Hidden Gems of Saint-Tropez
AN EIGHT-MINUTE PRIVATE BOAT RIDE FROM COMO LE BEAUVALLON
Beyond its bustling marina and sizzling beach clubs, Saint-Tropez reveals a quieter side, harking back to when the town was a simple fishing village. Here, we share the port town’s best-kept secrets – from cobbled alleyways to vintage couture boutiques – perfect for an afternoon discovering the authentic allure of the Riviera.
Step Back in Time
Step away from the harbour and into La Ponche, the town’s original fishing quarter. Here, narrow cobbled lanes slip between sun-washed pastel façades, leading to the Église de Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption – an 18th-century Italian Baroque church crowned by Saint-Tropez’s unmistakable bell tower.
A Table for Two
Caprice des Deux is a quintessential Saint-Tropez bistro. Seasonal French dishes, a sun-dappled terrace, and effortless charm make it the kind of place you stumble upon once and return to all summer.
Ramparts above the Riviera
Rising above the town, the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez was built in the 17th century to defend the coast from pirates and Ottoman incursion. Walk the ramparts for far-reaching views over terracotta rooftops and the sweep of the Mediterranean, especially beautiful in the late afternoon light.
A Collector’s Treasure Trove
Isabella M Vintage is a cabinet of curiosities, filled with rare vintage jewellery and accessories spanning decades of design, with a particular focus on 1980s and 1990s Chanel – think bold necklaces, ornate brooches and luminous Gripoix glass. You’ll also find standout pieces by Stanley Hagler, Kenneth Jay Lane and Carlo Zini.
An Early Start
On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, locals flock to Les Lices, Saint-Tropez’s market, for fresh produce, Provençal herbs, olives, and artisanal breads, as well as flowers, antiques and handmade crafts. The best seasonal specialties are found before 9am: fresh tapenade, lavender honey, and warm chickpea pancakes.
A Contemporary Edge
Housed in a former 1950s cinema, Bel-Air Fine Art brings an international contemporary programme to the heart of Saint-Tropez. Expect a rotating line-up of blue-chip and emerging names – from Jeff Koons to David Yarrow – in a space that feels distinctly Côte d’Azur.
A Quiet Beach Escape
While Pampelonne Beach draws the crowds, Plage des Salins remains a quieter stretch of sand framed by dunes and pine trees. Crystal-clear water makes it perfect for a late-afternoon picnic or a peaceful swim – especially if you follow the dunes towards the small, unmarked coves.
Saint-Tropez is just an eight-minute boat ride from COMO Le Beauvallon. For more information, or to book your stay, please contact our concierge team.
