Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:02
Did you know that Saint-Tropez isn’t just a hotspot for the jet set ? It’s also made up of 12 municipalities, each more beautiful than the last ! In this blog article, we invite you to discover the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in a different way. Between paradise beaches, medieval villages, and stunning coastal hikes, we promise you a dream week in this idyllic destination. This itinerary is also perfect to combine with other stops during your holidays in the south of France.
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DAY 1 : DISCOVERING THE CHARMS OF GRIMAUD
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is full of hidden treasures and Grimaud is definitely one of them. It’s even considered one of the most beautiful villages in southern France. For this first day, we suggest discovering this medieval village and its surroundings.
The “Pont des Fées” hike
The best way to start the day is by exploring the natural area surrounding the village of Grimaud: the Massif des Maures. Starting from the cemetery, you’ll find a hiking trail that leads you into the wild side of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
By following the white trail markings, you’ll discover along the way :
- La Garde river
- Information panels about local flora and fauna
- Historical remains
- An authentic 16th-century stone bridge : the famous “Pont des Fees” (Fairy Bridge)
- Various wildflowers if you visit in spring
As you loop back toward the village, the trail also takes you past the charming St. Roch mill. From here, you’ll enjoy an incredible view over the Saint-Tropez bay.
👉 Practical information : park at the free cemetery car park / Hiking description
A unique photo spot can be found near the Pont des Fées : cross the bridge and climb down onto the rocks. You’ll get a viewpoint that includes the bridge, the river, and Grimaud Castle in the distance.
If you want to see the river flowing, it’s best to visit in late winter or spring, a few days after rainfall.
The medieval village of Grimaud
After this nature walk, you can return to the village by foot or by car. Be aware that most parking spaces in the village are subject to a fee.
If your morning walk made you hungry, Grimaud is full of charming restaurants. We personally recommend tasting the delicious tapas at “Jeff et Ju”!
Grimaud is one of those villages with cobbled streets that instantly transport you back to medieval times. In addition to the castle, Grimaud is home to the oldest church in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. To explore the village properly, the best approach is simply to wander through its narrow streets, you’ll be charmed by historic buildings and flower-filled little squares.
Next, head up to the castle ruins ! You’ll need a bit of determination to reach the top, but you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view over the “Plaine des Maures” and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The ruins are very well preserved and make it easy to imagine what the castle once looked like in medieval times.
For us, the best time to visit Grimaud is in May and June, when the blooming bougainvillea give the village an even more romantic atmosphere.
– Mini Train Excursion –
Opt for a classic yet original way to get around : a mini tourist train ! It takes you through the provençal countryside from Port Grimaud to the medieval village of Grimaud. An audio guide shares the village’s history along the way. Once you arrive, you’re free to explore the village, stroll through its flower-filled streets, admire the castle, and enjoy lunch at one of its charming restaurants.
– A lively evening near Saint-Tropez –
For an energetic evening, we recommend stopping by the funfair ! Located between Gassin and Saint-Tropez, Azur Park is open from April to early September. A mini-golf course is also located nearby.
DAY 2 : THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HIKE NEAR SAINT-TROPEZ
After Grimaud, start your second day with what is, in our opinion, the most beautiful coastal hike on French Riviera. With landscapes reminiscent of the Maldives and the Seychelles, you’ll be amazed at every turn !
Discover Bonporteau Bay, from the Escalet beach to Cap Taillat
Starting from the Escalet beach, the coastal trail leading to Cap Taillat winds through a unique and wild landscape. You’ll pass some of the most beautiful turquoise-water coves in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. There are countless opportunities for swimming breaks along the way. You may even be surprised to see rock formations reminiscent of those in the Maldives ! In resume, the panoramas are breathtaking from start to finish.
👉 Pratical Infos :
- Beginning : Escalet beach
- Parking : limited and subject to a fee during peak season, arrive early in July and August
- Distance & duration : approx. 2 hours for 5 km round trip if you stop at Ranc beach, at the foot of Cap Taillat
- Difficulty : easy, even for young children. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
– The same hike, but on the water –
This area is just as stunning when explored from the sea if you have a paddleboard or canoe. The coastline offers wild, idyllic scenery and access to more secluded coves. If weather conditions allow, you can even paddle all the way around the majestic Cap Taillat. For rentals, head to the sailing school at the Escalet beach, where equipment is available. Launching is done directly from the beach.
– A cool alternative –
Add a catamaran excursion along the coast to your itinerary. Relax on board, dive into crystal-clear water, and explore the surroundings using the kayaks and paddleboards provided. Be sure to book your sea excursion in advance !
Exploring the mighty Cap Taillat
After Ranc beach, you can continue hiking to climb Cap Taillat, a wild peninsula offering stunning panoramic views. From higher up, you’ll enjoy a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape : on one side, the luminous Bonporteau Bay and its paradise-like coves; on the other side, the more secluded the Briande beach.
A secret beach in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: the Briande
On your way back along the coastal path, you’ll discover one of the region’s treasure : the Briande beach. It’s also one of our favorites among the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Less accessible than others, it boasts golden sand and crystal-clear water. It’s rarely crowded, even in peak season, you can sometimes feel almost alone !
– A simple and relaxed evening –
To end the day, why not enjoy a drink in La Garde-Freinet ? This small village near Saint-Tropez is very lively during the season. Far from yachts and bling, you’ll enjoy a relaxed evening in an authentic setting.
⚠️ When planning hikes in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, be sure to check in advance for fire risk alerts and possible forest access restrictions, especially during periods of strong winds or heatwaves. > Map of access to forest areas in the Var
DAY 3 : RELAXING ON THE RAMATUELLE’S BEACHES
After two busy days of travel, it’s time to slow down and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation !
The famous Saint-tropez’s beaches
Made famed by the french actress Brigitte Bardot, Ramatuelle is loved for its long stretches of white sand and turquoise sea. The most famous of these beaches is Pampelonne Beach. Stretching over 4.5 km, it runs along the municipality and is the source of its international reputation. Thanks to its size, you can always find a quieter spot, no matter the time of year.
Pampelonne is also known for its iconic private beach clubs and more or less exclusive bars and restaurants. It’s an experience to try at least once if you’re visiting Saint-Tropez !
Continuing along the coast, you’ll reach Tahiti beach, which is just as beautiful, though smaller.
👉 Pratical infos : parking is subject to a fee during the season (late March to mid-October), with prices varying depending on the time of year. Parking is free every day from 5 p.m. to 11 a.m..
- Pampelonne beach : public parking often fills up in peak season. An alternative is Parking de l’Epi — flat rate €7 per day
- Pour la plage de Tahiti : if the public car park is full, you can use a private car park with a daily rate of €10
– An alternative for adventurers –
We’ve found an activity that lets you discover the hidden gems of this stretch of coastline. Set off on a guided kayak tour from Pampelonne, where a guide will show you the beauty of the Ramatuelle nature reserve. Swimming in turquoise water, snorkeling among fish, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez… this sea excursion is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories !
Strolling through the charming stone village of Ramatuelle
To end the day on a peaceful note, head to the village of Ramatuelle. You’ll be enchanted by its cobbled streets and stone houses. During high season, the village comes alive with events and festivals.
The medieval village of Ramatuelle is uniquely built in a spiral shape on the hills of the Castellas Massif. With only a few streets, it’s small but incredibly charming and full of flowers. Along the way, you’ll find artisan shops as well as art and painting studios. The atmosphere is friendly, with small cafés and restaurants featuring terraces, perfect for a relaxing break.
Don’t miss this viewpoint : from the top of the village, you’ll enjoy an exceptional panorama over the entire Pampelonne Bay.
– Dinner in a beautiful setting –
The “Pomme de Pin” restaurant in Ramatuelle is located just before Tahiti beach. Its natural décor made of driftwood and lush vegetation gives the place a unique charm. The food is well-prepared and flavorful. Be sure to book in advance, it’s often fully booked !
DAY 4 : SAINT-TROPEZ OUTSIDE THE BOX
For this fourth day of exploration, we take you to the most famous town in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: “St Trop’”!
From Canoubiers Bay to Cap Pinet: a beautiful hike
To break away from the clichés of a flashy, show-off destination, we start the day by the sea in a wild, natural setting. Beginning at Canoubiers (Canebiers) Bay, this coastal walk is absolutely stunning. Rock-carved stairways and small coves with crystal-clear water, this hike is a visual feast.
The coastal path takes you past some of Saint-Tropez’s wildest beaches :
- Canoubiers beach set in a calm bay (lifeguarded)
- La Moutte beach with its sandy spit reaching into the sea (one of Saint-Tropez’s most beautiful beaches)
- Les Salins beach with a lagoon just behind it (lifeguarded)
- La Garrigue beach, a beautiful wild cove where you truly feel alone in the world
👉 Pratical infos :
- Duration : 4 hours round trip
- Distance : 12km
- Elevation gain : +110m
- Hiking description
Along the way, you’ll pass legendary spots associated with Tropezian celebrities. Don’t miss La Madrague, the famous residence of the french actress Brigitte Bardot and Canoubiers Bay, once home to the beach restaurant featured in the popular TV series “Sous le soleil”.
Visiting the iconic village of Saint-Tropez
Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, Saint-Tropez is one of the most visited villages in the Var, with tourism continuing to grow year after year.
Once a fishing port surrounded by cobbled streets and colorful façades, Saint-Tropez is now trendy, upscale, yet still deeply authentic, and it’s likely this perfect balance that draws visitors in. The atmosphere of Saint-Tropez can’t truly be described; it must be experienced. Still, here are some of the village’s must-see spots:
Now a famous marina on the French Riviera, filled with massive yachts and colorful waterfront buildings. At the far end, just before the tower, you can still spot a few “pointus”, traditional local fishing boats. You’ll also pass the iconic red-fronted café : Sénéquier.
Narrow streets and shops showcasing local craftsmanship.
Held every morning in the passage connecting the port to “Place aux Herbes”. Seafood lovers can enjoy tastings in a friendly atmosphere.
A true postcard image of Saint-Tropez with its pink and yellow bell tower. Open to visitors in the mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For lunch, we prefer La Ponche beach, set against colorful façades typical of the region. Les Graniers beach, just after the citadel, also offers a lovely setting with a “feet-in-the-water” restaurant.
Housed in the former gendarmerie made famous by the film “The Gendarmes of Saint-Tropez”, starring the legendary actor, Louis de Funès.
Held on the famous “Place des Lices” every tuesday and saturday morning. You’ll find textiles, local fruits and vegetables, and decorative items.
Worth visiting even outside market days. You might join, or simply watch, a lively game of petanque. You may even spot a celebrity !
Overlooking the village and part of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, this 17th-century fortress now houses the Maritime History Museum. We recommend walking up from the village via the cobbled streets.
The hill around the Citadel is lush and green, making it an ideal spot for a stroll or to watch the sun set behind Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church.
– Restaurant with a courtyard –
For a relaxed evening with a friendly atmosphere, we recommend booking a table at “Le Petit Cabanon”. This cozy spot features a beautifully arranged garden and mainly serves Italian specialties, such as delicious pinsa and charcuterie boards.
DAY 5 : A STROLL THROUGH THE PROVENÇAL VENICE
For this new day on the French Riviera, we head back to Grimaud, but this time down by the coast, to discover the charms of the “little Provençal Venice.”
Port Grimaud and its colorful houses
Port Grimaud is a rather surprising place, and even a unique one in the south of France. A town crisscrossed by canals, with colorful buildings right on the water’s edge… You could almost believe you were on the island of Burano, just a few miles from Venice !
Designed by architect François Spoerry in the 1960s, this Mediterranean-style lakeside town has nothing to envy the City of the Doges. However, don’t expect to explore it by gondola : here, visits are done on foot, by electric boat or by coche d’eau, small collective boats powered by solar energy.
If you choose to explore Port Grimaud on foot, here are a few highlights not to be missed :
- The realistic paintings scattered across the façades of the lakeside town, be sure to see the one in Market Square
- The arcades at the entrance to the Marina, reminiscent of Venice
- The stained-glass windows designed by Victor Vasarely inside Saint Francis of Assisi Church
- The town is made up of 12 islands and 14 bridges, including one wooden bridge
- Spoerry’s house, built in the shape of a tower
- The pebble mosaic on the floor of the covered passage in “Market Square “Place du Marché”
- The magnificent ceramic fountain in Place Spoerry
- The bell tower of Saint Francis of Assisi Church, offering a stunning panoramic view over the canals from its rooftop terrace (€2)
– An enriching guided tour –
Kill two birds with one stone by joining a private or group excursion to discover the beauty of Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud. Your guide will take you to both iconic and lesser-known spots, while sharing fascinating stories about these places.
The Grimaud beaches
After this colorful and original visit, there’s nothing better than a relaxing afternoon on one of the 8 beaches around Port Grimaud. Fine sand and clear waters make them perfect for unwinding. Personally, our favorites are Beauvallon beach and Grimaud Sud Beach.
– Late afternoon idea –
Wander through the streets of the old town of Cogolin and discover the Courrieu pipe-making tradition ! Cogolin is world-famous for producing briarwood pipes, crafted from wood harvested directly in the Massif des Maures. The shop is open from Monday to Saturday. Be sure to call ahead if you wish to visit the workshop.
DAY 6 : A DAY AT SEA IN THE GULF OF SAINT-TROPEZ
We continue this 7 days trip in Saint-Tropez and beyond by heading out to sea ! And for those who suffer from seasickness, don’t worry, we’ll also suggest an alternative 🙂
Discovering the coastline by canoe
This day promises to be amazing ! Sparkling white sand, crystal-clear water and almost deserted coves, welcome to Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer… You can choose to relax on Rayol beach, a beautiful place with all amenities (toilets, restaurant, bar, hotel), or follow us on this little journey in paradise. If you don’t already have equipment, you can rent a canoe or paddleboard from the beach restaurant L’Escale.
Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by :
Just 10 minutesaway from the rayol Beach, you’ll come across a stunning cove located just below the “Domaine du Rayol”. Accessible only by sea, it will win you over with its golden sand and secluded atmosphere.
Right after this cove, still overlooking the “Domaine du Rayol”, you’ll paddle along a magnificent stretch of coastline. Between crystal-clear waters and countless fish, you can spend long moments observing the seabed. This is also where an underwater trail is located, featuring an exceptional variety of marine life.
About 30 minutes after setting off, you’ll arrive in paradise ! An incredibly beautiful bay with small coves and almost deserted beaches (except for the many boats in summer!). This is one of our favorite places in southern France. A vacation day spent relaxing, swimming, sunbathing or reading a book… In a word : perfection.
👉 Practical information : parking at Rayol beach is generally easy, though in summer it’s best to arrive early. The approximately 20 parking spaces located on Avenue de la Reine Jeanne are free all year round.
Domaine du Rayol and its Mediterranean gardens
If spending a full day at sea doesn’t appeal to you, here’s a great alternative. You can enjoy one of the nearby beaches and then stroll through the gardens of the Domaine du Rayol. You’ll discover Mediterranean landscapes and botanical gardens from around the world. We particularly loved the cactus plantations with their unique shapes ! Allow about 3 hours to explore the estate.
Domaine du Rayol
DAY 7 : A PARADISE HIKE IN LA CROIX-VALMER
For your last day in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, we’ve found a hike with breathtaking views. As always, don’t forget your swimsuit, there are plenty of swimming spots along the way !
An exceptional coastal trail
In La Croix-Valmer, starting from Gigaro beach, you’ll follow an 8 km (round-trip) coastal path for about 2 hours. Along this hike, you’ll pass small fine-sand coves with exotic names: “Calanque de l’Îlot du Crocodile”, “Calanque d’Aiguebonne”, and Jovat beach, which is one of our absolute favorites. You’ll also enjoy stunning views over the coastline before reaching Brouis Beach. This wild beach is a snorkeling paradise and remains relatively uncrowded even in peak summer.
An alternative to finish on a high note
After a refreshing break, you can continue toward Cap Lardier to admire the impressive views over the Saint-Tropez bay. You can then :
- Retrace your steps back to Gigaro Beach,
- or continue on to Cap Taillat and complete a loop by returning inland. This option takes a little over 5 hours (itinerary description)
After the hike, take time to relax on the beautiful Gigaro beach. With its fine sand and azure-blue water, it offers all the necessary amenities as well as several restaurants.
– Late afternoon in Gassin –
To wrap up your vacation in southern France, discover this charming medieval village just a few kilometers from Saint-Tropez. Perched on a promontory, Gassin offers exceptional views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Golden islands, and the Massif des Maures. After admiring the view, stroll through the village streets or visit the botanical garden L’Hardy Denonain. And above all, don’t miss the narrowest street in the world : L’Androuno !
Best time to visit Gassin: at sunset, when pink and orange hues spread across the sea and the Massif des Maures, truly spectacular.
Where to stay in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez ?
There are so many places to stay in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez that choosing can be difficult. To help you decide, we’ve put together a small selection of villages.
For lively holidays
If you’re looking to party, we obviously recommend staying in Saint-Tropez. Even though the destination offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path nature, Saint-Tropez remains a must for nightlife.
Our favorite : Kube Hotel, a 5-star hotel located just before entering the village.
❤️ What we love :
💸 Budget €€€€
To combine nature and nightlife, consider La Figuière hotel, nestled among vineyards and located just 650 meters from Pampelonne beach and its beach bars.
❤️ What we love :
💸 Budget €€€
For bohemian, nature-filled holidays
If you prefer peace and quiet during your stay in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, we recommend villages such as Grimaud or Gassin. Here are two hotels we particularly like :
In Grimaud, Le Clos des Oliviers offers furnished tourist apartments.
❤️ What we love :
💸 Budget €€€
In Gassin, Bello Visto, a charming and romantic hotel.
❤️ What we love :
💸 Budget €€
For family vacations
If you’re traveling with children in southern France, we recommend Cavalaire-sur-Mer. Its beaches are perfect playgrounds, with white sand and shallow waters.
We suggest Hotel Belle Vue, close to the beaches.
❤️ What we love :
💸 Budget €€€
Budget-friendly vacations
Hotels in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez can be quite expensive, but there are still some places offering more affordable accommodations, such as Cogolin or Le Plan-de-la-Tour.
– OUR OPINION –
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is one of our favorite places on French Riviera and it will become yours too once you visit ! Between villages, beaches, and coastal trails, this peninsula offers everything you need for a perfect 7 days trip in Saint-Tropez. In this blog article, we’ve shared the essentials of what to do in there. However, there’s so much more to see if you stay for two or three weeks. We’ll be telling you more about it very soon !
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What an incredible post ! So rich, so beautiful, so exciting ! Thank you for this magnificent work! You give me a thousand ideas to come back and explore south of France !
Thank you very much for these enthusiastic words! It makes us happy to know that the post inspired you ♥️