La Belle Refuge

La Belle Refuge enjoys a spectacular sea-facing setting next to Plage de l'Escalet. This is an incredibly picturesque corner of the French Riviera below hilltop Ramatuelle (5.5km), around a 15-minute drive south of Saint-Tropez (11km).

From the end of the garden, cross a little path and you will by the rocky ledges with direct access to the sea. Just a minute or two away is Plage de l'Escalet, a small sheltered bay with azure-coloured clear water for swimming and snorkelling. Seasonal watersports here include sea-kayaking and paddle-boarding. This area is ideal for keen walkers - a coastal hiking path leads past small coves towards Cap Taillat.

In the height of the summer you will usually find a little kiosk open for snacks and drinks and there is a good-sized supermarket around a 3km drive away. The villa benefits from two car parking spaces which is fantastic as the resort, despite being fairly remote, can get busy in the summer. The nearest restaurants are either in Ramatuelle or at the southern end of Plage de Pampelonne, both around a 10-minute drive away.

Ramatuelle (5.5km) is a beautiful village to explore with its flower-filled medieval lanes, lovely restaurants, art galleries and 16th century church. Enjoy glorious views of the Côte d’Azur from its hilltop location.

South of Saint-Tropez, Plage de Pampelonne is around 10 minutes in the car. Along this 5km long sandy beach discover summer restaurants, exclusive beach clubs and a range of watersports including pedalo hire, jet-skiing and windsurfing.

Saint-Tropez (11km) is of course a wonderful trip out whether experiencing the authenticity of its twice-weekly market or dining in a gastronomic restaurant in the evening. The medieval centre is full of charm whilst the marina is impressive with its mega yachts. Look out for boat tours of the French Riviera as well as ferries towards Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime and beyond.

Take time to visit other gorgeous Côte d’Azur villages including Gassin (11km) and Grimaud (19km) or venture west towards the vineyards of La Croix Valmer. Plage de Gigaro and its surrounding beaches, some of the region’s most stunning coastline, is only 12.5km away by car.

Read more about Saint Tropez

Once a traditional fishing village, Saint-Tropez is now one of the most glamourous destinations of the Côte d’Azur and welcomes visitors from across the world.

However, there’s more to Saint-Tropez bay than exclusive beach clubs, glitzy boutiques and fine dining restaurants. From the family-friendly beaches of Sainte-Maxime to the vineyards of La Croix Valmer, Oliver’s Travels guests can truly admire this enchanting corner of the French Riviera whilst staying in one of our handpicked villas in and around Saint-Tropez.

Soak up the luxurious yet laidback vibe of Saint-Tropez as you wander around its marina lined with huge yachts contrasting colourful fishermen’s houses overlooking the bay. The old quarter is a warren of winding lanes with French designer boutiques, picturesque cafes and restaurants whilst Place des Lices hosts a vibrant Provençal market on a Tuesday and Saturday morning. Enjoy the most glorious vistas from Saint-Tropez’s 17th century citadel and maritime museum. Boat trips are another superb way to tour this part of the coast and passenger ferries cross the bay.

Just south of the town, follow Brigitte Bardot’s footsteps as you visit one of Plage de Pampelonne’s exclusive beach clubs, the most famous being Le Club 55 (always book well in advance). Stretching over 5km, Pampelonne’s long sandy beach is also loved for its vast range of summer watersports including jet-skiing, windsurfing and paddleboarding.

The picture-perfect villages of Saint-Tropez bay are beautifully located to make the most of the French Riviera scenery. On the hillside overlooking Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle has attracted artists and writers over the years and is full of charm – look out for performances during its theatre and jazz festivals in the summer months. Meanwhile, hilltop Gassin is classified as one of France’s 'Plus Beaux Villages’ whilst flower-filled Grimaud is such a pretty medieval village with yet more stunning views of the coast.

Driving into the Maures hills, discover the characterful villages of La Garde-Freinet and Le Plan-de-la-Tour surrounded by oak and chestnut forests, a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-riding enthusiasts and other outdoor adventurists.

Back to the coast, take a boat tour of Port Grimaud, known as the ‘little Venice of the Côte d’Azur’, and experience its atmospheric Monday evening summer market. Across the other side of the bay, Sainte-Maxime is a lovely sheltered seaside town with pretty cafes, a daily market and gorgeous beaches. Families adore this area – there are tree-top adventures, tennis, mini-golf, a water park and coastal paths for biking and hiking.

Golf-lovers can appreciate a choice of courses – Golf Blue Green as well as the prestigious Beauvallon Golf Club and Golf Club Saint-Tropez. Wine connoisseurs should head to the wine châteaux of Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne as well as the vineyards of La Croix Valmer.

Not forgetting the idyllic shores of soft sand and crystal-clear sea of La Croix Valmer’s coastline from Plage de Sylvabelle to Plage de Gigaro, also home to a wonderful coastal walking trail with the most incredible flora and fauna alongside sensational views of the Mediterranean as you hike towards Cap Lardier and beyond.