Up until a year ago, I thought the closest I would ever get to St. Tropez was my self-tanner. Ps, St. Tropez Self Tanner is definitely one of my favorite winter necessities. I made sure to apply liberally and carefully before traveling to one of the many seaside towns of my distant dreams, St. Tropez.
In summer, nearly 100,000 A-listers and visitors flock to the shores of St. Tropez to dock their yachts and floating mansions in town. So, as opposed to visiting during the peak season, why not try the off-season? Even in winter, St. Tropez experiences pleasant temperatures, rarely dropping below 40° F in January. You will need your St. Tropez Self Tanner, seeing as the sun won’t be shining quite as brightly as it does in July and August, but there are some perks to visiting St. Tropez in winter.
St Tropez is located on the sparkling and icy blue Côte d’Azur, or as we Americans call it, the French Riviera. It sounds so much better when my roomie and tour guide, Doriane, says it in her French accent. So, why go to St. Tropez? Well, apart from the name, St. Tropez is the most famous resort town in Europe. It has been attracting artists, vacationers, and lovers for centuries. Nowadays, the rich and famous frequent St. Tropez and stay on their breathtaking yachts or in the hillside villas just outside of town.
The narrow village streets are similar to many European villages. Quaint and rustic. If it weren’t for the wealthy A-listers docking in town, St. Tropez would be no different from the rest of Europe’s small villages. But, St. Tropez is not average. It is home to world renowned yacht companies, high-end real estate agencies, absurdly priced dining establishments, and the most coveted names in fashion worldwide. Some of the most popular fashion boutiques include Dior, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli and Hermes. Additionally, there are many local, and equally pricey shops scattered between these world famous fashion houses. Most of the luxury boutiques are along rue François Sibilli, but others are along rue Gambetta and the neighboring paths.
During winter, there is not much to do in St. Tropez. St. Tropez is meant for high-end shopping, yachting, a day at the beach, and over-priced dining. Without the sunshine or the cash, many of these activities are not possible. Most restaurants and small shops are closed for the off-season. St. Tropez in winter is quiet and serene. It is exciting to experience the streets sans tourists and elites. I enjoyed taking photos, wandering the winding streets of the old town, and resting for lunch along the port before snacking on a macaron from Ladurée.
If you are not familiar with Ladurée, it is one of the most famous Parisian patisseries. Ladurée was founded in 1862 in Paris and is world famous for their specialty desserts and macarons. Over 15,000 of their macarons are sold each and everyday. If you would like to taste a classically French dessert while in St. Tropez, Ladurée is one of the elite and premier locations to do so. Too full yourself? Ladurée macarons are one of those luxury food items that are perfect for a gift. The St. Tropez patisserie has a cute designer box exclusive to them so that your giftee knows these are the real deal macarons. (Ladurée St Tropez, 1 Rue Georges Clemenceau)
If macarons aren’t your thing, or if you have already had your fair share of Ladurée in Paris, St. Tropez has another sweet treat for you. La Tarte Tropézienne was established in 1955 in St. Tropez. This makes the tartes the most “St. Tropian” dessert to try. The original Tarte Tropézienne is a luxurious combination of two velvety sweet creams sandwiched between a delicate brioche cake. The cakes are dusted with large sugar grains, and voila, a tarte tropézienne. If I had to compare the tartes to something more popular in America, it would have to be cream puffs. These are basically the most delicious cream puffs you will ever eat. The cream is so light and only slightly sweet, lending a perfect balance to the brioche. The sugar grains on top add a perfect crunch to every bite. I would recommend trying a baby trop. Not only are they absolutely adorable, but they are just enough for a busy day of eating and shopping. This shop is a must for any dessert lover. (La Tarte Tropézienne Traverse des Lices)
Atop the village, is the Citadel park and naval museum. You can visit the outside of the Citadel park, or fortified castle for free or pay €2 to get a closer look. The Citadel was built between 1590 and 1607 as a place to protect St. Tropez against intruders. The Citadel offers the best views of the Côte d’Azur and the town below. Getting there is easy as pie. From the port, just keep walking uphill. You will wind up at the steep staircase that leads to the Citadel after only a few minutes. Another perk of winter travel, no lines and no heat! I can only imagine climbing that staircase with my legs sticking together in the midst of a summer heat wave.
Where is your favorite resort town? I would love to hear in the comments below. To read more on my French adventures, check out where I spent Christmas last year!
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