Summer comes with yearning for the sun, the scent of the sea, beautiful sunsets and shared moments. It is also the time we travel around the world, explore different cultures and recharge for the active working season. I want to take you to a rally iconic place, located on the shores of southern France.

Think of the scene from the movie, “Catch a Thief,” in which Cary Grant and Grace Kelly look at a beautiful bay up from the hills, in their light-blue cabriolet. Yes, it is Saint Tropez, or, simply, the most popular holiday destination in Europe.

And that’s so long before Bridget Bardo with “And God created woman” to turn the little fishing village into a legendary coastal town, the pearl of the Cote d’Azur.

This epicurean paradise attracts the wealthy and well-known today who fly on their luxury boats or helicopters to the rocky peninsula to have a drink at Le Club 55 on Pampelonne Beach or at the Byblos Hotel Les Caves du Roy night club. These cult places, barnacled with Mediterranean hedonism, make Saint Tropez the hottest party spot on the map during the summer season.

Here’s our survey of how to enjoy it:

Vieux Port

Start with the “old port”. The water boasts luxurious yachts and small fishing boats, and on land there are all the chic restaurants, bars and cafes. The first and most famous is Senequier. You will recognize it by the red chairs and triangular tables where all the famous people who might come to your mind have drunk their cocktails at.

The old Town

Cobbled little streets, shops, galleries and cafes. Take the lively Rue de la Citadelle, which leads to the historic center of the fishing village and its most picturesque part.

Art

For a dose of art, stop by at the Musee de l’Annonciade, located in the building of a former chapel dating back to 1510. There are the works of Paul Signac, Henri Matisse and other popular artists.

The locals

The Place des Lices is the square where you can feel the authentic atmosphere of the real Saint Tropez. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, there is the Provencal market with colorful and aromatic fruit, flower and local products. Café des Art is the place where local people gather.

Night life

Among the first three places in Saint Tropez, which pulsate in a party beat after midnight, are Les Caves du Roy, Vip Room and Gaio. There the heels are high, the dress is scarce, and the champagne – a lot.

Stay, dine & shop

Most high-end fashion brands have stacked their latest collections in stores around the resort. In the center of Saint-Tropez and at the beaches are situated some of the most beautiful hotels in the world, a true embodiment of the idea of ​​”luxury”. We recommend Villa Marie, which is located on the hill, as well as Byblos Hotel and Residence de la Pinede. Most restaurants in the resort and their chefs are awarded with Michelin stars, which is another reason why Saint Tropez is among the most expensive holiday destinations in the world. The iconic Le club 55 is among the places we recommend for good food too. It was established in the 1950s and its name comes from the year the legendary production “And God created the woman” was set (1955), which officially put St Tropez on the map.

Yachts

The beach is an essential part of the holiday, but it is nice to be complemented by a trip on the water. There are many boats you may rent hire to experience Saint Tropez in a different way.

The regatta La Nioulargue is an exclusive spectacle of arriving and departing luxury boats, which you can enjoy in the beginning of October.

Bon Voyage …