The Allure of Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a popular seaside town on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the French Riviera. It became world famous in the 1960s and 1970s with tourists vying to see celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot who had a villa there (and still resides there today). In fact, when Brigitte Bardot was proposed to by one of her suitors, Gunter Sachs (a German multi-millionaire), he dropped hundreds of roses from a helicopter onto her estate in St. Tropez.

Brigitte Bardot and her neighbor Sami Frey in St. Tropez, 1963
© Michel Royon / Wikimedia Commons

The most famous hotel in St. Tropez is the Hôtel Byblos which opened in 1967. The inauguration of the hotel was an international event highlighted by the presence of Brigitte Bardot and her husband (at the time), Gunter Sachs. The hotel draws celebrities and visitors for the luxurious amenities and setting as well as their famous club, Caves du Roy. The nightclub is known by the stars as being paparazzi-free and has hosted private events for stars such as Elton John. Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones proposed to his first wife, Bianca, at the hotel in the 1960s. The hotel also has a luxury spa and a fine restaurant by the world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse.

Petanque

Tourism is the main economic driver of St. Tropez and has several festivals throughout the year. One of the well-known events is Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez from the end of September to the beginning of October and features the gathering of some of the most extraordinary yachts and sailboats from across the globe with numerous races throughout the event.

St. Tropez is also known for more than just the beautiful beaches, super-sized yachts and the glamour of celebrities. One of the most popular places in town is the Place de Lices, which is a great place to play the popular game of petanque with locals and visitors, shop at the market on select days, and to try their famous dessert, the Tarte Tropezianne, at any of the local cafés.

Saint-Tropez Harbor