European Night of the Museums
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Saint-Tropez is no exception.
Sainte-Maxime
Charming seaside town with wonderful areas for walking and hiking
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.
Events in Sainte-Maxime
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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.
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Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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European Heritage Days
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.
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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.
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.
Sights in Sainte-Maxime
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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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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 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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Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption
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.
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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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Les Tours
As a result of being a coastal town and needing to protect itself from attack, St-Tropez became well-fortified early on in its history. You can now visit three towers scattered across the city's coastline.
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.
Beaches in 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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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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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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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.
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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.
Dining in Sainte-Maxime
Restaurants in Sainte-Maxime
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Colette Restaurant
Renowned for its fine and distinguished cuisine, the talented chef creates tasty southern flavoured compositions served on the luxury terrace.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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.
Bars & Clubs in Sainte-Maxime
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Les Caves du Roy Nightclub
Set within the chic 5 star Byblos hotel is one of the most exclusive night spots in Saint Tropez.
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White 1921 Bar
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.
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The Atrium Bar
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.
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Bowling du Golfe, Grimaud
For a pleasant evening with family and friends head to the Bowling du Golf located in Grimaud.
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Dom Perignon Bar
Le Bar is situated in the stylish Sezz Hotel.
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L'Esqui Nightclub
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.
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.
Things To Do in Sainte-Maxime
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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.
Yachts & Sailing in Sainte-Maxime
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Aquaholic Superyacht
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.
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Looney Motor Yacht - 22m Motor Yacht 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.
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Baby Magic Superyacht
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.
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Orion I Superyacht - 28m Superyacht 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.
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Annamia Motor Boat
Annamia is a stunning 43 meter Baglietto motor yacht charter. This yacht has an abundance of space spread across a total of three incredibly stylish decks.
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Hallberg Rassy 39 12m Sailing Yacht
A beautiful Swedish yacht of 13 meters, the Hallberg Rassy 39 can sleep up to six people in her two separate front and rear cabins.
Watersports in Sainte-Maxime
Watersports in Sainte-Maxime
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Marine Air Sport Watersports
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.
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Mio Palmo Plongee Diving School
Open from May through until October you are welcome to discover scuba diving with Mio Palmo Plongée.
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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.
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La Moune Watersports, Gassin
La Moune is located just outside of St Tropez and allows you to enjoy a range of watersports in the bay.
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Societe Nautique de Saint Tropez
Societe Nautique de Saint Tropez is a sailing club based in the port with over 500 members.
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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.
Holidays Rentals in Sainte-Maxime
Holiday Rentals in Sainte-Maxime
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Bianca Villa, La Croix-Valmer
Situated on the heights of Gigaro in a quiet and secure area, this luxurious villa enjoys a superb sea view and a superb location at only 200m from the most beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
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Tropézienne Villa
Villa Tropézienne, aptly named, located in the heights of Capon, in Saint-Tropez, close to the village and the beaches, it will be for you the opportunity to evolve in a typical Provencal style house, warm and welcoming.
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Bella Vista Villa, Sainte-Maxime
Come and discover this magnificent villa near Saint Tropez, with a panoramic view over the entire Gulf.
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Riviera Villa, Cavalaire-sur-Mer
Property for seasonal rental in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez - Villa Riviera
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Valderrama Villa, Gassin
Located in the prestigious private Golf & Country Club estate in Gassin, come and discover this beautiful bastide in a privileged location, at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet environment without vis-à-vis.
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La Bastide De Grimao Apartment, Grimaud
Villa for 8 people with sea view in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Hotels in Sainte-Maxime
Hotels in Sainte-Maxime
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Hotel de Paris
This famous hotel is ideally located in the centre of Saint Tropez, and is an invitation to pleasure, luxury and refinement.
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Villa Cosy Boutique Hotel
Villa Cosy hotel is located just a few steps away from the Place des Lices and the old town of St Tropez.
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Mas Bellevue Hotel
Minutes from the Pamplonne beaches and the centre of Saint Tropez, discover a charming Provencal farmhouse and its stunning pools and sea views.
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Chateau de la Messardiere Spa Hotel
The exclusive palace-style hotel is Saint Tropez' largest hotel, situated in the middle of a park with amazing scents and breath-taking views.
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Saint Amour La Tartane Hotel
Nestled in a park just a few minutes from the vibrant heart of Saint-Tropez, this hotel is a stunning residence with boundless charm.
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Le Pavillion de Pampelonne Hotel, Pampelonne
The hotel is located 600 metres from the wonderful beach of Pampelonne and 4km from St Tropez and the picturesque village of Ramatuelle.
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.
Transfers for Saint-Tropez
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
Property For Sale in Sainte-Maxime
Property for Sale in Sainte-Maxime
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Apartment for Sale
From the moment you step inside, your eyes are drawn to the breathtaking view - an endless expanse of shimmering sea, visible from both the west-facing reception room and the primary bedroom, bathed in the golden light of sunset.
Apartment for Sale
€2,950,000 -
Villa for Sale
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
€19,150,000 -
Villa for Sale
Contemporary five bedroom villa in a sought-after area close to the beach.
Villa for Sale
€4,690,000 -
Villa for Sale
Exceptional Villa with Authentic Charm - Near the Center of Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne Beaches.
Villa for Sale
€8,400,000 -
Villa for Sale
Exceptional provençal property in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Villa for Sale
€3,675,000 -
Villa for Sale
Exceptional Property with Sea View and Pool in Saint-Tropez
Villa for Sale
€3,300,000
