St. Tropez

With its small fishing boats and luxury mega yachts, The Old Harbour is the place to ‘see and be seen’. Brigitte Bardot made St-Tropez famous in the 1950’s and, ever since, this glamorous resort has attracted visitors, artists and the elite like a magnet.

In The Old Quarter, discover the Rue de la Ponche leading through the 15th century stone gate tower to a tiny beach. Then there’s the 15th century ruined Jarlier Tower, the Chapelle de la Misericorde and the Place des Herbes, location of the morning market. Best of all are the little cobble-stoned streets with warm pastel-coloured walls, pots of geraniums and glimpses of oleander and bougainvillaea peeking from walled gardens.

Enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the snow-capped Alps to the Maures Mountains and the sea from the St-Tropez Citadel (entrance not included).

At the end of your walking tour, you may return to the quayside with your guide, or remain in St-Tropez for independent exploration, returning to the quayside at your leisure.

The small town of Port Grimaud looks like a traditional Mediterranean fishing village but it is, in fact, the brainchild of a French architect who wanted to create a car-free town around a man-made lake. Your guide will show you the luxury houses, tiny bridges and interwoven network of canals of Port Grimaud. Afterwards, enjoy some free time, stroll through this lively village, take a peek in the shops, or visit the Romanesque-style church dedicated to St. Francis.

The drive of the St-Tropez Peninsula passes through wooded countryside, covered with pine and oak forests with fine views along the way. You’ll pass by several charming villages such as Gassin, La Croix Valmer and Ramatuelle – where celebrities have holidayed in luxury villas hidden in the hills.

This panoramic drive takes you along the route known as the ‘Corniche des Maures’. Scenic delights are provided at each twist, turn and bend. ‘Mauro’, the Provençal word applied to dark forests, aptly describes this enchanting wooded mountain range with its shady valleys and wild ravines.

The route will pass by the medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, classified as a ‘Four-Flowers’ village, hanging on a hillside overlooking the Bay of Lavandou. The return journey will drive through the Dom Forest. This state forest is composed mainly of pines, cork oaks and chestnuts, and although the magnificence of the forest has been damaged by fire in some places, this does not detract from the beauty of this area.

The name of the resort, Le Lavandou, came from the fragrant lavender fields nearby. Once a fishing village, the town now has an international marina and its neighbouring towns boast fine, sandy beaches. Enjoy some free time here, take a stroll or seek out a handicraft or souvenir in the local shops.

Port Grimaud and Grimaud Village are both Provençal villages, but there the similarity ends. Grimaud Village, charming and picturesque, is set in the hills of the Maures and takes you back in time to medieval days. In sharp contrast is Port Grimaud – built only around 35 years ago, it was the brainchild of a French architect, who built a ‘Venetian-style’ village around a lake, complete with canals and bridges.

By way of introduction to Port Grimaud, you’ll be taken on a 20 minute motor-launch ride around the canals of this ‘Little Venice’. From the launch, you’ll see its luxury houses with their Roman tiles, linked by canals and bridges. Afterwards, there’s free time to stroll amidst the tiny squares, alleys and bridges, do a spot of shopping or visit St. Michael’s Romanesque Church.

Named after the Grimaldi family who once owned the village, Grimaud has fine views over the Maures hillsides and St-Tropez Bay. The village clusters around the ruins of its medieval castle and offers a true insight into a typical French ‘hill villlage’, with its old square, boules pitch and chic hotels with their flower-packed gardens.

A scenic drive through the countryside of Provence will take you to the charming village of Gassin. Upon arrival, join your guide for a walking tour to explore the narrow winding streets. You’ll pass by shuttered pastel-hued buildings which reveal the typical Provençal character of this quaint village. Perched high on a rock, Gassin affords magnificent views of the Gulf of St Tropez.

Afterwards, head to a local family-run winery, to see the generations of wine-making and passion for crafting fine vintages which has been passed on. You’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the varieties, during an informative wine-tasting session.

On the return drive to St Tropez enjoy a final chance to admire the beautiful scenery of this premier wine making region.