Only 3km from the heart of Saint-Tropez, Villa De Charme is set within a gated domaine and enjoys stunning views towards the glistening bay from its hillside setting.
Walking out of the domaine, you will find yourself on the coastal road leading to Saint-Tropez – within around 10 minutes on foot there is a small beach for a spot of swimming (note that there is no pavement along the main road). Alternatively, drive a little further to sandy Plage de Cogolin (3km) backed by pine trees.
It’s wonderful to be just a short distance from Saint-Tropez (3km) – head off early to avoid the summer crowds. Stroll around the former fishing village’s characterful lanes with boutiques, enjoy lunch in a harbourfront restaurant, potter around the old quarter accompanied by the sound of church bells, and embrace the vibrant ambience of the Provençal market that takes place on a Thursday and Saturday morning. As evening nears, soak up the glitz of one of southern France’s glamourous destinations and perhaps enjoy a sunset cruise from the marina.
Indeed, there is a wide range of summer boat trips from luxury skippered yachts to whale and dolphin-watching excursions and ferries to other parts of the French Riviera. Beyond the historic town centre, drive to Plage de Pampelonne (7km), the iconic stretch of coastline so loved for its exclusive beach clubs (Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach, for example) and watersports.
The medieval hilltop village of Gassin (6km) is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ - fall in love with its picturesque narrow lanes, passageways and old stone houses. You are also well located for Golf Club Saint-Tropez (4.5km) and the Polo Resort & Country Club (4km). Meanwhile, there are wine-tasting opportunities at Saint-Tropez’s vineyards and wine châteaux (close to Gassin).
Other picture-perfect villages include artistic Ramatuelle (9km) and flower-filled Grimaud (9km), both with excellent restaurants, pretty shops and glorious views of Saint-Tropez Bay. Port Grimaud is also worth visiting with its canals, bridges and colourful houses – enjoy a boat tour and look out for the charming Monday evening market in the height of the summer.
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.
