If it’s your first time in Saint-Tropez, the best way to experience the town is to mix its coastal glamour with its local rhythm, stroll the old port, spend time on Pampelonne Beach, visit the Citadel, browse the market at Place des Lices, and take at least one boat trip along the Riviera. The concrete answer is simple: walk, swim, eat, and sail. Those four actions capture the real Saint-Tropez.
Below is a full guide to help you make the most of your visit, what to see, where to go, and how to get that perfect balance between old-town charm and seaside bliss.
Get Your Bearings ─ Start in La Ponche
Start in La Ponche, the old quarter where Saint-Tropez first began. The narrow alleys here are filled with pastel houses, small cafés, and art galleries. It’s an area that feels more like a fishing village than a celebrity hotspot. Walk up to the Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, the church with the recognizable yellow-and-red bell tower that appears in almost every photo of the town.
From there, drift down toward the Vieux Port. It’s one of the most iconic places on the French Riviera, with fishing boats lined up next to gleaming luxury yachts. Take your time here, it’s the best spot for people-watching and for that first espresso or glass of rosé with a view.
Visit the Citadel and the Maritime Museum
Above the town stands the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, a 17th-century fortress that once protected the coast from pirate attacks. Climb up the hill, and you’ll get an unbeatable panorama of the bay. Inside, the Musée d’Histoire Maritime tells the story of the town’s seafaring past, from tuna fishing to modern yachting culture.
The Citadel is a must-see because it connects Saint-Tropez’s glamorous present to its hard-working maritime history. It’s quiet, scenic, and worth the climb, especially just before sunset.
Explore the Market at Place des Lices
Every Tuesday and Saturday morning, Place des Lices turns into a colorful open-air market under big plane trees. Locals come for olives, cheese, honey, and flowers, while visitors browse linen shirts, handmade soaps, and straw hats. Even if you’re not buying anything, the atmosphere alone is worth the trip.
When the market ends, the same square transforms into a casual local hangout, with older residents playing pétanque (French bowls) and chatting over pastis. It’s one of the few places where you’ll see the local life behind the postcard.
Visit the Musée de l’Annonciade..
Art has deep roots in Saint-Tropez. Painters like Matisse, Bonnard, and Signac once came here for the light, and their works now hang in the Musée de l’Annonciade, just beside the port. The museum is small but beautifully curated, located inside a former chapel. It’s perfect if you want a quiet, cool hour away from the summer crowds.
Spend Time at Pampelonne Beach
You can’t say you’ve been to Saint-Tropez without a day at Pampelonne Beach. Technical,l,y it sits in nearby Ramatuelle, about 15 minutes from town, but this is where the Riviera beach scene truly lives. The sand stretches for about 5 kilometers and is lined with legendary beach clubs like Club 55, Nikki Beach, and Indie Beach.
If you prefer something calmer, try Plage des Salins or Plage de la Moutte. Both offer a more natural, laid-back vibe. Bring a towel, rent a lounger, and order a chilled glass of local rosé, because this is exactly what Saint-Tropez is about: sun, sea, and simplicity.
Take a Boat Trip – The Riviera from the Water
Midway through your stay, make time for a boat day. It’s the one experience that changes your perspective on Saint-Trope, seeing its coastline from the sea makes the whole region come alive.
You can take a shared cruise or charter your own boat for a few hours. One practical option is Navélia Yacht Charters, which offers private day and multi-day yacht rentals around Saint-Tropez and nearby islands. This isn’t about luxury for the sake of it, it’s about access. With a charter, you can swim in hidden coves, stop for lunch at Pampelonne, or cruise toward Cap Taillat without crowds.
A few hours at sea will show you why Saint-Tropez has always been a sailors’ town first and a celebrity escape second. The coastline, with its pine trees, cliffs, and turquoise coves, is something that never quite looks real until you see it in person.
Local Flavors and Simple Pleasures
When you’re back on land, it’s time to taste the town. Start with the Tarte Tropézienne, a soft brioche cake filled with cream and sprinkled with sugar. You’ll find it in every bakery, but locals still swear by the original version from La Tarte Tropézienne near the port.
For dinner, mix it up, one night in a casual seafood spot near La Ponche, another in a restaurant overlooking the marina. Saint-Tropez has some of the best Provençal cuisine on the coast: grilled fish, ratatouille, tapenade, and local wines from nearby vineyards in Gassin or Ramatuelle.
Step Off the Beaten Path
Once you’ve covered the basics, take a short hike along the Sentier du Littoral, the coastal path that winds around the peninsula. It offers breathtaking sea views, rocky coves, and plenty of photo spots.
If you’re interested in culture, the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma is both funny and fascinating, a small museum in the old police station that celebrates Saint-Tropez’s role in film history.
Finally, walk or drive up to the Chapelle Saint-Anne. From there, you’ll see a quiet, panoramic view of the whole bay. It’s one of the most peaceful corners of the area and a perfect place to end your day.
Sample Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day 1:
- Morning ─ Explore La Ponche and the port
- Lunch ─ Eat by the harbor
- Afternoon ─ Visit the Citadel and the Maritime Museum
- Evening ─ Aperitif at Place des Lices, dinner in the old town
Day 2:
- Morning: Relax on Pampelonne Beach
- Afternoon: Boat trip or yacht charter (Navélia Yacht Charters is one reliable local option)
- Evening: Return for sunset drinks and a seaside dinner
This plan gives you the essentials, sea, culture, history, and food, without rushing.
Tips for First-Timers
- Book accommodation early; summer fills up fast.
- Bring walking shoes, the old town’s streets are uneven.
- Go to the beaches early in the morning or after 4 PM to avoid crowds.
- Reserve lunch tables at popular beach clubs days in advance.
- Use public boats or electric scooters to move between spots if parking is tight.
The Bottom Line
For a first-time visitor, the best things to do in Saint-Tropez are the simplest ones: walk through its historic alleys, relax on its beaches, and spend at least one day at sea. Everything else, art, food, nightlife, builds naturally around those core experiences.
What makes Saint-Tropez special isn’t just the luxury; it’s the contrast, an old fishing village that still feels alive beneath the glamour. When you leave, the memory that stays is likely not the yacht you saw in the harbor but the moment you heard waves echoing through the alleys of La Ponche at sunset.
