Discover the villages that make up the Gulf of Saint Tropez. Each with its own identity and history.
In Gassin
L’Androuno is the smallest street in the world: at its narrowest point, it is 29 cm wide, allowing only one person to pass at a time! It offers all the picturesque charm of the hilltop village of Gassin.
The village of Gassin is one of the 172 villages that have been awarded the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” title. This title is awarded to villages with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants and with at least two sites or buildings that are officially protected (e.g. listed as historical monuments).
In Cavalaire sur mer
Built by Pierre Foncin, geographer and founder of the Alliance Française, the Maison Foncin is an emblematic monument of Cavalaire’s history. Discover the history of the house and of the Foncin family as well as the arrival of the train des pignes in Cavalaire thanks to an exhibition of carefully selected objects, works and maps. It is located is a beautiful area. During a guided tour, enjoy a presentation of the geology, flora and fauna, a subject at the heart of the Maison Foncin’s preservation policy.
In Rayol Canadel
The mediterranean landscape gardens of the Domaine du Rayol cover 20-hectares. It is a protected natural area which is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is located on the corniche des Maures, opposite the islands of Hyères. The garden contains species adapted to the mediterranean environment from all over the world. This garden allows you to travel through the different Mediterranean landscapes of the world.
In Sainte-Maxime
The Tour Carrée, Maison des Traditions, is an emblem of the town of Sainte Maxime. It is one of the oldest monuments in the town. This massive building was built for military purposes. You can enter the building which is now a museum dedicated to local traditions. You can discover everything related to the history of the city, from the traditional costumes of the inhabitants to the history of the landing on the French Riviera.
This long promenade, which runs along the harbour on one side and the shops, cafés and restaurants on the other, is a pleasant place for a family walk. There is plenty of entertainment and at one end you will find the casino and at the other the departure point of the little train which allows you to discover the town and its history.
In Ramatuelle
There used to be 5 mills in use until the 19th century. In 2002, one of the mills was restored and rebuilt using traditional methods of the time. Located at more than 300 meters high, you will have a breathtaking view over the bay of Cavalaire / La Croix Valmer on one side and Pampelonne on the other.
The Cap Camarat lighthouse was built between 1829 and 1832 to the south of the Peninsula of Saint-Tropez. It is the second highest lighthouse in France in terms of the height of its light source which is located 129.80 metres above sea level.
Come and discover the village‘s unique architecture where the little streets spiral up to the top of the village.
In Saint-Tropez
An emblematic figure of the town of Saint-Tropez, the golden bell tower of the Notre Dame de l’Assomption church has been listed as a historical monument since 1981.
The Citadel has been overlooking Saint-Tropez for over 400 years. In the heart of its dungeon, you can discover the museum of maritime history. The citadel of Saint-Tropez will unveil the greatest secrets of the local maritime history.
This fishing, trading and privateer port dating from the Middle Ages, has an 11th century Suffren tower, and is next to a 17th century citadel. Over the years, there have been a number of shipyards here as well as the national school of maritime navigation… The international success in 1956 of the film Et Dieu… créa la femme, directed by Roger Vadim, Brigitte Bardot, and Jean-Louis Trintignant, filmed on the site, contributed to making it an important summer yacht harbour, and one of the emblems of Saint-Tropez, which has become one of the international hot spots for tourism, holidays and festivals.
Located in the old police station, this museum is about the link between cinema history and Saint-Tropez. It is an interactive and immersive place with rooms totally recreated as they were in the past, where you can open drawers, type, and sit in a vintage car.
In Grimaud
A medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century, Château de Grimaud is visible from afar. Nowadays in ruins, the entire enclosure and fortifications have been classified as Historic Monuments since 1996, while the basement is an archaeological site. An open-air theatre has been built, allowing the village to organise summer events there.
Discover this typically Provencal village, perched on top of a hill. You can admire beautiful views of the hills, the surrounding villages and the sea. Its cobbled streets, old houses, windmill, castle ruins and old aqueduct will amaze lovers architecture and medieval history.
A real estate project built in the 1960s, Port-Grimaud has become a must-see. This Provençal lakeside town is one of the best known in the world. Take the time to stroll along the canals, take a boat ride or just enjoy the charm of this “little Venice of Provence”.
In Cogolin
Cogolin is home to three amazing manufacturers of: carpets, pipes and reeds. During your visit to the Rigotti reed factory, you will discover the different stages of the fabrication process. The reeds made here are exported all over the world and allow musicians to produce sound when vibrating. The Courrieu & Fils pipe factory, a living heritage company, has existed since 1802. This family has been creating its pipe models for more than two centuries. And finally, the Manufacture Cogolin is a century-old manufacturer of top-of-the-range, handmade and custom-made carpets. The company’s showroom is open to the public.
In La Garde-Freinet
The Fort Freinet, a fortified settlement from the Middle Ages, is situated on a steep hill overlooking the present-day village of La Garde-Freinet. A remarkable natural site, the panorama is incredible. You can see from the Pre-Alps to the Mediterranean, passing by the woods and mountains of the Maures Massif.
In La Mole
Built in 1991, the La Verne dam supplies drinking water to the population of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Maures region. It is also a place that will appeal to people looking for a relaxing walk along the paths bordering the dam.
In Plan de la Tour
A peaceful little village surrounded by pine and oak forests. It is a great place to start a walk. Plan de la Tour is a calm and charming village surrounded by plane trees where a certain peacefulness of life prevails. A sumptuous nature surrounds the village in the heart of the Maures massif.