Information
Landmark: Saint Tropez Old TownCity: Saint Tropez
Country: France
Continent: Europe
Saint Tropez Old Town, Saint Tropez, France, Europe
Overview
In Saint-Tropez, the Old Town-Le Vieux Village-brims with history, its narrow cobblestone lanes winding past pastel houses and the scent of fresh bread drifting from tiny cafés.It’s a sharp contrast to the sleek, glittering corners of Saint-Tropez, offering a peek at its beginnings as a quiet fishing village where nets once dried in the sun.Let’s start with a few highlights of Saint-Tropez’s Old Town-think narrow cobblestone lanes and sun-warmed pastel walls.1.Place des Lices sits at the heart of the Old Town, where friends gather under the shade of tall plane trees.Cafés spill onto sunny terraces around Place des Lices, where locals and visitors linger over coffee, watch a game of pétanque, or browse the little shops nearby.On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the square bursts into a bustling market filled with ripe tomatoes, jars of local honey, antiques, and handmade crafts.Towering above the Old Town, the 16th‑century Citadel once guarded Saint‑Tropez against pirates; today, it’s home to the Musée de l’Histoire Maritime, with ship models, faded maps, and artifacts telling the town’s seafaring story.From the Citadel’s summit, you can take in sweeping views of the glittering Mediterranean and the clustered rooftops below.Down at the Old Port, Saint-Tropez’s seafaring spirit is on full display, with bright fishing boats bobbing beside sleek luxury yachts.Cafes and restaurants line the waterfront, where you can sip coffee while watching boats drift across the harbor and the town hum with life; wander the port and you’ll pass centuries-old buildings in pale pinks and sun-faded blues, then lose yourself in the Old Town’s narrow, twisting streets made for slow, unhurried walks.Strolling through the narrow lanes, you’ll see old stone buildings with balconies spilling over with red geraniums, their shuttered windows casting cool shadows above tiny boutique shops.The timeless pastel façades beg for a photograph, and at the heart of it all stands the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, a treasured Old Town landmark.Just steps from the port, the church stands out with its tall, pale stone bell tower.Inside, sunlight spills across vivid artwork, including an 18th‑century Assumption of the Virgin, and intricate carved wood.A short walk away, La Maison des Papillons-a small yet captivating museum-shows thousands of butterfly specimens from every corner of the world.This offbeat little spot brings a splash of greenery to the heart of Old Town, where sunlight spills across narrow streets lined with art galleries and boutiques-a nod to the town’s rich history with artists and makers.You can wander from bold modern canvases to hand-carved wooden bowls, all displayed in the cozy, light-filled galleries.Despite its reputation as a glittering hotspot, Saint-Tropez’s Old Town still hums with the warmth of its authentic charm.The newer parts of Saint-Tropez sparkle with designer boutiques and upscale dining, but in the Old Town, tradition still hums through narrow, sunlit streets.Here, you’ll find cozy cafés and inviting restaurants where you can linger over a cappuccino or a plate of fresh seafood.Savor fresh seafood, Mediterranean favorites, or even a flaky, buttery croissant as you take in the hum of street cafés, then wander into Saint-Tropez’s Old Town to find its quieter, more storied heart.The town may be famous for its luxury, but the Old Town keeps its charm-narrow streets, sun-faded shutters-and offers a window into its past, making it a must for anyone seeking the real Saint-Tropez.
