Saint-Tropez is a luxury retreat on the French Riviera, famed for its luxurious setting, but is it classed as a city?
Saint-Tropez is so small that it can barely be classed as a town, let alone a city. It has a population of fewer than five thousand people and covers an area of just 5.86 square miles. It’s commonly referred to as either a coastal town or a village.
Read on to learn more about Saint-Tropez and how it accommodates the super-rich and those looking for a taste of luxury.
Sun, Sea, And Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is often considered a French paradise, boasting a fantastic climate, gorgeous beaches, and a plethora of entertainment. It’s located on the French Riviera, between Marseille and Nice, less than fifty miles from the super-rich micronation of Monaco.
This part of the Riviera, or the Cote d’Azur as it’s known in France, enjoys a prestigious position on the Meditteranean Sea. Around seventy-five percent of Saint-Tropez is bordered by ocean, cliffs, and beaches, making it a dramatically popular location with tourists.
However, the emergence of Saint-Tropez as a leading vacation destination didn’t occur all that long ago. Up until the start of the twentieth century, Saint-Tropez was little more than a fishing village, and a tactical military stronghold.
When World War II hit, Saint-Tropez was the first coastal town to be officially liberated by Allied forces. This is likely one of the first occasions people other than locals witnessed the beauty of the area and endeavored to return.
While Saint-Tropez boasts a long and storied history, the majority of its tourism installations and hotels are relatively young. In a few short decades, the town has become one of the leading destinations for holidaymakers visiting the French Riviera.
There are several picturesque and popular beaches around Saint-Tropez, some of which are marked as nudist beaches. Owing to its advantageous position on the Meditteranean, Saint-Tropez boasts a well-equipped port, in which regattas and boat shows are commonly held.
Coincidentally, there are few better places along the French Riviera to enjoy the fine climate of the Meditteranean coast. In the summertime, Saint-Tropez regularly boasts average temperatures of around 74° F.
Keeping It Exclusive
Although the town of Saint-Tropez had humbled beginnings, it’s rated today as the most expensive destination in all of France. As such, it has become a haven for the super-rich, the exclusive, and the elite.
In a survey by a French news outlet, it was revealed that the average cost of accommodation in Saint-Tropez was far higher than in comparable locations. While there is affordable accommodation to be found, it’s not what people go to Saint-Tropez for.
One of the highest-rated hotels in the town is the Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, an expertly-designed and lavishly-equipped construction. This hotel has its own private beach, and a Michelin starred restaurant on site.
If you’d like to book a room here, you’ll be paying around one thousand dollars a night. There are few better ways to experience the luxury that Saint-Tropez has to offer, so it’s likely worth it.
Small In Size, Impressive By Nature
Saint-Tropez is tiny, covering a total land area of just 5.86 square miles. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot packed into the minuscule region.
It’s nowhere near the size of a city, and the population is fewer than five thousand people, meaning it isn’t ever too busy. Although, if you’re going to vacation there at peak times, you should obviously expect it to be packed with tourists.
First and foremost, there are the beaches that positively litter Saint-Tropez. You should certainly spend a little time lounging in the sun, listening to the waves crash against the soft sands, while sipping on a beverage or two.
Saint-Tropez is also known for its substantial markets, which are something of a French tradition. As you stroll through these markets, you can purchase fresh produce, souvenirs, or other locally-sourced goods.
If you’d rather shop in traditional brick-and-mortar stores, you can saunter along to La Ponche, one of Saint-Tropez’ leading shopping districts. There are countless boutiques and emporiums, but the majority of them are independent and considerably expensive.
There’s also plenty of history to soak in while in Saint-Tropez. Whether you’re in the mood for a museum, castle, or historic port, the town has you totally covered.
Although it is quite expensive, Saint-Tropez is considered an incredible location to take a vacation. You might end up rubbing shoulders with celebrities, taking an evening meal on a superyacht, or… Just racking up a massive bill.