Saint-Tropez is a dramatically popular location on the Mediterranean that is usually accessed by yacht, but is it an island?
Saint-Tropez isn’t an island, but it is bordered mostly by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s actually a small and picturesque coastal town located on the French Riviera, in between Nice and Marseille.
Read on to learn more about Saint-Tropez, the surrounding region, and why it’s such a popular location.
The Picturesque Playground
Saint-Tropez’s history stretches back thousands of years, to the Ancient Greek period, but it really only became famous in the last one hundred years or so. The storied background to Saint-Tropez includes brushes with Roman occupation and a World War II operation that kicked off on its beaches.
Located on a charming outcropping along the French Riviera some way between Nice and Marseille, Saint-Tropez enjoys beautiful weather all-year-round. It isn’t an island, but it is surrounded on almost all sides by the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.
Today, Saint-Tropez is considered a playground for the super-rich celebrities in the world, having found popular with the ‘jet-set’ personalities of the 1960s. In 1954, legendary actress Brigitte Bardot brought fame to the region following the release of And God Created Woman, a film set in the area.
In the last seven-or-so decades, the region has grown exponentially both in status and wealth, and these days, the streets are densely packed with luxury and celebrities. Those that don’t reside there permanently are often seen arriving in helicopters and yachts to spend a weekend soaking in the Mediterranean sun.
The historic port of Saint-Tropez is often seen packed tight with superyachts, and many people who visit the region tend to take a little time ‘yacht-hunting’. If you’re not interested in the machines on the water, perhaps you’ll try spotting a Lamborghini or Ferrari roaming the streets.
As Saint-Tropez’s popularity grew, so too did the roster of celebrities that frequented the area. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Jay-Z and Beyonce, or Lady Gaga, should you ever visit Saint-Tropez.
Time For A Vacation
However, it isn’t just the super-rich who can afford a vacation in Saint-Tropez – although, they certainly will fare the best. In truth, anybody can take a week or so within the confines of the tiny, French town, and it certainly won’t break the bank on every occasion.
As long as you shop around and make use of price comparison websites, there’s no reason why you couldn’t have an affordable vacation in Saint-Tropez. There are plenty of options where accommodation, eating, and shopping are concerned, and you don’t really need to splash the cash to enjoy yourself.
Once you’ve made your way into Saint-Tropez – which is a bit of a task in itself – then you’re free to explore the historic streets, fields, and beaches of the region. There are countless things to do in and around Saint-Tropez, and it’s unlikely you’ll go a single day there without finding an activity.
There are around forty beaches that skirt the edges of Saint-Tropez, so if you want to lounge on the sand and take in some sun, there’s no better place to do it. There is also a fine assortment of history on display, from the citadel building to the old port, and from the museums to the galleries.
If you feel like picking up a few new products, then you can head down to the densely-packed shopping quarters located within Saint-Tropez. Although they mostly cater to high-class brands, there is still a collection of outlets and department stores for the average shopper to enjoy.
If you explore the quarter that sits adjacent to the yacht-filled harbor, you’ll find stores such as Louis Vuitton and Dior. There’s something special about stepping off the deck of a superyacht and onto the sun-bleached streets of a luxurious coastal town lined with lavish shops.
There’s nothing wrong with window shopping, of course. If you can’t afford a fifteen thousand dollar Louis Vuitton bag, there’s nothing stopping you from browsing aimlessly before sauntering into the patisserie next door and purchasing a pastry.
Ultimately, Saint-Tropez is one of those special locations that simply must be experienced at some point in your life. There are few locations as iconic or popular along the entire French Riviera, and the extremely clean streets of Saint-Tropez remain welcoming at all times.
Who knows, maybe one day you too can arrive by superyacht or by helicopter, and sit directly alongside the world’s elite in Saint-Tropez’s finest restaurants.