SUNSET SERIES: SAINT TROPEZ

FOR CENTURIES SAINT TROPEZ WAS A PEACEFUL FISHING VILLAGE ALONG THE COTE D’AZUR. OVER TIME IT HAS BECOME FERTILE GROUND FOR ARTISTS WHO WANT TO PAINT IN THE LOCAL COLOR AND LIGHT.

The artist community was strengthened by the arrival of Paul Signac and his invited guests including Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard and Henri-Edmond Cross.  The peaceful artist’s retreat changed forever with the stratospheric popularity of the movie ‘Et Dieu Crea La Femme’ (And God Created Woman) starring a then unknown actress, Brigitte Bardot. The movie was filmed on the now famous beaches of Pampelonne.   St. Tropez became a jet-set location of mega yachts and celebrities.

IT REMAINS A POPULAR HOLIDAY DESTINATION AND HOME OF FANTASTIC LIGHT AND COLOR, ESPECIALLY DURING SUNSET. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS WILL GIVE YOU A FLAVOR OF EVERYTHING SAINT TROPEZ HAS TO OFFER.

BAIE DE PAMPELONNE

The career of Brigitte Bardot was launched by a movie filmed along these beaches.  If you arrive on Saint Tropez via the port, you will need to take a taxi to Pampelonne.  It is only seven (7) miles from port but due to limited roads and seasonal traffic, it can take up 30 minutes or more to ride through the country and past two wineries, which by the way produce some of the region’s most delicious rose’ wine.  The beach extends 5 kilometers from Club 55 to Pampelonne Plage.  Each beach club offers sunbathing beds daily.  During the warmer season it is not unusual to see the beds draped with sunbathing beauties in tiny bikinis sipping a crisp, iced rose’.  Yachts and speed boats are anchored off shore while passengers are transferred to land by various beach club transports.  Lunch is usually served at about 3pm and the party rarely ends before 9pm.  One of the most popular club destinations in Tahiti Beach Club – a nude beach.  We’re not sure if that’s your taste but be warned!  Sunset is usually celebrated at all the clubs with music and dancing.  Depending on the crowd and the amount of rose’ consumed during the day, the celebration could result in tabletop dances and singing.  It is one of the more energetic sunset displays.

THE PORT OF SAINT TROPEZ AND CITADELLE

The area surrounding the port is accented with cobbled streets and elegant old buildings.  In 1892 artist Paul Signac had to moor in the harbor to ride out a storm.  He fell in love with the natural beauty and local light.  He purchased a home and opened an artist’s gallery.  His Saint Tropez gallery quickly became a sought out location to paint and exhibit.  Today the port harbor is lined with artists who practice their craft in the optimal light and with the support of visiting tourist-patrons.  Strolling is ideal in this location as there is ample window shopping, displays of art, peeks at private gardens or gawking at multimillion dollar yachts.  If you feel up to a more energetic stroll, take on the hill leading to the Citadelle.  It is a maritime museum with interesting exhibits and even more opportunities for great panoramic photos.  As the sun begins to set, your options are open.  The Citadelle provides a great vantage to watch the retreating sun.  There are also many restaurants and cafes along to port to offer views of the golden light of the setting sun over the yachts docked and moored in the harbor.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT JOURNEYS TO SAINT TROPEZ?

There are so many different ways to visit the coastal towns of the Cotes D’Azur and Saint Tropez specifically.  PA Travel can assist you by offering an array of tours, cruises and custom packages that spotlight the French Riviera and surrounding area.   We specialize in finding the travel package that meets both your taste for adventure and your budget.  You will quickly discover why we’re recognized as one of the top American Express Travel agencies for ten (10) straight years. Contact a PA Travel agent today.