Villa Gainsbourg

Just inland from the glistening Côte D’Azur, around 10km from the heart of Saint-Tropez, Villa Gainsbourg is located a short drive from the charming village of Gassin. It is set in a residential area, just off the main road which links Port Cogolin and the bay to La Croix Valmer to the south.

There is a bakery around 500m away whilst the nearest restaurants and a supermarket are just over 2km by car, towards the coast, where you will also find Port Cogolin, its marina and surrounding beaches. The closest beach, 3km by car and next to the marina, has a couple of summer restaurants and gorgeous views over the bay towards Saint-Tropez.

The tiny old village of Gassin (4km), perched high on a rock, is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Take lunch at one of the restaurants on medieval Place dei Barri and admire the panoramic views over the bay of Saint-Tropez and beyond. It is said that both old Gassin and the picturesque neighbouring village of Ramatuelle (8km) were built as an escape from pirates who were ravaging the coast below.

Also nearby is the glamour and allure of Saint-Tropez (10km) with its classy restaurants, glitzy marina and twice weekly markets. Discover its charm in the old fishing quarter of La Ponche with its village atmosphere and little beach. Just outside the town, five kilometres of sand stretch along the famous Pampelonne beach set in a long bay dotted with expensive yachts. There are plenty of public areas or spot A-listers at one of the many beach clubs, including one of the legends of Saint-Tropez, Club 55.

Take a trip along the canals and by the colourful houses of Port Grimaud (3km), known as the “Venice of Provence”, which is heavenly for those who love boats, or try out water sports, golf, tennis and horse riding nearby.

Take a break from the coast and visit another enchanting village, medieval Grimaud (8km) standing guard on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez or head in a different direction towards La Môle (14km), a peaceful village in the mountains and forests of the Maures, an area perfect for hiking, horse-riding and mountain biking.

Heading south around ten minutes by car, the fine sanded and clear watered Heraclée beach is one of the many to be found near La Croix Valmer, a charming village with pavement cafes, shops, a great Sunday market and local vineyards where you can sample excellent wines. There are so many beaches, coves, restaurants and nature reserves along the 6km of coastline here which has a fine coastal path, making this a wonderful spot for walkers and nature lovers.

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.