Plan a CruiseSaint Tropez, once an unassuming fishing village, transformed into a world-famous jet-set haven. Its rise to international fame began with Brigitte Bardot's movie "And God Created Woman," filmed here, cementing its image of sun, glamour, and celebrity. Cruise ships do not dock directly in Saint Tropez; instead, passengers are tendered ashore to either the Vieux (Old) Port or the Nouveau (New) Port. These two landing points are very close, only about 150 meters apart, putting you right into the heart of town. While there are no dedicated cruise terminals, you will find tourist information centers conveniently located near each tender landing. The port areas are bustling with numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops, offering a lively introduction to this iconic French Riviera destination.
Getting Around from the Port
Saint Tropez is exceptionally walkable, making it very easy to explore on foot. The town center, with its charming narrow streets and historic towers around the Port Ancien Bassin, is directly accessible from the tender landing stages. Taxis are available, but unless you plan to travel outside the immediate town area, walking is the most convenient and enjoyable way to get around.
Attractions and Activities
Given 8-10 hours in port, Saint Tropez and its surroundings offer a mix of iconic sights and charming day trips:
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Explore Saint Tropez on Foot (Walking Distance): Wander through the old town's narrow streets, explore Quai Jean Jaurès, discover Place des Lices, and see the remnants of the 16th-century citadel. The harbor itself is a spectacle of sleek yachts. Allow 2-4 hours.
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Port Grimaud & Grimaud (10 km): Take a scenic trip to Port Grimaud, a picturesque town built over waterways in the 1960s, often called the "Venice of Provence." Nearby, Grimaud is a medieval village featuring a ruined chateau. Both are easily reached via the Bateau Verts boat service, offering a pleasant alternative to road travel. Allow 3-5 hours for travel and exploration.
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Pampelonne Beaches (at least 3 km): For a quintessential Saint Tropez beach experience, head to the famous Pampelonne stretch of sand, home to beaches like Tahiti Plage. These are known for being topless and sometimes bottomless. To reach them, you can take a taxi or one of the frequent beach shuttle minibuses departing from Place des Lices. Be aware that private beaches may charge fees for access.
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Fréjus (25 km): For history enthusiasts, the ancient Roman city of Fréjus offers a Roman arena and a 12th-century cathedral. This is a longer excursion, requiring about 30-45 minutes travel each way by car or taxi. Warning: Coastal roads, especially during summer, can become very busy with heavy traffic, impacting travel times significantly.
Dining & Shopping
The port area and surrounding old town are rich with dining and shopping opportunities. You'll find numerous cafés and restaurants right on the waterfront, perfect for enjoying local cuisine and people-watching. For shopping, Saint Tropez is dense with stylish boutiques, though they are often tucked into the quaint corners of the old town rather than on a single main street. Look for high-end brands like Hermès, Sonia Rykiel, and Dior. Galeries Tropéziennes at 56 rue Gambetta, near Place des Lices, offers a wide array of Mediterranean-inspired gift items.
Don't miss the local markets:
- Place des Lices Market: On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, this outdoor market comes alive with over 100 vendors selling everything from fresh food and clothing to brocante (flea-market finds). It's considered one of the best Provençal markets in the South of France.
- Place aux Herbes Market: Located down a tiled alley behind the tourist office, this market specializes in fish, vegetables, and flowers. It operates daily from 8 AM to 12 PM in summer, and Tuesday to Sunday from 8 AM to 12 PM in winter.
Safety
While Saint Tropez is generally safe for tourists, be mindful of traffic. During the summer months, coastal roads leading to attractions like Fréjus and especially the famous Pampelonne beaches (at least 3 km away) can experience significant congestion and heavy traffic jams. Factor this into your travel plans and allow extra time, particularly if you have a scheduled return to your tender.