Embodying the unmistakable "je ne sais quoi" that France is synonymous with, St. Tropez—a sleepy coastal hamlet, is a sybaritic hideaway on the French Riviera.
The once small fishing village is now a hot destination that attracts A-list celebrities, avid travelers, and artists from around the world.
St. Tropez's cult status as the ultimate superyacht honeypot remains uncontested.
Its vibrant beachfront is dotted with charming sailboats and luxury yachts hosting stylish occupants who can be seen either leaping headfirst into the deep, blue sea or bathing in the balmy sun and champagne sprays.
The femme fatale, Brigitte Bardot is believed to have catapulted this secluded little beaut into the mad craze stardom it enjoys today.
But then, it wasn't that unheard of—for writers and artists such as Guy de Maupassant and Paul Signac found creative quietude in its idyllic country allure and made art.
If the idea of lolling back on a beach recliner and watching the sailboats bobbing in turquoise waters sounds like your thing, we bet you will be overjoyed as we unearth the top 10 tourist attractions in St. Tropez, France.
Visit Musée de l’Annonciade
Imagine seeing avant-garde works of art bathed in that magical Côte d’Azur light, wouldn't that just be wonderful? Goes without saying. The Musée de l’Annonciade is a tiny museum that once used to be a 16th-century chapel.
Its millennial pink-kissed frontage will make your heart sing and its collection—which boasts masterpieces from Signac, Matisse, Derain, Picasso, et al will leave you feeling lovesick.
Explore the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez
Built between 1602 and 1608 to protect the gulf against Spain's invasion, this hexagonal fortress is a must-visit attraction in Saint-Tropez, France.
In addition to affording a breathtakingly beautiful view of the coast, the citadel also houses Musée de l’Histoire Maritime.
Musée de l’Histoire Maritime is a gorgeous museum that has captured Saint Tropez's long and rich nautical adventures through model ships, canons, maps, antique globes, and other interesting artefacts.
Kick Back and Relax in Vieux Port (Old Port)
They say you have never really seen St. Tropez, France if not from the sea. And the best way to experience this seafaring thrill is by visiting the beating heart of the coastal village—which is Vieux Port.
The typical scene looks somewhat like this—glistening azure waters strewn with yachts and sailboats, and compassed by pastel-hued houses.
The warren of alleys and streets along the harbor offers a treasure trove of charming cafes, fashion boutiques, lounge bars, and restaurants.
If sipping on a glass of rosé whilst watching people go by fits your definition of sweet languor, we bet you it won't take you a second to feel home in this part of St. Tropez, France.
Bask in the Bucolic Charm of La Ponche (the Old Town)
La Ponche or "The Old Town" is one of St. Tropez's visually magnificent areas (you might feel like you have been sucked into a dreamy postcard).
Adjoining the Vieux Port harbor, La Ponche is a historic little nook that is home to local artisans and fishermen.
Pay a visit to the Notre-Dame de-l’Assomption—a beautiful little church topped with a baroque style bell tower.
The interiors of the church are enriched with wood carvings and statues including that of St. Tropez himself.
Admire the Butterflies at the Maison des Papillons
Butterflies don't just live in stomachs but also in Maison des Papillons with a wide variety to boot—to be specific over 35,000 items.
The collection is unspooled and put together by Dani Lartigue who has spent years assembling exotic and rare species including Black Apollo from the Mercantour region.
The butterfly museum also boasts meticulously created in situ setups to give visitors a feel of how some species look and blend into their surroundings.
Marvel at the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma
Whoa, that's quite a name and also strangely precise. This cute museum which was formerly a real police station has a rich cinematic history.
It has served as the famous background for cult French movies Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez.
It also pays homage to the original enchantress, Brigitte Bardot who after starring in the iconic "And God created woman" thrust this once quiet coastal town into maddening popularity.
Experience the Local Vibe of Place des Lices
If you truly want to get a feel of how an archetypal Tropezian spends their day, you must visit the sun-dappled central square of St. Tropez, France.
Saunter through the plane trees-lined arcades or try your hand at pétanque (a Provençal equivalent of boules).
Whatever you do, make sure you don't miss the marché—an open-air bustling market where locals and tourists come to shop home-grown fresh produce.
Hike the Coastal Pathways of Sentier du Littoral
Well, if you want to take a break from all that razzmatazz of the mainstream tourist destinations of St. Tropez, France, and explore its rugged beauty, you've got to head over to Sentier du Littoral.
Picture walking on coastal pathways where crystal-clear water is your constant companion and rocky outcrops make appearances every now and then. All you need for this—a certain level of physical fitness and good hiking shoes!
Have a Languorous Day in Plage de l'Escalet
Plage de l'Escalet is a small beach packed with exciting water sport activities and untainted wilderness. If you are planning a trip to St. Tropez, France, make sure you don't miss this little slice of haven!
On the one hand, you will be seduced by the coves, rocky inlets, and crystalline water, while on the other—snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding will beckon you to feel the frisson and spills of water sports!
Stop by La Chapelle Sainte Anne
Sited on the hill of Mont Pécoulet and enveloped by cypress trees, La Chapelle Sainte Anne is a pretty little Romanesque chapel. Its unpretentious Provencal style is sure to disarm one in a heartbeat.
Fun fact: Nick Jagger of Rolling Stones tied the knot with Nicaraguan girlfriend, Bianca in this quaint chapel.
His low-key wedding turned out to be the opposite of a hushed affair as paparazzi jostled to click pictures of the pair and their star-studded guests.
St. Tropez, France is a savvy mingling of storied charm that comes from its rich history and glam quotient that celebrities ratchet up with their presence. If you ask us, it offers the proverbial "best of both worlds".