In the Var department of France, Le Rêve Maritime is set within a gated estate by the coast near Plage de Gigaro, only 2.5km from La Croix Valmer and 14km from Saint-Tropez. Toulon Hyères Airport is less than an hour away whilst the nearest train stations with TGV services from Paris are Les Arcs-Draguignan (47km) and Saint-Raphaël Valescure (44km).
There is direct access from the villa via a small path down to a small and remote bay along this part of the idyllic coastline. The picture-perfect Plage de Gigaro is 2km away, alongside a small handful of summer beachside restaurants, backed by the coastal hiking path leading towards Cap Lardier. Smaller beaches include Plage de Sylvabelle (reached via steps) and Plage d’Héraclée, all with azure-coloured sea perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This really is an incredible part of the Côte d'Azur.
La Croix Valmer (2.5km) is a charming village surrounded by vineyards, home to a Spar grocery store, boulangerie, pharmacy and a small selection of shops and places to eat. There are plenty of opportunities for wine-tasting in this area.
Other idyllic villages nearby include Gassin (8km) and Ramatuelle (11km), both with glorious views of the Mediterranean from their hilltop setting, and flower-filled Grimaud (15km) with its lovely shops, restaurants and château ruins.
In the other direction is the family-friendly seaside resort of Cavalaire-sur-Mer (5.5km) with a fantastic 3km long sandy beach, summer watersports, boat trips, inviting restaurants, supermarkets, a weekly market and overall an authentic holiday vibe. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere by the marina throughout the day in the height of the summer.
The allure of Saint-Tropez (14km) also awaits, a former fishing village of colourful houses, a warren of medieval lanes, a vibrant twice-weekly market alongside upmarket boutiques, bars and restaurants. South of the town, Saint-Tropez’ Plage de Pampelonne (14km) is known for its watersports and exclusive beach clubs including Le Club 55.
If you can find the time, visit Port Grimaud (13km) on a summer evening to embrace its joyful ambience. Often called the ‘Little Venice of Provence’, look out for canalside restaurants, boat tours around the colourful port and summer markets.
The Region
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.
