Saint-Tropez

The town of Saint-Tropez owes its name to the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Victor de Marseille, who named it San-Torpes . In the 11th century, these monks, who owned the peninsula and all the surrounding land, built a chapel here, which they called "Ecclesia Sancti Torpetis," in memory of the martyr Torpetius of Torpes.

In 68 AD, Torpes, Nero's steward, was tortured and beheaded in Pisa on Nero's orders for refusing to recant his recent Christian faith. His body, along with a rooster and a dog, was then abandoned in a boat to the waves carried by the Ligurian currents and washed up on the shores of the Gulf.

Meanwhile , Saint-Tropez has become a trademark, the name of which cannot simply be used as a brand name.

Contemporary Saint-Tropez is a unique destination where glamour and authenticity collide. Once a modest fishing village, it is now known worldwide as a place where artists, celebrities, and bon vivants mingle—but it has never lost its Provençal soul.

The world-famous harbor offers a surprisingly diverse spectacle: thoroughbred racing yachts, large pleasure boats, sleek offshore silhouettes, and, right at the end of the quay, the traditional fishermen's pointus boats, which seem to sleep in the basin, waiting to set sail again at dawn to conquer the sea...
This is also the time when exhausted night owls gather on the nightclub terraces . And finally, later in the morning, happiness can be found quite simply, comfortably seated in the armchairs on the harbor terraces, enjoying breakfast...

Wander through the maze of narrow alleys in La Ponche , admire the colorful facades, visit the church of Saint-Tropez with its ochre-yellow bell tower, or climb the Citadel for a panoramic view over the sea and rooftops.

The Place des Lices is the village's vibrant heart: by day, a market filled with Provençal scents, regional produce, and crafts, and by night, a place where locals play pétanque under the plane trees. In the nearby boutiques, luxury brands and artisanal finds alternate. Whether you're dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a small bistro by the water, Saint-Tropez always serves with style. Sample the famous tarte tropézienne , local rosé, and fresh fish from the Marché aux poissons .

From the fashionable Plage de Pampelonne to picturesque coves such as Plage de la Ponche and La Fontanette , Saint-Tropez offers sun worshippers and swimmers a mix of lively beach clubs and tranquil hidden spots.

Willem Vandenameele