With the new season of The White Lotus fuelling fresh wanderlust for decadent European escapes, Saint-Tropez feels like it’s set to have another moment. The rumour mill links future filming to the hilltop splendour of Airelles Château de la Messardière — the sort of place where you half expect a scandalous dinner scene to unfold over champagne and sea views.
Getting there has also just become easier for Londoners. A new direct route from London City Airport to Toulon Saint-Tropez means you can swap Canary Wharf for the Côte d’Azur in a little over two hours.
While Dubai may no longer be a key destination for those who enjoy sun, sea and a spritz at a beach club, both influencers and general sunseekers will find familiarity in the iconic scenes in the south of France. And while Saint-Tropez still trades heavily on superyachts and rosé-fuelled beach clubs, it’s surprisingly possible to do it at a range of budgets — from Riviera splurge to stylish but sensible.
Here’s how to do St Tropez, whatever you’re willing to spend.
Where to stay
If you’re going full White Lotus fantasy, book into Airelles Château de la Messardière (airelles.com). Perched above the bay in a 19th-century château, it’s all terracotta roofs, sprawling gardens and panoramic views across Pampelonne Beach. Expect multiple restaurants, an enormous pool and a spa where you could happily lose an entire afternoon. Also expect high prices (room rates generally start from approximately £850 per night) and a competitive booking process as the grapevine has been working overtime on this one.
Another Tropez classic is Hôtel Byblos (byblos.com), the pastel-coloured legend known for its celebrity guest list and its iconic nightclub, Les Caves du Roy. Be prepared to dig deep into your wallet here, as low-season double rooms starting around £466 and high-season rates exceed £1,715 per night For something stylish but less eye-watering, Hôtel La Ponche (laponche.com) is a historic harbour-front bolthole once frequented by Brigitte Bardot. Rooms are elegant, the location is unbeatable and you’re steps from the old town’s cobbled lanes. On a proper budget? La Villa Dune (lavilladune.fr) is one of the best value boutique hotels in the area, with rooms often from around the £150 per night mark. Expect a pool, modern rooms and easy access to Pampelonne Beach.
Hotels are always a fun time but the real estate in Saint-Tropez is incredible. Beautiful houses — both rustic rivera styles and modern LA builts — that are either tranquil oasis retreats or offer unparalled views that quite simply take your breath away. If you’re travelling with friends, a villa can actually work out better value — plus you can skip all the fancy fanfare that comes along with beach clubs and restaurants in the town, and either cook among friends or enjoy the culinary prowess of your own personal chef.
Feeling simultaneously flamboyant and exclusive? The portfolio at St Tropez House (sttropezhouse.com) ranges from sleek modern hillside homes to traditional Provençal estates around Pampelonne. A shared villa means a private pool, long rosé lunches on the terrace and plenty of space — very much the St Tropez way to do summer.
At the very top end sits Villa Ama (sttropezhouse.com), a showstopping, contemporary accommodation overlooking Pampelonne Beach. Expect museum-worthy interiors (seriously, there’s Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and Richard Serra to name just a few), a huge infinity pool, outdoor cinema and full staff including a private chef — the sort of place that feels like it belongs in an episode of The White Lotus, if you fancy luxury life outside of a hotel.
Another gorgeous property is Villa Agape (sttropezhouse.com), a sleek modern house, set in landscaped gardens just minutes from the beach. With multiple terraces, a large pool and hotel-level service, it’s designed for long lunches, sunset cocktails and the kind of glamorous house-party atmosphere Saint-Tropez does so well.
For something slightly more accessible, Villa Moderne 55 (sttropezhouse.com) is a three-bedroom villa near Pampelonne Beach, with a long swimming pool, sun-drenched terraces and enough space to split the cost comfortably between friends.
Where to eat, drink and party
No trip is complete without a long, lazy lunch at Club 55 (club55.fr) on Pampelonne Beach. Founded in the 1950s during the filming of And God Created Woman, it still serves the sort of simple Riviera food that tastes better with sand between your toes — grilled fish, crudités and plenty of chilled rosé. Nikki Beach (nikkibeach.com) is another iconic hot spot which will leave your stomach satisfied and those white serviettes won’t stay still for long.
Start the evening with sunset cocktails at Sénéquier (senequier.com) — the famous red-awning café that’s been watching the harbour for more than a century. Yes, it’s slightly cliché but you’re in Saint-Tropez: soak it all up. Later, head to Gigi Ramatuelle (gigi-restaurant.com) for a glamorous beach-club dinner that often slides seamlessly into dancing. And if you’re feeling brave (and dressed accordingly), finish at Les Caves du Roy (lescavesduroy.com) — still one of the Riviera’s most notorious party spots.
In search of a ‘proper’ Saint-Tropez night out? Book a table at L'Opéra Saint-Tropez (opera-saint-tropez.com) where dinner comes with live performances and the sort of energy that often ends with dancing on chairs. For something lower-key, grab a table at Le Girelier (legirelier.fr) on the harbour for excellent seafood and front-row yacht spotting. Sweet treats can be simple affairs too: pick up a tarte tropézienne from La Tarte Tropézienne and eat it in the square.
Not a crazy club person? Saint-Tropez has its fair share of lively local bars which offeer all the buzz without stretching out your budget. Hit up Tsar Folie’s (facebook.com); a bar close to the port with DJs and dancing most nights. It’s far cheaper than the big clubs but still delivers the late-night Tropez vibe. Bar Chez Bert (restaurantguru.com) is a tiny local bar tucked down a side street that feels refreshingly un-Tropezian. Think cheap beers, simple wines and locals spilling onto the pavement. One of the few places where you can still grab a drink for well under €10.
What to do
The good news is that if you’re not looking for a glitz and glam beach club, the beaches in Saint-Tropez are open to all. You’ll be charged a small sum to rent loungers and towels, but otherwise hitting the beach is a reasonably cost-free acitivity. Spend a day at Pampelonne Beach, where the sand stretches for nearly five kilometres and the beach clubs range from ultra-luxury to surprisingly relaxed.
As with all European city breaks, a wander round the old town is a must. Lose an hour or two in La Ponche: you will absolutely fall in love with the old fishing quarter featuring pastel houses, tiny galleries and postcard-perfect lanes. If the golden hour view from the the quay doesn’t take your fancy, you can always walk up to Citadelle de Saint-Tropez for sweeping views over the gulf. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the market at Place des Lices fills with Provençal fabrics, baskets, olives and local rosé. Sadly there’s no more taking back gifts of cheese and charcuterie...
So whatever your holiday plan and whatever your budget, Saint-Tropez may be famous for champagne showers and megayachts, but with a bit of planning it can be as relaxed or extravagant as you like. Whether you’re checking into a château worthy of The White Lotus or sharing a sun-drenched villa with friends, the formula is the same: beach days, long lunches and evenings that stretch late into the Riviera night.
