Sainte-Maxime

Charming seaside town with wonderful areas for walking and hiking

Location: Sainte-Maxime
Imprint: Updated 15 May 2026

Sheltered from the winds by hills that rise behind the coast, the popular beach resort of Sainte Maxime sits on the coast between Frejus and Saint Tropez.

In the Var, Sainte-Maxime is a pleasant example of a resort with a lively town, a busy marina and a string of fine beaches. The mild climate and the beauty of the village attracts many tourists, painters, poets and writers. The old town is filled by lively pedestrian streets, beautiful gardens and a large pier with a wonderful panorama of the Gulf.

The emphasis in this town is on today: today's sun, today's fun and perhaps more of that tomorrow. Visitors jam the roads, fill the parking lots to the last place and flock to the beaches. During sun breaks, they stroll along the many beach and sun-themed shops or flop down in one of the sidewalk cafés along the boulevard. Others venture into the older part of town which has been nicely renovated and spruced up with boutiques filled with Provençal goodies and a large choice of restaurants. The narrow, winding streets and alleys are a great way to cool off the summer heat.

The most demanding holiday makers will love the town beaches and those in the direction of Saint Tropez such as the beach of La Croisette. The most popular are located west of Sainte Maxime.

Events in Sainte-Maxime

For me, the main attraction in Sainte-Maxime is the covered market that opens daily in summer and only mornings (except Monday) in winter. There you find excellent quality in local produce and products, fishmongers, bakers and flower shops. On Thursday morning there is also an open-air market.

52 Super Series, Golfe de Saint-Tropez

Next event date
18 August 2026
Location
Saint Tropez

The 2023 season will open in Saint-Tropez in early May with the 52 SUPER SERIES fleet set to compete in France for the first time

History & Culture in Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime's history dates back to the early Middle Ages and a monastery with its name that has now disappeared. There are very few signs in town of an early history, though close to the port the Tour Carrée des Dames stands prominently. It was constructed as a defensive tower in the late Middle Ages by the monks of the islands of Lérins. Now, it functions as the museum of local tradition and history.

A very pleasant town, with a vibrant beach resort, a busy port, daily markets and a few lovely old buildings in the small historic centre. The pedestrian street is lined with bars, restaurants and boutiques, and it comes alive on summer evenings with music and a good mix of tourists and locals. Admittedly, there's not a tremendous amount to see when it comes to history or architecture, but Sainte-Maxime is above all a town to relax in, spending long days at the beach, eating at nice restaurants, wandering around the pretty port or having a cocktail at sunset looking over the Gulf of Saint Tropez.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime is more of a beach resort than a history-buff's destination, but there are a few traces of the town's medieval past, including the beautiful 15th century town hall (mairie). The Tour Carrée was built in the 16th century by monks to fend off invaders,often maruading pirates from Saint Tropez across the bay. There's also a small folk museum in the Tour Carée, as well as a battery of cannons facing the Gulf de Saint Tropez.

See our Main Attractions

Myrtes Botanical Gardens, Sainte-Maxime

Location
Sainte-Maxime

Facing the Saint-Tropez bay, this is a truly airy park perfect for a relaxed stroll. The visitors will discover nearly sixty acclimatised plants such as centenary palm trees and many typical Mediterranean species like cypress and pine trees.
La Citadelle

Location
Saint Tropez

As you climb uphill past all the restaurant lined streets, you get to the impressive 17th century Citadel overlooking the village of Saint-Tropez.
La Maison des Papillons - Butterfly Museum

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
Musee de l'Annonciade - Art Museum

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
Chapelle de la Misericorde

Location
Saint Tropez

La Chapelle de la Miséricorde, referred as the Black Penitent Brotherhood Chapel was built in the 17th century and is located Rue Gambetta, in the former quarter of the seamen's families.
Musee d'Histoire Maritime

Location
Saint Tropez

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.

Beaches in Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime has lovely wide, white-sand beaches stretching in both directions, with lots of public space as well as private beach clubs with restaurants. The beaches of Sainte Maxime offer every watersport you could hope for, including parasailing, jet skiing, sailing and water skiing.

Sainte-Maxime is well known for its diving, with sunken submarines, yachts and torpedo boats to explore, as well as some rocky underwater topography and marine life. There are also fishing excursions off the coast.

See our Beach Guide

La Ponche Beach

Distance from location
3.9 km

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.
Graniers Beach

Distance from location
4.2 km

Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
Bouillabaisse Beach

Distance from location
4.9 km

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.
Canoubiers Beach

Distance from location
5.1 km

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.
Salins Beach

Distance from location
6.7 km

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.
Pampelonne Beach

Distance from location
8.9 km

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.

Dining in Sainte-Maxime

See our Where to Eat Guide

Colette Restaurant

Renowned for its fine and distinguished cuisine, the talented chef creates tasty southern flavoured compositions served on the luxury terrace.
Les Toits Lounge

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
B Lounve-Bar and Restaurant

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
La Ponche Restaurant

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
L'Isoletta Restaurant

Location
Saint Tropez

The restaurant of the Bastide de Saint-Tropez hotel is run by Sardinian chef, Alessandro Caria, and his team.
Matsuhisa Restaurant

Location
Saint Tropez

Discover pan-Asian cuisine in all its splendour, with breathtaking views of the Pampelonne Bay.

Nightlife in Sainte-Maxime

This seaside resort has plenty of bars, a sports pub, and a few late-opening clubs in the summer, although those looking for the really glamorous clubs should head down the coast to Saint Tropez to mingle with the champagne and caviar set.

Enjoy the summer vibe in a bar in the pedestrianised street in town, have a cocktail in a beach club or hit the Casino de Barriere for a game of blackjack, roulette or poker. On summer nights there are also free music concerts in the outdoor theatre, as well as fireworks shows.

See our Nightlife Guide

Les Caves du Roy Nightclub

Location
Saint Tropez

Set within the chic 5 star Byblos hotel is one of the most exclusive night spots in Saint Tropez.
White 1921 Bar

Location
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.
The Atrium Bar

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
L'Esqui Nightclub

Location
Saint Tropez

The only official Gay Club in Saint Tropez is located near the port, in the heart of the old town. Entertaining locals and visitors since 1998.
Café de Paris

Location
Saint Tropez

Chic brasseries in the Tropezian spirit in a prime location at the port
Bowling du Golfe, Grimaud

Location
Grimaud

For a pleasant evening with family and friends head to the Bowling du Golf located in Grimaud.

Things to do in Sainte-Maxime

While Saint Maxime is primarily a beach resort, there are plenty of other activities on offer. The surrounding hills are wonderful for walking, mountain-biking and horse-riding, and you can pick up the long-range hiking trail 'The Balcony of the Côte d'Azur' just 10kms north of town. There's also a coastal path for bike-riding (see our Riviera biking guide here.) Those looking for sporting activities could use the nearby tennis or golf facilities, or head to the clay pigeon shooting range just outside town.

Sainte-Maxime is also home to Aqualand, the Riviera's largest waterpark; and there's also a pleasant Botanical Garden for walking and picnics.

This area is good golfing country, and those visiting Sainte-Maxime have several golf courses to choose between. The 18-hole, par 72 course at Golf de Sainte-Maxime has wonderful views across the coast and mountains from above the town and a quite challenging, hilly course. The excellent Golfe de Beauvallon is two miles out of Sainte-Maxime very close to the sea, offering a moderate to hard 70 par, 18-hole game with stunning views of the Gulf of Saint Tropez. There is also the Golfe Club Saint Tropez a bit further afield at Gassin, a fairly exclusive place with a par 71, 18-hole course set in countryside of hills, forest, vineyards and sea. For more information, see our Golfing Pages.

See our Activities Guide

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.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime

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.
Regatta Boat Trip

Location
Saint 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.
Private Coastal Boat Trip

Location
Saint 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 trip around the Bay of Canoubiers.
Coastal Boat Trip

Location
Saint 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. 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.
Gulf of Saint Tropez Boat Trip

Location
Saint Tropez

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.

Yachts & Sailing in Sainte-Maxime

Baby Magic Superyacht - 23m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people

Baby Magic is a beautiful 23 metre Aikon yacht for charter in France. She was first constructed in 2006 by the renowned Italian shipyard Aikon Yachts. Then in 2018 she underwent an extensive refit, including a new painted hull. Thanks to said refit, she is in great condition and certainly has a quality design. Baby Magic is based in Frejus, making her the ideal choice for cruising around the sunny South of France and the West Mediterranean waters.
Orion I Superyacht - 28m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people

The 28m motor yacht Orion I is a stylish Mangusta build, offering a perfect balance of speed, comfort and contemporary design. Based in the South of France and available for charter across both France and Italy, she is an excellent choice for exploring the West Mediterranean in style.
Aquaholic Superyacht - 29m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people

Step aboard Aquaholic, a sleek twenty-nine-metre motor yacht built by Custom Line, and enjoy a refined charter experience on the French Riviera. Delivered in 2009, she showcases modern design, generous spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout.
Annamia Motor Yacht - 43m YAcht Charter for up to 12 people

Annamia is an exceptional 43m Baglietto motor yacht, offering a luxurious charter experience with expansive living spaces spread across three beautifully designed decks. Combining elegant Italian styling, impressive amenities and a highly attentive crew, she is perfectly suited to unforgettable Mediterranean charters.
Looney Motor Yacht - 22m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people

Looney is a striking 22m Pershing motor yacht, offering the perfect combination of performance, style and comfort for cruising the French and Italian Riviera. Built in 2012, she stands out with her sleek silver profile and unmistakable sporty design, delivering exhilarating cruising speeds of up to 35 knots.
Dickie & Son's Bangor 35m Motor Yacht

This authentic almost 100 year old boat is a step back in history. Its 2012 refit has modernised 'Over the Rainbow' but kept true to its origins.

Watersports in Sainte-Maxime

Marine Air Sport Watersports

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
Ketos Diving School, Sainte Maxime

Ketos diving centre is located in the centre of the Sainte-Maxime harbour and offers 60 extraordinary dive sites to explore the wrecks and wonderful sites with rich littoral coral and all sorts of wildlife.
Adventure Sports Watersports

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.
Societe Nautique de Saint Tropez

Location
Saint Tropez

Societe Nautique de Saint Tropez is a sailing club based in the port with over 500 members.
Mio Palmo Plongee Diving School

Location
Saint Tropez

Open from May through until October you are welcome to discover scuba diving with Mio Palmo Plongée.
H2O Diving School, Sainte Maxime

The structure of the diving centre is ideally located in the heart of the Sainte-Maxime harbour with direct access to a parking where diving gear can be dropped off.

Holidays Rentals in Sainte-Maxime

Serena Villa, Sainte-Maxime

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.
Jane Villa, Sainte-Maxime

Superb villa for rent with sea view in Sainte-Maxime, in the heart of the Bay of Saint-Tropez - Villa Jane
Esperanza Apartment, Grimaud

Villa with Pool and Sea View for Rent in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Sérénité Villa, Grimaud

Luxury villa for rent with sea view in Grimaud
Loriot Villa, Ramatuelle

Location
Ramatuelle

Sublime property for rent within more than a hectare of magnificent landscaped grounds in quiet surroundings. It enjoys a beautiful unobstructed view over Ramatuelle’s surrounding countryside.
L'heure Bleue Villa, Sainte-Maxime

In a sumptuous environment, this exceptional property located in Sainte-Maxime enjoys a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

Hotels in Sainte-Maxime

Kube Hotel

Location
Saint Tropez

The Hotel is a design and luxury technological resort in Saint Tropez.
Le Yaca Hotel

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
Pan dei Palais Boutique Hotel

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
La Ferme d'Augustin Hotel

This four star hotel is an authentic hotel situated in front of the Pampelonne bay, steps away from Tahiti beach and a few minutes away from Saint Tropez.
Domaine de L'Astragale Hotel

Location
Saint Tropez

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.
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.

How to get to Sainte-Maxime

There are buses connecting Sainte Maxime with Saint Raphael, Saint Tropez and other major towns in the Var.

The closest train station is at Saint-Raphael where you can connect with the major rail line that runs along the Riviera to Italy.

Those travelling from Nice airport can take the Line 20 bus from the airport and change for Sainte-Maxime at nearby Frejus. You can also take a boat between Saint Maxime and Cannes, or Sainte Maxime and Saint Tropez.

See our Getting Here Guide

Private airport transfers

From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Helicopter Charter Flights

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.
Millenium Transport Transfers

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.
Acarre Limousine Transfers

Acarre Limousine offers transfers from the airport, train station and other taxi services whether it is from the beach or to a nightclub.
Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights

With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Private Jet and Helicopter 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.

Property For Sale in Sainte-Maxime

Villa for Sale

Location
Saint Tropez

Contemporary five bedroom villa in a sought-after area close to the beach.
Apartment for Sale

Location
Saint Tropez

Ideally located in the very centre of the village of Saint-Tropez, this elegant apartment is set within a brand-new, secure residence offering complete peace and quiet.
Villa for Sale

Location
Saint Tropez

Exceptional Property with Sea View and Pool in Saint-Tropez
Villa for Sale

Location
Saint Tropez

Just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Saint-Tropez and the iconic beaches of Les Canebiers and Les Graniers, this exceptional property perfectly embodies the Tropezian art of living: a subtle balance between vibrancy and tranquility, comfort and authenticity.
Villa for Sale

Location
Saint Tropez

Ideally located at the heart of a meticulously landscaped setting, this exceptional property spans a fully enclosed plot of 4,857 sq.m. It comprises two fully renovated buildings, each benefiting from a certificate of conformity, for a total floor area of 436.90 sq.m.
Villa for Sale

Location
Saint Tropez

Elegant property located in a private estate, within walking distance of the village