La Garde-Freinet
Charming market town located in the centre of the Massif des Maures
A bustling little village that's worth stopping by.
Just 13km north of the Mediterranean sea in the Bay of Saint-Tropez, and 18km south of the Autoroute du Soleil, which takes you to the mondaine pleasures of Antibes, Cannes or Monaco, lies the Provence village of La Garde-Freinet.
At an altitude of 350m, La Garde-Freinet posts itself as a mediator between two worlds. On the one hand it's part of the everyday working life and on the other it flirts with artistic tendencies and extravagance.
Today, La Garde-Freinet is accessible, if you don't mind a curvy, mountainous access road. If you enjoy walks and hikes, or if you prefer boutiques and restaurants, La Garde-Freinet has a lot to offer. It even boasts a jazz café ("Le Lezard") where on Saturday night you can enjoy a good meal and some eclectic music. Last time we tried it, we found ourselves stomping and clapping along to Blue Suede Shoes. Not sure whether "jazz" will stretch that far, but way after midnight who cares, right?
There are some good restaurants in Garde-Freinet, many of them in the Place Veille or the Place du Marche. Enjoy a Provençal meal in one of the terrace restaurants overlooking the beautiful countryside, or head to popular Le Feiulle for a Moroccan meal in a cosy garden setting.
History & Culture in Saint Tropez
La Garde Freinet is a medieval town that runs across a narrow ledge with lovely views across the Maures hill range and the surrounding forests. Narrow streets run between old stone buildings, bubbling fountains and pavement cafés in pretty squares, and there's also the ruins of the old fort. There are chestnut groves in this area and you can buy delicious local chestnut paste and chestnut honey in little boutiques and gift shops in the town.
Until the beginning of the 20th century, La Garde-Freinet found an ample income in the harvest of chestnuts, the sale of cork oak and even the culture of silkworms. Now most of that is in the past. Today, tourism is a major source of income for the village of 1,500 people. This does not mean that the area is swamped with holiday makers every day of the year. In the high season of July and August you might find it difficult to park your car in the village square, but beyond that it's surprisingly accessible and agreeable.
What makes La Garde-Freinet especially proud is its medieval fortress, built on a hilltop, 3km outside the village. For many years it was thought that the Saracens were the builders of the fortress. Now historians believe that it was the indigenous people, perhaps against the Saracens, who secured themselves an impenetrable habitat in the mountains.
Sights & Attractions in Saint Tropez
When it comes to sightseeing, there are the ruins of the chateau, a fort built in the 8th century, some charming fountains and lavoirs to be seen in the village, as well as the 16th century St.Clément church.
Sights in Saint Tropez
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Place des Lices
A great place to go for a walk under the shadows of the 100-year old plane trees, it seems like time has stopped at the Place des Lices. Here you can still watch the locals play a game of boules every morning, before going for a Pastis at the time of apéritif.
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La Citadelle
As you climb uphill past all the restaurant lined streets, you get to the impressive 17th century Citadel overlooking the village of Saint-Tropez.
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La Maison des Papillons - Butterfly Museum
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.
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Musee de l'Annonciade - Art Museum
The Annonciade museum was created in 1922 and holds impressive art work dating from 1890 to 1950, including some of the greatest French masterminds such as Matisse, Derain and Marquet.
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Musee d'Histoire Maritime
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.
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Chapelle Sainte-Anne, Ramatuelle
La Chapelle Sainte-Anne was built in 1618 to thank God for sparing Saint-Tropez from the plague. Located on the hill of Mont Pécoulet, this simple building boasts a traditional Provençal style and is surrounded by cypress and pine trees.
Beaches in Saint Tropez
Beaches in Saint-Tropez
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Bouillabaisse Beach
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.
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La Ponche Beach
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.
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Graniers Beach
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
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Canoubiers Beach
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.
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Pampelonne Beach
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.
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Salins Beach
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.
Events in Saint Tropez
As with many towns and villages along the south coast, La Garde-Freinet is no different and hosts its very own town fête.
Events in Saint Tropez
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Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Regatta
A famous classic regatta that ends the Mediterranean sailing season, St-Tropez’ late-summer regatta brings in 300 yachts, both ancient and modern, for maritime effervescence.
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La Grande Braderie de Saint Tropez
Envied by many towns, La Grande Braderie de Saint Tropez is, under any circumstances, an event not to be missed.
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Voiles d'Automne Regatta
Between 40 to 60 yachts participate, which despite the at times variable weather conditions, is always a success.
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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.
Dining in Saint Tropez
Restaurants in Saint Tropez
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Matsuhisa Restaurant
Discover pan-Asian cuisine in all its splendour, with breathtaking views of the Pampelonne Bay.
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La Ponche Restaurant
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.
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B Lounve-Bar and Restaurant
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.
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L'Isoletta Restaurant
The restaurant of the Bastide de Saint-Tropez hotel is run by Sardinian chef, Alessandro Caria, and his team.
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Les Toits Lounge
A magical place that gives you the feeling of being suspended between sky and sea, overlooking the sunbaked rooftops of Saint-Tropez and the wonderful Mediterranean Sea.
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Cucina at Byblos Restaurant
The restaurant Cucina Byblos, welcomes guests warmly to a colourful and resolutely contemporary setting, in which a relaxed atmosphere reigns supreme.
Things to do in Saint Tropez
There are plenty of walking trails around the surrounding areas and Garde-Freinet is a great place to stop on your winding way through the Maures.
The long range hiking path GR9 actually runs through the town, while the GR51 'The Balcony of the Côte d'Azur runs 8km from the town. You can go mountain biking and horse riding in this rolling, forested countryside too - a spectacular way to enjoy the area.
With the narrow, cobbled streets and 16th and 17th century houses, La Garde-Freinet is similar to many villages around the area; its fountains and communal wash basins are typically Provençal and the twice-weekly market is a meeting place for local people and visitors alike.
A one hour hike from the village will take you to the medieval fortress, through brush and overgrowth, steep climbs and occasional steps hewn out of the rocks by the original habitants. When you finally arrive at the ruins of the fortress, you can indulge yourself in the amazing views over the Massif des Maures and beyond over the Alpes Maritimes, and south to the Mediterranean sea. You can imagine yourself in the 9th century when the original inhabitants found a safe haven in the mountains, cut an impressive moat in the rocks, found a water source (even in summer it's still filled with water) and waited a century or three before descending to what is now known as La Garde-Freinet.
Things To Do in Saint Tropez
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
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.
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Regatta Boat Trip
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.
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Coastal Boat Trip
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. During the cruise you will be shown the old village, the famous beaches and the spectacular millionaire's bay. A full commentary is available in English.
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Gulf of Saint Tropez Boat Trip
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.
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Private Coastal Boat Trip
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 trip around the Bay of Canoubiers.
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Pampelonne & Cap Camarat Boat Trip
Running every Wednesday, this trip departs from St Tropez, taking you on a tour to discover the beautiful landscapes and beaches along the coast.
Hotels in Saint Tropez
Hotels in Saint Tropez
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Le Yaca Hotel
This hotel welcomes you in a warm atmosphere in the heart of Saint-Tropez village and offers a refined setting and stylish rooms and suites.
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Kube Hotel
The Hotel is a design and luxury technological resort in Saint Tropez.
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Villa Marie Boutique Hotel
23 August 20257 NightsVilla Marie Saint-Tropez reinvents the charm of Riviera style with its elegant suites, a restaurant of southern cuisine and a welcoming seafood bar.
Price: €9,603
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La Bastide d'Antoine Hotel
See the Gulf of Saint Tropez as you have never seen it before. Located at the entrance of Saint Tropez and nearby the famous Pampelonne bay, the magnificent charming Bastide d'Antoine offers 16 rooms of which 12 have splendid sea views.
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Le Pre de la Mer Hotel
This four-star hotel is ideally located and offers a luxurious and serene setting for your holiday in Saint Tropez.
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La Villa Dune Hotel
You will find that this boutique 5-star luxury hotel offers peace and tranquillity in a stunning setting on the St Tropez peninsula.
Directions
If driving, get off the A8 at Le Cannet des Maures – Le Luc. Take the road D558, direction Saint Tropez. The no.7701 bus runs from Saint Tropez, and the no.7702 runs from Les Arcs.
