In St. Tropez, at the heart of the French Riviera, the sun really does shine brighter and the Mediterranean is truly bluer. Or maybe that’s just the effect of the chilled rosé going to your head when you visit St. Tropez. If long leisurely lunches and days spent poolside interrupted only by shopping for Provencal handicrafts are what led you to St. Tropez travel, the historic charms of this seaside town will be a bonus.

Nestled along the French Riveria and a short drive from Nice or Cannes, St. Tropez is one of the liveliest towns along the coast during the summer. Vacationers delight in the sandy beaches, culture, gourmet food and hot nightlife of St. Tropez. The wealthy Plage Port Grimaud is the best beach to see and to be seen lounging in a Burberry bikini. Plage de Tahiti is notorious for its “unspoken” clothing-optional policy and risque atmosphere.

The best beaches for families can be found at Plage de la Bouillabaisse, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Jumeaux, which also offer beachside playgrounds. Plage de Pampellone is 3 miles of beautiful beaches, bars and places to stop for snacks.

Not a beach person? Lunch like the French in a cozy cafe overlooking the harbor and take in the people and the ritzy yachts in the harbor. Prowl around the open-air markets for hidden antique treasures, break out the credit cards for shopping at the upscale boutiques, or curb your spending and settle on a quality bottle of olive oil or wine from Provence.

Partying like a celeb at Les Caves du Roy, the hottest nightclub in town, inside the hottest hotel in town, the Byblos where you can have a pizza at 7am and only than going to sleep (Tip: Be sure to dress the part!)

Soaking up the glamorous scene and celeb-spotting on popular Nikki Beach.
Perusing a collection of some 4,500 rare and endangered species of butterflies at La Maison des Papillons.

Getting There
Visitors traveling on private or business airplanes can land just miles from St. Tropez at Saint-Tropez Air Developpement. Other guests may choose to fly into the airports at Nice or Toulon-Hyeres. Those hoping to take a train to St. Tropez from another destination may find a train into Gare des Arcs or Gare de Saint-Raphael.

Shopping is amazing there each boutique and cafe is a pleasure to see …

If you want to travel to St. Tropez when it is its most glamorous and buzzing, then go in July or August. You’ll find, however, that hoteliers are well aware how coveted their rooms are then, and you’ll pay dearly to stay. The weather is still good in May, June, and September. Off-season St. Tropez can be charming, even if you can’t expect beach weather.

Provenciale cuisine has gained recognition outside of this region as Mediterranean food is celebrated from chic restaurants in New York to hidden gems in the middle of America. For a true Provenciale treat, try the dish that have made this cuisine famous: boullaibaise accompanied by a fine glass of burgundy or bourdeaux from a local vineyard. Foodies shouldn’t leave town before indulging in dinner at gourmand Alain Ducasse’s noted restaurant Spoon Byblos at the Hotel Byblos. Les Mouscardins is another well-known local restaurant serving up classic Proveciale cuisine in a glamorous setting, while Chez Maggi is a favorite with the locals.

Getting There
Visitors traveling on private or business airplanes can land just miles from St. Tropez at Saint-Tropez Air Developpement. Other guests may choose to fly into the airports at Nice or Toulon-Hyeres. Those hoping to take a train to St. Tropez from another destination may find a train into Gare des Arcs or Gare de Saint-Raphael.