Saint Tropez is the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera. It caught the eye of the rich and famous in the 1950s and its attraction has never worn off. During high season, you can expect to share the town with a multitude of international visitors, though somehow the laid-back ambience remains. Its cobbled streets, mountain-backed skyline and rocky peninsula speak of a modest past, while millionaires' yachts and the thriving contemporary art scene are typical of its present.
You can expect luxury from Saint Tropez hostels in . Look for one with a swimming pool for a relaxing dip on a sunny day. Meeting new people and swapping stories is one of the joys of hostels, and a place with an on-site bar is the perfect spot to get chatting. If you're more in the mood for a quiet retreat, you can escape the town and stay at the foot of the Maures Mountains. Pick a Saint Tropez hostel with an elevator if you have limited mobility or lots of luggage.
The La Ponche neighbourhood in Saint Tropez is the town's former fishing quarter, and it still has an old-world charm about it, with traditional buildings overlooking the small beach. The Vieux Port, or Old Port, is where you'll find the citadel, built in the 1600s to protect the town against Spanish invaders, now housing the Museum of Maritime History. For a quieter, greener spot, head to the neighbouring village of Grimaud and take in its panoramic coastal views.
Walk along Saint Tropez harbour to see the huge yachts moored there, and make a stop in any of the waterfront restaurants to try the Côte d'Azur's famous seafood. You can check out the local creative scene at the Musée de l'Annonciade, the oldest contemporary art museum in France. To take in the relaxed Saint Tropez way of life, head to the pristine nearby beaches, or spend an afternoon in shady Place des Lices square watching the Tropéziens play pétanque.
A scenic way to get to Saint Tropez is to take the 2.5-hour boat trip from Nice. If you're flying, La Mole airport is closest, a 45-minute drive away, while Nice airport is 1.5 hours away by car. To get around the town, you can hop on one of the local buses, though much of Saint Tropez is easy to explore on foot.
