After checking into Villa Cosy Hotel and Spa and exploring with some tours and wine time, we walked down to have dinner at family owned Marcellino to enjoy Italian and Mediterranean food, located right on the Saint Tropez harbor. After all you are there for the views and what views they are! At this point, your eyes are also hungry to enjoy the views, sights, smells and sound of South of France. We were served family style for this meal paired with rose, which seems to be the go-to when in a group setting in Côte d’Azur. The French Riviera is a medley of multi-cultural meals, each influenced by the many surrounding countries and people that live there.
The walk alone was an experience in Saint Tropez, France. The fashion icon names are just part of the every day lifestyle here.Dior House in Saint Tropez, France is not only a clothing & accessories boutique but also a restaurant run by an award-winning chef Yannick Alleno. If only we were there a whole week!A street scene in front of Gucci in Saint Tropez, France.A first look at the colorful buildings at night in Saint Tropez, France.And of course the row of yachts sitting in the water in Saint Tropez, France. Some people rent them parked for the day to pretend…Loving the purple hues in Saint Tropez, France.It’s tempting to get on a boat in Saint Tropez, France!Hard to see in the dark, this is a huge yacht glowing in the dark in Saint Tropez, France.We entered the restaurant tired but ready to eat in Saint Tropez, France.Our table’s bottle of rose in Saint Tropez, France.We ordered a pizza like prosciutto bread which filled the tummy well in Saint Tropez, France. Cheese in France is generally poured on top of dishes.A large group salad was shared in Saint Tropez, France. I like that fresh veggies is served with every meal.I enjoyed the chicken which was cooked perfectly on a bed of vegetables and carbs in Saint Tropez, France. Dessert was a blur for me!
The next morning after a restful sleep but awake way too early, it began to pour cats and dogs in Saint Tropez, France. We were supposed to do a walking tour but instead huddled inside the makeshift breakfast space and sipped on more cafe and water and learned about the history of the town from our trusted guide. As soon as things cleared up, we were on our way back down to the dock but this time to pivot to a perfect rainy day activity – the art museum which many don’t know exists.
Art Museum in Saint Tropez
If it’s raining in Saint Tropez, visit the Annonciade Art Museum! We had to shuffle our schedule around to include some indoor activities because of a wicked downpour in the morning and I’m so glad we did. This small but stunning art museum is home to some of the most beautiful paintings and sculptures in the world in a building that was made to showcase the beauty of Saint Tropez right outside the windows. I literally gasped at the views mixed with the sculptures! This city is made to be painted and for me, a private painting session with a local artist would be a dream come true. It also offers a nice air conditioned refuge in the hot summer months. Adding some culture to your visit is always very chic!
The harbor at sunrise through a storm in Saint Tropez, France.Even with the rain, you can see how picturesque this place is in Saint Tropez, France.A rainy day street scene in Saint Tropez, France. It was early and the place doesn’t come to life until later.Learning about this baddie was a treat in Saint Tropez, France. Of course, like most women she was not celebrated until much later.Paintings of the lady herself, Lucie Cousturier in Saint Tropez, France.Even the architecture was stunning at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.I always love naked ladies frolicking in nature at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.A medley of beauty at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France. The rich colors and scenic settings…Looking from her perspective at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.Down to the details of her feet at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France. They look much like my own!And the front of her at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.Upstairs was a whole different color scheme and archways at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.I gasped at the beauty of this statue with the views behind it at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.Each window had its own stunning artistic view of Saint Tropez, France.A better view of that street from the second floor of the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.And the view behind the sculpture at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.If you can’t make it to the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France, these artists are at the Barnes Museum in Philadelphia, PA.The same model with a different artist at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.Our guide explaining art history at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France. Did you know I was going to be dual major in college?Even the ironwork was artistic at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.Back outside and a view of the entryway at the Art Museum in Saint Tropez, France.Just walking through the streets without an umbrella was amazing in Saint Tropez, France.Some people started popping out in Saint Tropez, France.I am obsessed with old door knockers in Saint Tropez, France.The park soon came back to life with bocce ball being enjoyed in Saint Tropez, France.The fountain in the park in Saint Tropez, France.A new theater coming soon built from an old theater in Saint Tropez, France.A very French cafe sits on the corner in Saint Tropez, France.I spotted a huge bird on the ledge and soon learned it is the island of peacocks roaming around in Saint Tropez, France.These two were completely fine with us nearby and have a comfy peacock home to go to at night in Saint Tropez, France.Soon we arrived by foot at our next destination in Saint Tropez, France and thankfully the sun came out for us!
Make Your Own Perfume in Saint Tropez
We created our own signature scents at Maison St Saint Tropez, France! Our group of gals became mixologists with help from the friendly ladies from the booth and mixed so many scents together to create our own perfumes. Mine was a little strange… so that’s what I named it in French L’Étrange but it’s really grown on me since then and survived the flight home as well. Who knew there were so many layers to creating a perfect perfume? The parfumeur sure did and helped me fix mine! There’s also a small shop in the middle of the tiny streets in Saint Tropez if mixing scents are not your thing or you just want to grab the signature Saint Tropez scent. You can also purchase bottles here as well. You can also make candles with less mixing involved however we were running out of time. During Covid, I learned how to make candles and would have loved that experience too!
Our mixology stations ready to go at Maison St Saint Tropez.Candles and perfumes available for purchase at Maison St Saint Tropez.A little French history lesson at Maison St Saint Tropez.This was a bit overwhelming for me at Maison St Saint Tropez. I was measuring on the scale instead of the flute.My nine choices for layering at Maison St Saint Tropez. Lots of leather and incense vibes mixed with florals!And finally finished with help as it was getting weird at Maison St Saint Tropez. She even helped me pour it in the vial, it turns out I am not steady handed nor a chemist.Back down to the harbor for lunch and this is the same sunset photo but in the daytime in Saint Tropez, France.
Where to Eat Lunch in Saint Tropez
Lunch at Bòu Restaurant is a vibe in Saint Tropez, France! Located in the corner of the harbor overlooking all the yachts, it was a perfect people watching spot. Meaning “fishing net” in Provençal French, each meal celebrates the vibrant coastal life and the adventurous spirit of sailors, blending warmth, love of the sea, and exquisite Provençal cuisine with epic views. Throwback music from the early 2000s takes you to memory lane and party mode while its sister property celebrates the same vibe although skiing and snow style opening in December in Meribel, France.
Everything looks different in the daytime in Saint Tropez, France. We were all the way to the end of the dock.A quick pic of the front of the restaurant in Saint Tropez, France as we got settled into our seats with a view.This is the view from the back in Saint Tropez, France.And our excellent people watching spot in Saint Tropez, France.Olive oil exists on almost every table in Saint Tropez, France for that tasty French bread!I was loving that almost the whole trip, it was women supporting women in Saint Tropez, France. These gals rocked! No ego, just love.My favorite dish the fresh salmon in Saint Tropez, France.More fresh salad in Saint Tropez, France with amazing olive tapenade.The owner preparing freshly grilled fish of many varieties for us to enjoy in Saint Tropez, France.A couple of desserts to try family style in Saint Tropez, France. The one on the left was like a gelatinous egg pudding, the one on the right divine chocolate and sorbet.And a cappuccino the end the meal in Saint Tropez, France. Most meals minus breakfast include three courses.And back to walking the streets of Saint Tropez, France with these stunning views.A peak of what’s to come later in Saint Tropez, France.We walked along the sea shore in Saint Tropez, France.Funny graffiti in Saint Tropez, France. What does it mean though?A new look I fell in love with in Saint Tropez, France. And pale skin coverage!The streets were getting dreamier in Saint Tropez, France.Jewelry I wanted in Saint Tropez, France.You could spend hours walking around Saint Tropez, France but never getting lost.A cafe overlooking the Sea in Saint Tropez, France.Such beauty abounds in Saint Tropez, France.I knew I would have a lot of photos in Saint Tropez, France.Found this gem in Saint Tropez, France. All hail the queen!My brain wanted to do photoshoots galore in Saint Tropez, France.A view of the clock tower in Saint Tropez, France.Okay maybe just a little obsessed in Saint Tropez, France.Good to see CBD shops in Saint Tropez, France. Marijuana is not legal however.Perhaps some Bardot inspired pinups are in order in Saint Tropez, France?A homage to the past in Saint Tropez, France.All aboard the Le Brigantin II! We made it to our next stop in Saint Tropez, France.
Affordable Boat Rides in Saint Tropez
A boat tour of Saint Tropez, France is a must! Le Brigantin II takes you on a one hour tour with options for the front of the boat where you get full sun and some sea spray or inside under the shade where the pale people hide like me. This seasonal mom and pop owned tour takes you around the island and points out all the historical spots in both French and English. There are snacks and drinks on board if you’d like to be rocking some more and it’s no wonder they have an almost 5-star rating! For only $15 Euro, explore the Old Saint-Tropez neighborhoods, Citadel and marine cemetery, beaches of La Glaye, La Ponche, and Les Canoubiers, villas of artists and celebrities and legendary filming locations during the summer seasons which ends in October and back in business in April. Shoulder season travel is certainly where it’s at for me!
The friendly family man Stéphane behind the Le Brigantin II in Saint Tropez, France.Leaving the harbor in Saint Tropez, France.Just a day in the life of a yacht owner in Saint Tropez, France.Loving the artwork on the tower in Saint Tropez, France.Those deep shades of blue in Saint Tropez, France.And away from the harbor we go in Saint Tropez, France.A view of the city of Saint Tropez, France.Very fancy houses adorn the coastline in Saint Tropez, France. You can also hike the coastline which appeals to healed Cassie.A boat just existing in the Sea in Saint Tropez, France.I’m pretty sure this is where Bridget Bardot lives in Saint Tropez, France… and has another property behind it.This photo does not do the color of the water justice in Saint Tropez, France. It was a deep blue like sapphire.On our way back to shore, a painting in Saint Tropez, France.Boat life in Saint Tropez, France is at a slower pace in the fall.Perhaps one of my favorite photos of Saint Tropez, France. There are so many though!Back to the streets without sea legs in Saint Tropez, France. Fun fact, I don’t get motion sickness like ever.I jumped in for an awkward photo in Saint Tropez, France. Yes, I am wearing sneakers the whole time. They’re literally what physically got me through! The scarf is tied around my purse and came in handy often.And back up the hill we went to get some more epic views in Saint Tropez, France.We made it to the top of the steps at the citadel in Saint Tropez, France.To the top of the citadel and you are rewarded with epic photos in Saint Tropez, France.
Your Guide to the Saint Tropez Citadel
It’s worth the hike to see the views from the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez! Save some energy to climb uphill past all the picturesque shops and restaurant lined streets, where you will see the impressive 17th Century Citadel, now a museum of history, overlooking the beautiful town of Saint-Tropez. The museum tells the tale of the time when the Tropezians travelled all over the world and at the end of the 18th century, Tropéziens were to be found on the coasts of Black Africa where it benefited from the development of the Marseilles trade. In the 19th century sailors sailed all the seas of the world, on warships but above all on commercial vessels. The first half of the 20th century marked the apogee of these navigations with captains commanding large sailing ships on the Cape Horn route, or large liners on the most prestigious transatlantic or Far East lines. You can see the sprinkle of many different cultures abounding in Saint-Tropez, France and learn the way of the sea life inside or simply soak up the impressive views! The museum is one of the most visited sites in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region for obvious reasons.
Looking out through the light at the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.Cannons to protect the land at Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.Even the cannons are detailed with ornate decorations at Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.I would need a bigger lens for this shot to be perfect at Citadelle de Saint-Tropez but had my on the go lens with me.Walking inside was equally difficult to capture at Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.So I did it in sections at Citadelle de Saint-Tropez. That green thing is a light.So many photoshoots spots at Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.Looking out the entrance at the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.Inside were many rooms telling the history that wrapped around in a circle at the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez. Very small, low hanging ceilings and a bit claustrophobic. I opted to sit outside and rest a bit while I could on a bench.Soon the group found me again and up another flight of tiny, windy stairs we went to see the top of Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.The views from the very top were even crazier cool at Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.A dreamy photo from the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez looks like another painting.What it looks like up top the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez… not too sexy but a great view space. This was a military bunker after all!Another peak from the top of Citadelle de Saint-Tropez before we head back down which is a lot easier than going up! The groundskeeper lives in this house and that’s a job I would happily take.Next we did a quick visit to K. Jacques and Rondini, two historic maisons of Tropezian sandals. I think I am past my sandals days unless swimming or at the beach. But for everyday wear, you need a good spine for that!A full window display lures customers in Saint Tropez, France.Down the street in Saint Tropez, France.You have probably seen these sandals before on models and in magazines in Saint Tropez, France.The owner himself wearing one of his leather creations in Saint Tropez, France.Notice the bottom is a sole of a shoe in Saint Tropez, France!Made lovingly for the past 100 years, this is a tradition that should never die in Saint Tropez, France. After this we poked around at some more stores, looking through the sale racks but just didn’t have the energy to get motivated to shop. A lay down it was at the hotel!But first a little pastry snack, mini versions of this is very popular in Saint Tropez, France.And a peacock on the way back to the hotel in Saint Tropez, France. No cats or dogs, just peacocks!After a 30 minute pass out, we were off again to Les Halles de Saint-Tropez. It’s like a outdoor food hall which turns into a party.Inside was all dreamy with drip and I recognized Scottsdale, Arizona tries to replicate these vibes at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez.Just a tiny taste of red wine that night at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez. I had a ginger beer instead.To start, a fresh salad with huge chunks of mozzarella at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez. It was so good!This is Phil, he was quite the character at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez.And any smart marketer knows to show his contact info at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez.We had some pizza to share for carbs at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez.And the best steak frites I had been craving this whole trip at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez. I was sad I could not finish it and take it home!Followed by chocolate mousse with hazelnut for dessert was divine, like fluffy heaven at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez. Bravo!Soon a DJ started spinning and people started filling the space up at Les Halles de Saint-Tropez. He motioned to get a drink together but alas, I declined as it was another early morning adventure… oh to be responsible and injured. Ugh! Maybe next time monsieur…
