Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.

© wikimedia
The largest and most visited of the three Iles d'Or that's a joy to visit any time of year
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the peninsula of Hyères will take you to the different world of the island of Porquerolles. Its popularity is due to the many ways it pleases its visitors.
Do you want to spend a leisurely day on a half-moon beach and swim in the blue water? Rent a bicycle and discover the fjord-like inlets on the southern shore? Walk through the pine forests and vineyards? Let yourself be pampered at the famous Mas du Langoustiers? Plan your trip and take the ferry (or a helicopter for Langoustiers).
The popularity of Porquerolles comes at a price. In the busy summer months the island is invaded by day trippers. The ferry boats from La Tour Fondue (near Hyères) sail back and forth. They operate on a first come, first served basis. There are other and longer ferry trips from Croix-Valmer or Lavandou. These you can book in advance, to be sure of a place. If you want to rent a bicycle in the busy times, it's advisable to book those in advance too. The contacts can be seen on the Porquerolles website (see below).
As with most of southern France, you would do best to visit the island in the off-season. Particularly in spring, Porquerolles presents itself at its best. The fern, rockrose and myrtle are in bloom. The scents will delight you on your bike ride or long walk.
Its climate in the off season is one of the best in France. Last May, when we visited the island, we left a rainy mainland behind and found a sun-filled Porquerolles. The sea temperature was inviting enough for a swim. The colour of the water was a bright turquoise. For a moment we thought we were in the Caribbean.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Saint-Tropez, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
The history of the island is as turbulent as that of many islands, certainly those as strategically located as Porquerolles. From Roman times until 1531 it was the domain of pirates. Then the French King stepped in and established an important garrison.
The fortress Saint Agathe is an imposing witness of those days. (It's worth while to visit the fortress, if only for the magnificent view of the island and the strait of Hyères.) During the French revolution the island was sold to private owners, the last one Monsieur François Fournier, who, on his honeymoon in Antibes in 1912, saw a notice of the island's auction. He bought it as a present for his bride. It was Fournier who planted the vines for the reputed wine of Porquerolles. In 1971 the government bought the island back and designated it as a protected place.
The other two Iles d'Or, Ile du Levant and Ile de Port-Cros, have their unique appeal. Port-Cros is a national park. It draws nature lovers and hikers who prefer a very special and quiet environment. Le Levant is famous for its nudist colony, Héliopolis. And, the French navy has an important base on the island, a peculiar combination. Only in France!
The coastline between Cape Taillat and Cape Camarat is a succession of pretty little beaches, coves and rocky inlets, with translucent waters over the polished rocks or golden sands.
Bonne Terrasse beach is a sheltered little bay which in olden times provided safe harbour for the local fishing boats. Today, the beach is surrounded by residential properties and well-known restaurants.
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.
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.
In the heart of an Andalusian garden or on the terrace opening on to the park, you can enjoy a dinner under the stars in a calm and authentic Provencal environment.
This restaurant has some seating inside, but most comfortably is on their nice patio and stone terrace.
Italian restaurant located in the wonderful village of Ramatuelle. Discover a selection of high quality Italian products in a pleasant, romantic and cosy atmosphere.
The semi-gourmet restaurant distinguishes itself as much for the taste of its delicious dishes as for its dream views over the upper reaches of Ramatuelle and the turquoise sea.
Open to all, the starred restaurant provides an opportunity to get to know La Réserve Ramatuelle in the most delicious possible manner.
This little restaurant overlooking the local vineyards, with no indoor dining facilities offers a fresh and delicious food and good wines.
For a pleasant evening with family and friends head to the Bowling du Golf located in Grimaud.
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.
Located in the heart of the Bay of Pampelonne on the beach is one of the most mythical and legendary locations in the world, made popular by an international clientèle, Stefano Forever has now become an essential St Tropez rendez-vous.
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.
Expect glitz, glamour, champagne, celebrities and one wild party at the VIP room. Located in the centre of the Saint Tropez this restaurant/club attracts some of the most famous guests in the world.
Formerly the Papagayo nightclub, this is another of the legendary nightclubs in Saint Tropez where you can expect to have a wild night and party with the stars.
The island is 7km long and 2.5km wide. A typical day visit might include an early arrival, the purchase of picnic ingredients in the village square, a walk to the southern shore over the slightly hilly paths (the highest point is 140m), a lunch there and a leisurely stroll back to one of the beaches on the northern shore, for a swim and a sunbathe.
The Massif des Maures lies above the coast to the west of Saint-Tropez and continues on to Hyères. Although the Massif is not a designated Natural Park (as opposed to the Plaine des Maures, which is) the area is sparsely populated because of the rugged landscape.
Open from mid-March to mid-November, Eau Bleue diving centre welcomes passengers, from beginners to qualified divers, aboard its comfortable boat.
Les Ecuries de l'Eau Blanche is an equestrian centre situated in Cavalaire-sur-Mer, a 15 minute drive from Saint Tropez.
Visit tortoises from all around the world in this unique park.
Aboard a little train discover the small hilltop village of Grimaud, a medieval town nestled below its feudal castle. Hop off to explore the medieval village and catch the next train to complete the tour.
Located in the heart of the Saint Tropez Gulf, this riding school welcomes you in nearly 10 acres of land at the foot of the magnificent Grimaud castle.
Open from mid-March to mid-November, Eau Bleue diving centre welcomes passengers, from beginners to qualified divers, aboard its comfortable boat.
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.
La Moune is located just outside of St Tropez and allows you to enjoy a range of watersports in the bay.
Cap Marat diving centre is located under the Cape Camarat lighthouse and 100 metres from the famous Pampelonne beach.
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.
Open from April to November, Tiki Pep's is located on the small Escalet port within the Kon Tiki beach club.
The villa in Hyères has 5 bedrooms and has capacity for 10 people.
The villa in Hyères has 5 bedrooms and has capacity for 10 people.
This beautiful Italian-inspired residence looks over the Mediterranean Sea is located less than 3 km from the centre of the village of La Croix Valmer, right by the beach.
This luxurious sea-side chateau, a former stately house with its winery is an elegant and charming country house which has been restored and re-decorated with care and finesse.
In the heart of the vineyards of Ramatuelle, La Vigne de Ramatuelle is a place of calm, peace and elegance with panoramic view of the AOC vineyards, pine forest and the sea waves in the distance.
Just 10km from St Tropez amongst the vineyards of the hillside village of Ramatuelle this hotel has flower filler private gardens and an outdoor swimming pool area.
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.
A beautiful Provençal farmhouse that offers quiet and charming guest rooms, located less than 2 km from the town centre of Saint-Tropez, the perched village of Gassin, and beaches.
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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.
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
High-potential property in the heart of a private estate, just a few steps from the beach.
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.
See allUpcoming Events