One Day in Saint-Tropez Itinerary: A Day Trip from Nice

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by Paola Drexler


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Nestled on the French Riviera, the swanky town of Saint-Tropez is well known for being a hotspot for the rich and famous. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and thumping nightlife, spending a day exploring Saint-Tropex is an excellent way to get to know this area of the Côte d’Azur.

More than just stretches of sand, chic boutiques, delicious restaurants and buzzing nightclubs, Saint-Tropez is the perfect picturesque town in the South of France to explore for a day.

How Many Days in St Tropez?

If you have limited time for your Saint-Tropez itinerary, then I do think that one day is definitely enough to do the city justice.

The main sites are within easy reach from each other, so you can leisurely stroll around enjoying all the delicious French pastries and delicacies while getting the full St Tropez experience.

However, there are lots of beautiful beaches and other areas to explore should you have 2 days in St Tropez or more to spend.

Town of Saint Tropez
Town of Saint Tropez

Getting To & Around St Tropez

From Nice, there are no direct trains to St Tropez, however, you can hop on an SNCF train that travels from Nice-Ville to Saint-Raphaël Valescure station. You can view train schedules here.

This is just north of St Tropez. Here, you can grab a taxi to the town or, if you want to get on the water, even hop on a ferry.

For those who prefer to drive on their own, the journey will take roughly 2 hours with no traffic but you’ll get to drive along the coast for a bit and see more of the area. You can browse rental car options here.

If you’re looking for a slightly more luxurious alternative, there’s also a ferry you can take from Nice to St Tropez that takes just over 2 hours. With this option, you’ll have a stunning view of the French Riviera and the St Tropez pier with the city behind it as you arrive. You can book ferry tickets here.

Finally, there are also a number of guided tours available such as this small group tour if you prefer to go with an organised group.

Port of Saint-Tropez
Port of Saint-Tropez

1-Day St Tropez Itinerary

St Tropez Vieux Port

You’ll start your time in St Tropez at the iconic harbour that attracts people from all over. Here you’ll find some of the largest and most impressive boats, as well as pastel-coloured buildings lining the harbour.

Place des Lices Market

Just a short 10-minute walk from the harbour, you’ll come across Place des Lices Market in the old town. Here you’ll find a lovely market in the morning on Tuesdays and Saturdays that sells flowers, souvenirs and fresh produce. In the square, you may find locals playing a game of “boules,” the French ball game.

At the Place des Lices Market, you’ll get the feeling of the old charming St Tropez, as you’ll have a break from the luxury side and shop alongside locals.

You can also simply take in all of the hustle and bustle and people-watch at a streetside café while experiencing all the beautiful fresh produce that makes up the local cuisine. And those who want to explore the local food and wine further will love this guided food tour of the city.

Citadel of Saint-Tropez Museum of Maritime

After the Place des Lices Market, you’ll walk to the Citadel of Saint-Tropez Museum of Maritime, where you’ll get a breathtaking overview of the city from above. The museum is located at a fortress from the 16th century.

While in the past the fortress used to protect the city from possible invasions, it now houses historical maritime artefacts and various treasures like a ship from the 16th century. Here you’ll learn about St Tropez’s interesting seafarer history and more.

Citadel of Saint Tropez
Citadel of Saint Tropez

Cimetière marin de Saint-Tropez

When thinking about visiting a cemetery, you might picture a gloomy setting, however, at the Cimetière Marin de Saint-Tropez, you’ll get to experience a unique kind of cemetery. From here you’ll have the sea as a beautiful background and contrast to the light-coloured tombstones.

You’ll walk by the film site Brigitte Bardot graced, as well as the resting place of numerous well-known French people.

La Ponche Beach

As you make your way through the old part of town, you’ll head to La Ponche Beach next, to soak up the sun, fresh sea air and incredible view. At the beach, you can rest and relax, while admiring the stunning colourful houses and the surroundings.

Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption de Saint-Tropez

In the heart of the town, you’ll see a stunning church named Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption de Saint-Tropez that was built in the 18th century and has a Baroque touch to it. It’s an important religious and cultural site in St-Tropez and is a must-see spot for anyone interested in art, history or architecture.

When you look inside the church, you’ll find that it is equally stunning, with beautiful stained glass windows, the grand altar and a collection of sculptures and paintings dating back to the 16th century. The church has a number of significant relics, including a piece from the veil of the Virgin Mary and of the True Cross.

Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption of Saint-Tropez
Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption of Saint-Tropez

Senequier

Before heading back to the harbour, indulge in a delicious treat at one of the most popular and famous cafes in the city – Senequier.

The cafe originally opened in 1887 and it has seen its fair share of celebrities. At the cafe you can enjoy more than just pastries if you’re craving some seafood, you’ll have lobster, wild sea wolf, salmon and lots more to choose from.

Although the cafe may be on the pricier side, you deserve to treat yourself on your one day in St Tropez. The food along with the view is definitely worth it!

If you opt for public transportation or the ferry ride to get to St Tropez, you can also head back to Nice on the ferry and enjoy an incredible sunset.

Have 2 or 3 Days in St Tropez?

If you have more time and want to spend 2 or 3 days in St Tropez, there are so many activities you can add to your trip. While you can see most of the popular spots in one day, with more time, you can explore the surrounding areas near the city that are just as breathtaking.

Beaches

When looking for fun things to do that won’t break the bank, you can rent a chair or take a beach towel to lay on a beautiful beach, whether it’s a nudist one or not, and you can do this for free. Have a picnic on a beach, do some water activities or simply relax with a good book.

Some of the most popular beaches and beach clubs in or near St Tropez include Pampelonne Beach, Tahiti, Salins and La Croix-Valmer. Each beach is unique and nevertheless magnificent.

Pampelonne Beach in Saint Tropez
Pampelonne Beach

Chapelle Sainte-Anne

Named after the Virgin Mary’s mother, the Saint Anne Chapel dates back to the 16th century. Over the years, the chapel has been used for different things, such as a prison, storage facility and now a cultural centre.

The chapel now hosts various events like concerts, weddings, art exhibitions and other cultural events. It’s intimate atmosphere and beautiful interior make it a unique and special place to visit in Saint-Tropez. The chapel is also surrounded by picturesque streets and buildings, adding to the charm of the area.

Wine Tasting

France is known for being at the top of the list for producing the best wines. If you’re interested in sampling some local vintages, you can tour one of the many scenic wine tours in the area near St Tropez.

Learn everything there is to know about French wine, while enjoying a few glasses, or bottles, out in the beautiful vineyards.

Ramatuelle

Less than 10 km from St Tropez, you’ll come across the charming village of Ramatuelle, with narrow streets you can stroll through and dreamy white sandy beaches.

In Ramatuelle, you’ll experience the traditional Provençal of any traveller’s dream. Whether you plan to lounge on the beach, try some water sports or tour a vineyard, there is plenty to do in the area.

Coastline near Ramatuelle
Coastline near Ramatuelle

Cap Camarat

From St Tropez’s Port, Cap Camarat is about 13 km away. In France, the lighthouse is known as the second highest in the country at 36 meters high and it was built in 1829. Even today, the lighthouse still helps guide ships on the Mediterranean Sea and ensures they get to their destination safely. 

Gassin

Gassin is also known for its fine wines, with several vineyards surrounding the village that offer wine tastings and tours. Visitors can sample local wines such as the famous Côtes de Provence and learn about the winemaking process from the experts.

For those who love the outdoors, Gassin is a great base for exploring the nearby beaches and natural parks, such as the Massif de l’Esterel and the Port-Cros National Park. One can also enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding in the surrounding countryside.

Port Grimaud

As it was only built in 1960, the seaside town of Port Grimaud is relatively new and with its Venetian-inspired canals, bridges and architecture, it’s even nicknamed “The Venice of Provence” and makes for a popular place to visit.

Since the canals are one of the most charming and best ways to explore Port Grimaud, renting a small boat and touring the town on the water is a great way to admire the stunning town. For a great view from above, visit the Church of Saint François of Assisi and climb to the top to better take the whole town in.

Port Grimaud
Port Grimaud

Where to Stay in Saint-Tropez

Hotel La Romarine – This 3-star hotel has a range of delightful rooms to choose from along with tennis courts for guests to use and a beautiful swimming pool to lounge in.

Le Pre de la Mer – This swanky hotel has a number of plush rooms to choose from, a gorgeous swimming pool to splash around in, plenty of amenities for guests to enjoy (like a spa/wellness centre) and breakfast available.

Appartement centre St Tropez – This apartment comes fully furnished, it has a great location for exploring the city, and it is comfortable and equipped with everything you may need during your stay in the French Riviera.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more St Tropez hotels!

Whether you decide to spend one day in St Tropez or more, there is plenty of activities and adventures you can go on in the area. You’ll be in a luxurious atmosphere without breaking the bank and enjoying all the French Rivera has to offer.

Are you visiting St Tropez? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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Paola

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

Comments

  1. Hello, can you take the ferry from Nice to get a great view of the port of St Tropez from the water, then take the train back from St Raphael? Would you recommend this to have more time to spend in St Tropez? Or would you not risk missing the train back same night? Traveling 8th October for the regatta Thanks!

    Reply

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