Saint Tropez was even more beautiful than I expected. The glamour is undeniable, yet it feels relaxed and inviting rather than formal, which is exactly what makes it such a standout destination for the perfect girls’ getaway. Anyone who knows me knows I’ll say it’s not only worth the hype, but that the photos rarely capture how special it feels in person.
If you’re planning your first trip and searching for the best things to do in Saint Tropez, this guide focuses on the experiences that define the village at its most memorable. From exploring La Ponche and spending a day on Pampelonne Beach to shopping, vineyard visits, sunset walks along the port, and time on the water, these are the moments that shape a beautifully balanced Saint Tropez itinerary.
1. Wander Through La Ponche, the Most Beautiful Part of the Village
Tucked just beyond the harbor, this historic quarter is a quiet maze of narrow stone passages, worn stairways, and hidden archways that open unexpectedly to the sea. It’s a side of Saint Tropez that feels far removed from the yachts and buzz, even though it’s only steps away.
The best time to explore La Ponche is early in the day, when the streets are still hushed and the morning light softens the textures of the buildings. This is a place to wander slowly, without a destination in mind, letting small details catch your eye — a weathered doorway, a shaded corner, a glimpse of blue water at the end of a lane. If you’re looking for a quieter, more atmospheric way to experience Saint Tropez, La Ponche offers a moment of calm that feels both timeless and deeply local.
2. Spend a Day on Pampelonne Beach
Pampelonne Beach is the Riviera at its most effortlessly glamorous — a long stretch of soft, pale sand framed by turquoise water and a lineup of chic beach clubs. If this is your first time in Saint Tropez, don’t skip Pampelonne; it’s one of the defining experiences of the region.
How to Get To Pampelonne Beach
If this is your first visit, getting to Pampelonne is easier than it appears on the map. The beach sits just outside the village, about a ten to fifteen-minute drive depending on where you’re staying. Most luxury hotels offer complimentary shuttles that drop you directly at your chosen beach club, while taxis and private transfers are readily available. If you’re traveling in from another Riviera town, booking a Daytrip transfer makes the experience seamless, allowing you to arrive without the stress of navigating narrow coastal roads or scarce high-season parking. However you choose to get there, the moment you step out onto the sand, the view alone feels worth the journey.
How The Beach Clubs Work in Saint Tropez
For a first-timer, it’s helpful to understand how beach clubs work in Saint-Tropez because they’re not casual, walk-up spots. You’ll want to reserve loungers well in advance, especially between June and September when demand rises quickly. Your reservation typically includes your sunbed for the day, often with an umbrella, and the service is polished from the moment you arrive — fresh towels, chilled water, attentive staff, and the gentle rhythm of a day meant to be savored. Most guests spend the morning by the sea, followed by a long, elegant lunch at the restaurant, and return to their loungers afterward until the late afternoon light softens. It’s slow travel in its purest form.
The Best Beach Clubs on Pampelonne Beach
Choosing the right beach club depends on the atmosphere you’re drawn to. Club 55 is the timeless classic, beloved for its understated elegance and simple, beautifully executed menu. It’s the kind of place where long lunches stretch effortlessly into the afternoon, and its charm comes from the fact that nothing feels rushed. Gigi, by contrast, embodies a more feminine, dreamy aesthetic — a serene Italian-inspired escape where refined design, soft music, and polished service create the feeling of a private summer retreat. Bagatelle offers a livelier experience with a fashionable crowd and an energy that builds gently through lunch, making it ideal for groups or celebratory trips. Meanwhile, Les Palmiers and Verde Beach lean into a modern, design-forward perspective, offering elevated cuisine and a stylish but relaxed atmosphere without the high-octane scene.
3. Experience Sunset Along the Vieux Port
One of the best things to do in Saint Tropez is to arrive at the Vieux Port just as the sun begins to set. The sunset is absolutely stunning, glowing over the harbor and turning the waterfront into one of the most photogenic scenes in town. If you’re hoping for a romantic walk or beautiful sunset photos, this is the moment to plan around.
There’s no itinerary to follow here. Walk the length of the port, linger near the boats, and ease into the evening. Whether you’re on your way to dinner or simply enjoying the atmosphere, a sunset stroll along the Vieux Port is an absolute must during your time in Saint Tropez.
4. Explore Saint-Tropez’s Historic Sites and Museums
While Saint Tropez is often celebrated for its beaches and lifestyle, the village also carries a surprisingly rich cultural and artistic history. Taking a morning or afternoon to wander through these historic corners adds a beautiful depth to your stay and offers a gentle pause between beach clubs and long lunches.
One of the most meaningful stops is the Citadel, set just above the village. The walk up is scenic, lined with shuttered homes and stone pathways, until it opens into sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Inside, you’ll find a small but thoughtfully curated maritime museum that traces the town’s seafaring past and the lives of the fishermen and sailors who shaped Saint-Tropez long before it became a glamorous summer escape. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, the vantage point alone makes it worth the visit — it’s one of the most breathtaking views on the Riviera.
For art lovers, the Musée de l’Annonciade is an absolute gem. Housed in a former chapel, it celebrates the artists who were captivated by Saint-Tropez in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another charming stop is the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum, located in the former police station where the classic French film Le Gendarme de Saint Tropez was shot. It’s a playful, nostalgic look at the city’s place in cinema, offering a glimpse into a more humorous, light-hearted chapter of its history. The museum is small and easy to pair with an afternoon stroll through the port.
5. Visit a Vineyard and Taste Provençal Rosé
Just beyond the glamour of Saint Tropez, the landscape softens into rolling vineyards, sun-drenched hillsides, and quiet estate roads lined with olive trees. Spending a morning at a local winery is one of the most elegant (and unexpectedly peaceful) things to do in the area. It’s a lovely counterbalance to beach clubs and boutiques, and a beautiful way to experience the terroir that defines this corner of Provence.
One of the most renowned estates near Saint Tropez is Château Minuty, a family-owned vineyard known for producing some of the region’s most iconic rosés. Another lovely option is Château Saint-Maur, a stylish estate set among gentle hills with a refined, contemporary tasting room. The wines here are elegant and expressive, and the grounds are gorgeous — ideal if you’re looking for a vineyard experience that feels polished and design-forward. For something more intimate, Domaine du Bourrian offers a quiet, boutique feel. The property is surrounded by open countryside, and tastings here move at an unhurried pace, making it a wonderful choice for travelers who prefer something understated and serene.
Whether you visit one estate or make a full afternoon of it, exploring the vineyards around Saint Tropez is a beautiful way to slow down and immerse yourself in the flavors of Provence.
6. Go Shopping in Saint Tropez
Shopping in Saint Tropez is as much about atmosphere as it is about what you bring home. The town offers a thoughtful mix of luxury fashion, independent boutiques, and charming local shops, all best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. The most glamorous concentration of designer shopping in Saint Tropez sits around Place des Lices, particularly near the iconic Café Dior des Lices. Here, you’ll find elegant storefronts from major fashion houses alongside polished Riviera-ready pieces — linen dresses, leather sandals, statement sunglasses, and accessories that feel tailor-made for the South of France.
Venture just a few streets beyond the main squares, and you’ll find more small boutiques and independent shops, many tucked into narrow lanes and quieter corners of town. These stores often carry French resort-wear labels, handcrafted jewelry, beach bags, and one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t see everywhere else along the Côte d’Azur. Throughout the village, you’ll also come across inviting pastry shops, coffee spots, and gelato shops.
7. Book a Private Boat Tour
One of the most magical ways to experience Saint-Tropez is from the sea. A boat day reveals quiet coves, soft stretches of blue, and the beauty of Saint Tropez in a way you simply can’t appreciate from land. Whether you choose a half-day cruise around the bay or a longer journey toward Cannes, the experience feels serene and cinematic. Sunset sails are especially unforgettable, as the coastline glows and the village lights begin to shimmer in the distance.
Final Thoughts
Saint Tropez isn’t about packing your days with plans, but about choosing a few beautiful moments and giving them the time they deserve. Whether that means a long afternoon on Pampelonne, wandering La Ponche in the early morning light, or watching the harbor shift into evening, the village reveals itself most fully when you slow down and truly indulge in the French Riviera vibes.
For a deeper, more curated look at the region, you can explore my Ultimate Guide to Saint-Tropez — a 30+ page eBook covering where to stay, the best restaurants and beach clubs, hidden corners worth seeking out, and everything I recommend in even greater depth. It’s the perfect companion as you start planning your own Riviera escape.
