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Beautiful people, beautiful place—can you get any more classic than a holiday in St. Tropez? This is where Matisse and Signac came to be inspired, where Guy de Maupassant came to write his bewitching short stories, and where Brigitte Bardot came to simply ooze her famous sex appeal. It is, in fact, Bardot who is credited with putting this dazzling Côte d’Azure town on the map, praising its stunning sands, serene surf, and can’t-be-beat nightlife. Whether you crave a little sun amongst your own people, far away from prying eyes, or you desire a little sin in the famous Club 55 or Byblos, St. Tropez will absolutely deliver. Not to mention the phenomenal shopping, you absolutely must pick up a pair of famous Tropezianne sandals or a classic Eres bikini. Although high season is a bit pricier, it’s definitely the time to see and be seen. We’ll see you there.
Musée de L'Annonciade Place Grammont Tel. 04.94.97.04.01 St. Tropez was once the center of the action for the 20th century avant-garde artists, Matisse, Signac, and Seurat to name a few. This museum houses their work and more in a 16th century chapel, putting together a collection that is focused, relatively small, and pretty unbelievable. If you get tired of being with beautiful people, take a break and look at some beautiful art instead.
Suncap: Boating 15 quai Suffren Tel. +33.04.94.97.11.23 www.suncap.fr If all the lying on the beach is getting you down, get up and grab a boat. There’s nothing more glam then jetting off to one of the islands close by for lunch. You can choose from a variety of different models, all of which come with a captain and crew, so you can just sit back and sun while cruising the salty spray.
Octopussy: Diving Tel. +33.04.94.56.53.10 www.octopussy.fr A well-regarded dive center, Octopussy offers dives for both the beginner and the more experienced diver. Beginners can go out with their own personal instructor for the day in order to master the basics, while the seasoned divers can jump right in for some phenomenally beautiful diving.
Tennis Club of St. Tropez Route des Plages Tel. +33.04.94.97.15.52 http://www.nova.fr/ust-tennis/index.htm Just because you’re on vacay doesn’t mean your game has to go to shambles. Head to the Tennis club where they have hard and synthetic courts and a variety of professionals at the ready.
Domaine de Bertaud-Belieu Route de Ramatuelle Presqu'île de Saint-Tropez Tel. +33.04.94.56.16.83 www.bertaud-belieu.com Kick back a few glasses of wine at the Domaine de Bertaud-Belieu, a winery that claims to have been involved with the wine business since Roman times. Tastings and tours are all part of the fun, and it’s a total bonus that the grounds happen to be absolutely stunning.
Le Palm 26 Rue des Charrons Tel. +33.04.94.96.42.89 www.lepalm.net Very new and very Now, Le Palm offers a respite from the midday heat with delectable salads and yummy entrees that combine the best in Mediterranean and Provençal cuisine. Dine in the back garden with its delicious big white umbrellas and colorful madras tablecloths.
Sénequier Quai Jean-Jaurès Tel. +33.04.94.97.00.90 www.senequier.com Opened in 1887, Sénequier still has a family-run feeling of an intimate café that just happens to serve delicious pastries and their famous nougat and candied fruits. Sit outside at one of their red-and-white checked tables and watch the passers-by, knowing that you could be sitting where Signac or Collete sipped their morning cup of cafe.
Spoon Byblos In the Hotel Byblos, av. Paul-Signac Tel. +33.04.94.56.68.00 Alain Ducasse’s Parisian outpost in St. Tropez, Spoon Byblos is one of those restaurants that absolutely must be visited during your stay. Star-power aside, this eatery has a knockout menu full of Mediterranean delicacies that will have you asking for seconds (in secret of course). Stay later for the famous bar scene—it’s worth it.
Club55 Blvd. Patch, Plage de Pampelonne Tel. +33.04.94.55.55.55 http://www.club55.fr/ Bardot named this beachside spot her favorite nearly fifty years ago and the glow still hasn’t faded. The steady stream of celebs, socialites, and all-around very important people will provide you with the best of people-watching, nevermind that the food is delicious. It’s impossible for anybody to pull strings for the beach cabanas, so just relax, sit where you’re told, and be grateful that you get to be a part of such a beautiful culture.
La Voile Rouge Route des Tamaris 83350 Ramatuelle An alternative to the famous Club 55, La Voile Rouge, it’s argued by some, is way better. Though it is without the Bardot stamp of approval, this beach hotspot has similarly beautiful people and delicious gastro-options.
Villa Romana Chemin des Coquettes Tel. +33.04.94.97.15.50 http://www.passvilla-romana.com/ Everyone from Diddy to George Clooney visits this St. Tropez institution, serving some of the best Italian food outside of Italy itself. Very Versace-feeling décor along with delectable Italian favorites, like truffle-accented anything and homemade pastas with exquisitely fresh seafood, this restaurant is tops.
Villa Tosca Between Rue F. Sibilli and Rue G. Clemeceau Tel. +33.04.94.97.15.50 http://www.passvilla-romana.com/tosca Villa Romana’s secret new sister restaurant, identifiable only by a brass plaque and a solid oak door, Villa Tosca is the hottest new restaurant to open in the last few years. The same Italian inspired cuisine as Romana, Tosca seems like the fresher younger sibling with leopard print walls and a multi-lingual graffiti.
Joseph L’Escale 9 quai Jean Jaures Tel. +33.04.94.97.00.63 One of the many outposts of Joseph’s gastro-empire, Joseph L’Escale is the perfect restaurant alongside the port where you can leave your yacht for a while, while you enjoy delicious fresh seafood. Discuss with your fellow patrons the intricacies of yachting in the South of France.
While you can always find your fashion faves in St. Tropez (Dolce, von Furstenberg, Plein Sud all have outposts), we think it’s better to go for the local specialties, the items that your friends will be fawning over back home.
Rondini 16 Rue Georges Clemenceau Tel. +33.04.94.97.19.55 http://www.rondini.fr/ A visit to St. Tropez is never complete without a visit to this fashion institution. Come and pick out a supremely cool (and extremely sturdy) pair of sandals (gladiator, thongs, strappy, etc., etc.) made by the house of Rondini, in business since 1927. You’ll up your cool factor by owning a pair, although be sure not to slap ‘em on fresh from the shop—wear them in at home to give them the ‘I’ve had them forever’ look.
KJacques 25, Rue Allard or 16, Rue Seillon Tel. +33.04.94.54.83.63 http://www.lestropeziennes.com/index.htm If sandals are your aim, you could also head to island favorite, K.Jacques, where similarly hand-made sandals (though perhaps they might carry more of a variety of styles) reign over the boutique with names inspired by the gods and goddesses of yore.
Eres 2 Rue Gambetta Tel. +33.04.94.97.27.97 http://www.eres.fr/en-us/ Didn’t come prepared bikini-wise? No problem. Head to this boutique to pick up a French icon: the Eres bathing suit. Bikinis, one-pieces, and other delectable creations in swimwear and lingerie await at this delicious fashion house’s outpost in St. Tropez. Even if you came completely prepared, who can resist picking up a little something at Eres?
Baz'arte Rue de la Nouvelle Poste et Place de Croix de Fer Tel. +33.04.94.97.09.49 www.saint-tropezdesign.com If you’re looking to redecorate and feel like going Euro-chic, Baz’arte is the perfect place to get started. This boutique carries a ton of sleek, modern home accessories, everything from tables to trinkets, and as an added bonus, they also do design consulting, so you can get your very own home consultation miles away from home. If that’s your plan though, be sure to bring pictures and few specs so they can truly transform your pad.
Au Lion de Sable Avenue Paul Roussel Tel. +33.04.94.54.83.80 www.auliondesable.com With a similar concept to Baz’arte, Au Lion de Sable surpasses its design store in terms of luxe availability and the additional claim to interior architectural design. Lion de Sable really knows how to conceptualize the entire room—brilliantly, too—and so offers a few more amenities, like beautiful frescos, painting, and even painting restoration.
Victoire 34 Blvd. Louis Blanc Tel. +33.04.94.55.41.01 www.victoire-paris.com If you always wonder how French men and women look so fashionable, Victoire is your answer. This St. Tropez outpost of a Paris favorite is sure to stock something that you absolutely must bring home. Fun and flirty fashion is their aim and their boutique is filled to the brim with chic classics and bright trends—something for everyone.
Pierre de Lune 9 Avenue Foch Tel. +33.04.94.97.53.00 Beautiful and beachy, the jewelry designs found at Pierre de Lune combine the natural splendor of real seashells with the brilliancy of gems. Find sapphires and shells strung on pretty rope, or a multitude of other looks. Designer Madame Françoise Santaella follows the tide, however, so she’s only open during peak season.
Vachon 17, quai de Suffren Tel. +33.04.94.97.01.03 http://www.boutiquevachon.com/ Artists and celebs have been coming to this prêt-a-porter for over a century! Don’t miss out on cool fashion and funky accessories—if it was good enough for Matisse and Bardot, it’s good enough for you!
Les Caves du Roy Hotel Byblos Avenue Paul Signac Tel. +33.04.94.97.16.02 Quite possibly the most famous nightclub in all of France, Les Caves is the place to go while in St. Tropez. Presided over by intense bouncers, who make sure that your privacy is intact, Les Caves is the place to sip some champagne and rub elbows with the famous. Be sure to dress as fabulous as you are, as your Louboutins or Guccis will surely be noticed by your neighbor.
VIP Room Residence du Nouveau Port Tel. +33.04.94.97.14.70 http://www.viproom.fr/sttrop.html Where actual royalty and celeb royalty come to mingle, and more importantly to dance, the VIP room is prime nightlife fun. Definitely book a table ahead so that you’re prepared for the huge crowds, and of course so you can look down on the action while enjoying your bottle service. VIP room is absolutely not for the faint of heart, it’s intense clubbing with the best of the best.
Le Quai Joseph 22 Quai Jean Jaurès Tel. +33.04.94.97.57.77 With their famous black sand patio and live piano grooves, Le Quai Joseph is the perfect nighttime alternative to the more frenetic Les Caves. One of the many under the Joseph’s empire, this cocktail bar also boasts a fabulous sushi menu and a superb cocktail list that wows all year round, even during the week.
Club55 Blvd. Patch, Plage de Pampelonne Tel. +33.04.94.55.55.55 http://www.club55.fr/ Come back to this hotspot at night for similarly great people watching and even better cocktails. Bardot’s favorite never disappoints.
La Voile Rouge Route des Tamaris 83350 Ramatuelle Stay all day or come back at night for prime schmoozing. Pretend not to be impressed as you watch a steady stream of celebs come in and out.
Nikki Beach Route de Epi Ramatuelle Sexy and young is what you’ll find at Nikki Beach, the St. Tropez answer to its Miami sister spot. A great place to lounge, Nikki Beach has been accused by some insiders of being way too American. Decide for yourself as you flirt with the hottie on the next lounge over.
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