Glamour and jet set

© Kristen Pelou

The south of France scores with a special "Je ne sais quoi": dramatic landscapes stretch along the coast like a Van Gogh painting, picture-book villages transport you back to the medieval past, and wonderful scents - be it lavender, juniper, or sea salt - linger in the air. Although the entire Côte d'Azur makes for unforgettable moments in the summer, no place packs the charm of Le Sud quite like Saint-Tropez. A small harbor town that was established in the 1950s as a meeting place for the intelligentsia and upper class - and still lives up to this reputation today.

© Getty Images

There's no question about it: Saint-Tropez attracts guests from all over the world with its beach clubs, art galleries and restaurants - and is therefore anything but an insider tip. Nevertheless, you can enjoy the lively port city in all its facets even in summer, you just have to be in the right place at the right time. A visit to the iconic market at Place des Lices, which is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is a must. But the early bird catches the worm. Those up early and there punctually at eight o'clock, enjoy the freshest delicacies before relaxing comfortably on the beach, while the rest fight their way through the crowds.

© provided

The fact is: Saint-Tropez is the epitome of the good life, whatever you associate with it. Be it sandy beaches, colorful alleys, luxurious yachts, high-end shopping, fabulous food or hip bars - "La vie en rose" is the philosophy of summer here.

Best beach clubs

Loulou Ramatuelle

© Marc de Delley

An ode to the sweet life, undeniable glamour and a dash of self-irony: designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac's creative hand has created one of Saint-Tropez's hotspots par excellence here. Despite the exclusivity, the atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the direct access to the beach is incomparable. On the plates, regional ingredients experience their moments of glory; highlights include carpaccio of gilthead sea bream with citrus, truffles, and chimichurri dressing, and linguine alle vongole, reinterpreted by Chef Benoît Dargère. 

Loulou Ramatuelle
Plage de Pampelonne, 1080 Chem. des Tamaris, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Tel.: +33 4 94 79 80 04
Web: loulou-ramatuelle.com

Tahiti Beach

© Mauritius Images

The hotel's restaurant of the same name pulls out all the stops directly on the hotel's private beach and serves fresh food from the sea, pizza from the stone oven and cool drinks for hot days. Whether it's a quick snack or extensive lunches and dinners - gourmets will get their money's worth here.

Tahiti Beach
Quartier du Pinet 1153, route de Tahiti, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Tel.: +33 (0)4 94 97 18 02
Web: tahiti-beach.com

Bagatelle

© Kristen Pelou

The epitome of joie de vivre and a love letter to the French way of enjoying - summer dreams come true at the iconic Pampelonne Beach. Not only the delicious Mediterranean food, but also the desserts are legendary here. Don't miss: the chocolate pizzetta!

Bagatelle Saint-Tropez
Les Tamaris, Chem. de Matarane, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Tel.: +33 4 94 79 83 25
Web:  bagatelle.com

Where to stay

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez

© Fabrizio Marco Nannini

The stylish interplay of white and azure in the luxurious rooms and suites, the sound of the sea, the gentle treatments in the spa and the culinary flair of Chef Arnaud Donckele make for a feast for the senses.

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
Plage de la Bouillabaisse, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Tel.: +33 4 94 55 91 00
Web: chevalblanc.com
Price: doubles from €2500

La Réserve Ramatuelle

© Grégoire Gardette

A tribute to the golden age of the 1950s and 1960s, this luxury resort transports guests back to a time when art and culture ruled Saint-Tropez. In addition to groundbreaking design, you'll find wellness offerings that are second to none; in addition to the posh rooms, there are also gorgeous villas with four, five, or six bedrooms.

La Réserve Ramatuelle
736 Chem. des Cretes, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Tel.:  +33 4 94 44 94 44
Web: lareserve-ramatuelle.com
Price: doubles from €1400

Pan Deï Palais

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Originally built in 1835 as a private residence for the Indian princess Bannu Pan Deï, the palace not far from the Place des Lices is today one of the most romantic hideaways on the entire Côte d'Azur with only twelve enchanting rooms. Nestled amidst a maze of small paths and palm trees, you'll find a perfect oasis of tranquility right on the Mediterranean.

Pan Deï Palais
 52 Rue Gambetta, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Tel.:  +33 4 94 17 71 71
Web: airelles.com
Price: doubles from €850

Where to eat

Gigi Ramatuelle

©RomainRicard

Far from Paris, the iconic restaurant here invites you to its beach house. In the peaceful oasis, time stops while you enjoy the great gastronomy and the paradisiacal surroundings.

Gigi Ramatuelle
1050 Chem. des Barraques, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Tel.: +33 4 22 40 00 30
Web: gigi-restaurant.com