The picturesque town of Saint-Tropez celebrates the France joie de vivre like no other. Boasting 20km of golden beaches, internationally renowned cuisine, and with luxury villas in St Tropez, it’s no wonder that it has long attracted the jet-set community.
Today this popular destination in the French Riviera continues to draw in A-listers and a chic clique. For those who visit, there’s much to discover about this great coastal town, least of all its gastronomic delights.
Stay in style in a luxury villa and make the most of your visit. As well as relaxing in your own private setting, you can cook up gastronomic treats in your world-class kitchen, and enjoy cocktails from the comfort of your terrace.
In France, food is a way of life. For this reason, many of the houses and villas in St Tropez have large welcoming kitchens, since food is at the heart of any home. Breakfast is often light, for many it starts with a walk to the local ‘boulangerie’ for a selection of pastries and fresh bread. However, since dining out is a social activity, a leisurely breakfast or brunch overlooking the port or beach is a popular pastime. Do as the locals and get into the ebb of Saint-Tropez life, with a long extended breakfast that leads into lunch.
There are many institutions in these parts - Senequier is just one. Its red tables and chairs are as famous as its mouth-watering baked goods. Be sure to order a ‘chocolat-chaud’ and watch the world sail by from this charming port, easing customers into the day for over a hundred years.
Open from 11am, Bagatelle Beach offers glorious dishes on the shores of world-famous Pampelonne Beach - made famous by on-screen siren Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s. Its platters are ideal for sharing with good company, with a chilled glass of Perrier Jouët Grand Brut to wash it down. No, it’s never too early for champagne in Saint-Tropez!
In Saint-Tropez a light breakfast is followed by a hearty lunch. Each bite best enjoyed with good company. If
you haven’t already left your St Tropez villa for the day, now’s the time, as the city starts to awaken.
Most of the lunchtime action revolves around its golden beaches: Pampelonne to be precise. Here you’ll find an array of boutique beachside dining spots, including Indie Beach. Under the helm of Chef Gaston, delicious Argentine bites are served with highly quenchable mojitos.
Lou Lou Ramatuelle at Musee des arts Decoratifs, is the place to go for savouring delicious dishes with a side of sunshine. This beachside residence is popular with families, and uniquely for this part of the world, service is super friendly. Devour frites covered in shavings of truffle, enormous plates of fresh king prawns and tantalizing beef carpaccio, the menu is upgraded casual dining at its best.
A 4km walk away, on the other side of Pampellone beach lies Nikki Beach – an adult playground for the rich, beautiful and famous. Sling back martinis and pose on a daybed, stopping only momentarily to dip into the pool and back. Come for the day, stay for the night. The party vibes will keep you going all day long.
As the sun sets over the Mediterranean Tropézians, as they’re known, get glammed up and depart their villa rental St Tropez in search of evening entertainment. Food and drink goes hand-in-hand here. As such many restaurants open late to cater to a lingering crowd. By the same token, seldom do people head out before 8pm – in keeping with the continental tradition for late dining.
For award-winning cuisine, favored by locals and tourists alike, head to Au Caprice Des Deux between 7.30 and midnight. Using fresh, locally-sourced produce, Chef Avelin has curated a fine menu inspired by classic French dining. Expect everything from Salmon Tartare, to grilled veal liver and local speciality – pan-fried foie gras.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Chateau de la Messardiere is a stunning 19th-century Château offering romantic views out to sea. Much like the pictures on its walls, the food here is a work of art. Dishes are beautifully presented, bringing together the best of French and Mediterranean cuisines in an equally stunning setting.
As a top destination for foodies, there’s plenty of award-winning restaurants gracing the cobbled streets of Saint-Tropez. For an unrivalled gastronomic treat, La Vague d'Or (Cheval Blanc) is a three-star Michelin restaurant with extravagant dishes served up. With a proud farm-to-table menu, visitors are always in for a treat. Book in advance, as its reputation precedes it.
Whether you choose to people watch by the port, or hang out in one of its glitzy bars, Saint-Tropez has it all. Be sure to dress up, as the local crowd is effortlessly chic.
Hotel Sube has it all, with a stunning restaurant at Le Petit Plage and a casual-chic bar at Le Sube’s Lounge Bar to follow. If you’re looking for somewhere to sip on an Aperitif of a night, this is a popular spot.
Drink, dine and dance all night a Gaio. This epic club brings its unique Asian-fusion flavor to the French coast. Magical, mysterious and undeniably sexy, Gaio is a sophisticated hotspot that has seen everyone from John Legend to Leonardo di Caprio walk through its VIP doors.
Rave well and prosper at The VIP Room, a seductive after-hours club that doesn’t hold back. Described as ‘the best club in the world’ by Karl Lagerfield, you can see why, with its opulent surroundings and VIP bar treatment.
When in Saint-Tropez it would be remiss not to indulge in some of the much-loved and hidden gems to be found. Be sure to add these to your schedule:
Partake in the local pastime of market grazing. On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the Saint-Tropez open-air market is the place to stock up on freshly baked goods, artisan cheese and farm-bred sausages, as well as local olives, fragrant garlic and much more.
Take an early-evening stroll to the cobblestoned walkways of the Old Port (Vieux Port). Not only is this a landmark, but it’s a great place to pull up a stool and enjoy a class of local wine and freshly caught fish.
Do not leave Saint-Tropez before trying out one of its Michelin-star restaurants, like La Vague d'Or.
Owing to its coastal position, seafood is at its best here. Be sure to order Moules-frites, Bouillabaisse (fish soup) and grilled king prawns during a visit.
Take a day out of your schedule to visit a Provençal vineyard. Famous for its rosé wine, you can load up on your favorite bottle and bring crates of it back to your villa rental St Tropez.