Insider's Guide: Saint-Tropez

Think Saint-Tropez and images of pristine sands, glamorous women and jet-setting billionaires come to mind. And this little town on the French Riviera more than lives it up to its reputation. If your idea of an idyllic summer getaway involves siestas by the sea, long, leisurely walks and impossibly chic French boutiques and cafes, then Saint-Tropez is the place to be.

(image courtesy of Design Hotels)

SHOP

Atelier Rondini

The Rondini family has been in the sandal-making business since 1927, which is good enough reason to pick up a pair of their handmade St Tropezienne gladiator sandals.

http://www.rondini.fr/en

Two words: vintage couture. Scoop up the likes of Gucci, Chanel and Prada haute couture, shoes and handbags at this can’t-miss shop.

http://www.ledepot-saint-tropez.com/

BlaBla Store

This literal cave of treasures stocks an ever-rotating roster of labels and designers curated from around the globe.

https://www.facebook.com/Blabla-Saint-Tropez-mode-femme-v%C3%AAtements-et-accessoires-684017718291535/

Eres

Head to this iconic French boutique for swimwear, beachwear and lingerie.

https://www.eresparis.com/

The Box

This eclectic shop is home to quirky handbags, accessories and sunglasses from brands like Les Petits Joueurs, Yazbukey and Ilesteva.

https://www.facebook.com/theboxsainttropez83/

Marinette

Your one-stop shop for all things home, from high-quality linens to tableware to lighting and more.

http://www.marinettedecoration.com/

VISIT

Morning Market

Held at the Place des Lices square every Tuesday and Saturday morning, expect to find everything from clothing to handmade soaps to French linens to locally made olive oil here.

http://www.saturdaymarket.com/Saint-Tropez/place.htm

                                                                                                                                    Musee de l’Annonciade

As if the draw of works by Matisse, Braque and Seurat wasn’t enough, the modern art museum—a beautifully restored 16^th century chapel—is a visual treat in itself.

https://www.facebook.com/annonciadesainttropez/

La Maison du Papillons

This museum is unlike any other you’ll visit—rather than works of art, it contains 35,000 different butterfly species.

https://www.facebook.com/papillonssainttropez/

EAT

Bar du Port

This all-day bar and restaurant is the perfect place to stop by for anything from a quick midday glass of wine to a long, leisurely meal.

http://www.barduport.com/

La Pesquiere

Feel like taking a break from all the glamour? Head to this no-frills spot that’s a favorite with locals for its fresh seafood.

http://restaurant-pesquiere.fr/

Le Café

This historic café has been around since 1789, so it’s clearly doing something right. All variety of seafood, pasta and grilled meats feature on the menu but you could just as well pop by for a drink and some people-watching on the terrace.

http://www.lecafe.fr/fr/accueil.html

Les Caves du Roy

If you’re looking for a wild night out, look no further than this hot spot that’s been a favorite with A-listers since the 1970's.

http://www.lescavesduroy.com/

STAY

Hotel Ermitage

Owned by a Swedish graffiti artist, each of the 24 rooms has been designed by one of his famous friends (the likes of Christian Louboutin and Marc Newson).

http://www.ermitagehotel.fr/homepage/

Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez

Set amid two acres of lush greenery—think palm, olive and pine trees—this hotel marries luxury, nature and design.

http://www.hotelsezz.com/saint-tropez

The Byblos

If it’s good enough for Brigitte Bardot, Jack Nicholson and Cher, well… you know how it goes.

http://www.byblos.com/

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