to create a Venice-like village with canals, bridges, and quays, with an infrastructure that would combat the flooding of the lands, he received easy permission. First, he designed half of the village, about 1,000 houses and so the story goes he quickly sold most of them while still in the planning process (mainly to Swiss buyers). With those proceeds he continued with the planning for the second part of Port-Grimaud.
The Romanesque church (with Vassarely's stained windows) is a must. Spoerry, who died a few years ago, rests in a tomb inside the church.
This Italian baroque-style church topped by a bell tower was built in 1784. It is one of the most recognisable sights in Saint-Tropez, with its bright ochre and earthy sienna coloured bell tower.
This wonderful botanical gardens, dating from the early 20th century, are located in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. They are a great place to spend a day outdoors, with a cafe, a bookshop and lots of exhibitions and guided tours to discover the secrets of Mediterranean floral species.
Recently renovated, this modern museum is located in the dungeon of the village's Citadel, allowing visitors to discover the true identity of Saint-Tropez as a maritime city through its last 500 years of history.
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
Huddled up against the green hills of the village of Gassin, the beautiful private garden of Marie-Thérèse L’Hardy, a botanical fanatic, is quite surprising. Hidden from the heat, this garden is a paradise to wander around.
The Butterfly Museum is located in the old town, spread across two floors, the collection houses an enormous quantity of different species. There are over 35,000 specimens, including rare types from Africa and South America.
And after your walk through the village, you can gather your bathing materials and head for the beach of Port-Grimaud, from where you have a lovely view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The end of the afternoon holds a special surprise, when the late sun spreads a golden glow over the town of Saint-Tropez at the end of the bay.
In the high season, it's quite a struggle to find a good spot. However, if you arrive early in the morning, you have a good chance of some privacy. Holiday makers, particularly those on the Côte d'Azur, like to sleep in.
La Bouillabaisse is a more low-key option to the swanky beach clubs on Pampelonne beach and is situated closer to the town of Saint Tropez.
Plage de la Ponche and its neighbour Plage de la Fontanette are two lovely beaches which you can access directly from the heart of the village.
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
This beach is situated around the coastline from Plage des Graniers, and sits close to the main road of Route des Salins, so access from St-Tropez town is fairly easy.
Pampelonne Beach is the beach most people associate with Saint-Tropez. This is where you will find the A-listers, the famous beach clubs, and the super yachts resting in the bay.
Located north of the infamous stretch known as Pampelonne beach and about 7km from the town of Saint-Tropez, Plage des Salins is a little slice of wilderness.
At the heart of the hotel, next to the pool, le "B" evolves in keeping with your whims. Breakfast in the shade of lemon trees, lunch by the pool, cocktails at sunset, dinner on the terrace, a hunger pang during the night, whatever time, day or night, le "B" will grant your slightest whim.
After their success in the United States, Brazil and St Barth, the owners of Le Bagatelle transferred the concept on the famous Pampelonne beach.
Open to all, the starred restaurant provides an opportunity to get to know La Réserve Ramatuelle in the most delicious possible manner.
Situated at the north end of the infamous Pampelonne beach you will find that beach umbrellas and mattresses are available for a quiet afternoon in the sun by the sea.
Renowned for its fine and distinguished cuisine, the talented chef creates tasty southern flavoured compositions served on the luxury terrace.
The gourmet restaurant’s secluded dining room offers a splendid view on Saint-Tropez’s bay. In total secrecy, the hosts can dream along as they admire beautiful landscapes that resemble works of art.
Set within the chic 5 star Byblos hotel is one of the most exclusive night spots in Saint Tropez.
Offering a delightful garden, the corner bar is open every evening from 20:00. A cellar of superior champagnes can be tasted by the glass.
This modern bar is situated within the famous Hotel de Paris which was once graced by stars such Coco Chanel, Jean Cocteau and Clarke Gable.
For a pleasant evening with family and friends head to the Bowling du Golf located in Grimaud.
A favourite with former president Jacques Chirac this café is the perfect place from which to people watch, and the coffee is pretty excellent too.
Perhaps the most famous of all St Tropez beach clubs is Nikki beach. Renowned for hosting the likes of Paris Hilton, it is definitely the hip and trendy place to party on Pampelonne beach. There are famous DJs and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
Even with the hordes of tourists, Port-Grimaud is very much worth a visit.
What could easily have been a kitsch village is in fact a very charming and appealing place. Take a water taxi tour that will pass by areas of the village not reachable on foot.
The market is held on Mondays and Fridays at Place Francois Spoerry, and on Thursdays and Sundays at Place du Marche.
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
Running every Saturday, this trip departs from St Tropez, taking you on a tour to discover the beautiful landscapes around the Gulf of St Tropez.
This is a great way to come and discover the beautiful village of Saint Tropez. Sit back and relax aboard the Brigantin II boat as the experienced crew takes you on a memorable one hour guided boat tour.
This loop starts at Cogolin and ends in Saint Tropez, taking in 11th century castles, villages, vineyards and beaches along the way. there are several cols to cross so try not to do this in the heat of the day!
This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
This historical circuit takes in many of Grimaud's historical buildings, many of which are tucked away and nestled within the old narrow streets of the village.
Since the 17th century the 3 watermills provided flour to the people of the region. Discover this charming valley bordered by olive trees.
Enjoy magnificent views of Grimaud and the surrounding hills on this short walk.
Discover the wild side of St Tropez with this walk around its peninsula. This path leads you through rugged coastline and across beaches of fine white sand and takes you to places that would otherwise be accessible only by boat.
La Moune is located just outside of St Tropez and allows you to enjoy a range of watersports in the bay.
Open from May through until October you are welcome to discover scuba diving with Mio Palmo Plongée.
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
Located in Saint Tropez, Marine Air Sport offers a wide range of nautical and aerial sports. The sporting activities include water-ski, wakeboard, Jet Ski, parascending and boat rentals.
Adventure Sports provides a wide range of watersport activities on the warm sunny Mediterranean Sea. Friendly English staff will welcome you in a personal, one to one tuition.
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
Villa for Rent for 10 People in Gassin with pool
Contemporary villa with swimming pool and double view of the sea and the hill, located in Les Issambres not far from the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
The Villa Serena is a property accessible to people with reduced mobility and is composed of 6 air-conditioned rooms with a panoramic view on the sea and the bay of Saint-Tropez.
Superb villa with a breathtaking sea view, ideally located in one of the quietest areas and only 500m from the most beautiful beaches of Cavalaire-Sur-Mer.
Property for seasonal rental in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez - Villa Riviera
Waterfront vacation home for rent - Villa Malou
Villa with Pool and Sea View for Rent in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Contemporary villa with swimming pool and double view of the sea and the hill, located in Les Issambres not far from the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
Villa for rent for 8 people with sea view in Sainte-Maxime
Superb villa for rent with sea view in Sainte-Maxime, in the heart of the Bay of Saint-Tropez - Villa Jane
Seasonal rental villa with swimming pool - Villa Chaza
Looking for the perfect Côte d’Azur getaway? We’ve got just what you’re looking for! Discover their exceptional, newly renovated villa, offering an unforgettable holiday experience in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
The hotel is located 600 metres from the wonderful beach of Pampelonne and 4km from St Tropez and the picturesque village of Ramatuelle.
This hotel is a beautiful Provencal manor, nestled amidst an umbrella pine forest with an overwhelming view over the sea. You will appreciate the charming and attentive welcome from the owners and their attention to detail.
Near the Place des Lices in the old town of St Tropez, a finely carved wooden door invites you to enter the Pan Deï Palais hotel, a Garden of Eden.
This hotel is perched on a hill overlooking an amazing panorama is a design hotel and spa which has recently been awarded the Palace distinction.
Enjoy a holiday in one of the most enchanting places on the French Riviera. This resort is perfect for tourists who want to experience a Provence tour or simply enjoy relaxation and comfort in a tranquil and peaceful environment.
Relax in a luxury and contemporary design hotel in a lush wooded park near the beaches of Pampelonne and the town of Saint-Tropez.
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
For more than 10 years, Millenium Transport has been the leading firm in terms of top-of-the-range transports with driver and provides a high quality of service in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of international clients who make the French Riviera so famous.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
Elegant property located in a private estate, within walking distance of the village
Set on a 2,090 m² plot in the heart of a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature, this character-filled stone property is a true haven of tranquillity.
Situated in the heart of the Baie of Saint-Tropez, this charming property boasts meticulous design and refined amenities.
Ideally nestled in the sought-after town of Cavalaire, just a few steps from the Mediterranean and the village, this villa enjoys a truly exceptional location.
A Provencal property near the centre of Saint-Tropez and the beaches.
Find out all about what is happening in Saint-Tropez and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous Riviera town.
See allLatest News & ReviewsSaint-Tropez is well-known for its annual sailing regattas, including the Rolex Cup and the Voiles de Saint-Tropez. There are also some more traditional festivals that you can attend such as the Bravades. Musical events are mainly focused on classical and jazz music and the very popular Place des Lices market takes place every week.
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