SAINT-TROPEZ owes its international acclaim to the many artists, Writers and scuptors who portrayed the rare beauty of this magical site in their works. Welcome to 1892, Paul Signac moored at the town's small and then completely-unknown port in his boat "Olympia". Maybe he had read the pages on Saint-Tropez written by Guy de Maupassant in his journal "Sur l'Eau" while he was sailing aimlessly around on his boat "Bel Ami" between Cannes, Saint-Raphaël, Saint-Aygulf and Saint-Tropez...

As he cast the anchor, Signac was immediately struck by the town's quality of light: "This is not just a place of call, this is where I'm going to live!" he is quoted as saying. From 1909 to 1934, he was owner of the "Salon des Indépendants" - the gallery where every budding artist dreamed of exhibiting at the time. And that's how a whole host of young artists - many of whom were to become extremely famous names - came to haunt Saint-Tropez.

These then unknown figures were called Henri Matisse, Louis Valtat, Albert Marquet, André Derain, Charles-Henri Person, Pierre Bonnard and many more - and all fell under the spell of Provence's very special light quality! At the "Salon des Indépendants", the Parisian bourgeoisie who came to buy their works soon succumbed to the charms of the decors and life of leisure depicted by the young artists, and Saint-Tropez and the neighbouring Riviera towns rapidly became coveted by these wealthy visitors. The rest is history, although the magic of Saint-Tropez is still very much alive today. Just what makes the town so charming is not easy to pinpoint - it will depend on your mood, the weather and the time of day as you approach by the winding road. That's generally when your heart starts beating a little faster...

Look, Breathe, Enjoy!

Early in the morning, the waters of the Bay are still sleepy and undisturbed by the wake of motor boats. At midday, the heat can be rather suffocating, especially in the height of Summer. So you're best off on the beach, at "Les Canebiers" or "Les Salins"! One thing is sure: you should put off your visit to the port for a while and concentrate instead on the beauty of the hills surrounding the town.

Leave your car at the foot of Mont Pécoulet and climb the few yards separating you from SaintAnne's chapel. Once you reach the door, turn round and take a look... Then walk all the way round the chapel and breathe in the fragrant air of Provence!

Still circumventing the port for the moment, don't miss a visit to the hilltop Citadel - a fascinating historic monument which is open to visits. Built by soldiers in the late 16th century, the Citadel was constantly besieged by the very inhabitants it was intended to protect - and often with Royal approval too!

Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the view! If you arrive on the morning of May 16th, you will be able to follow the musketeers and sailors taking part in the town's world-famous "Bravades" celebration; Saint-Tropez's history and Patron Saint are solemnly celebrated here every year for three days... But the ideal moment to enter the town is probably at dusk, when the sun finally retreats behind the hills of Grimaud and the Mistral wind slumbers. As night falls, enjoy the maze of little streets, the café terraces and the music, laughter and general bubble and fizz that descends on Saint-Tropez every evening. For you really must spend at least one night here in order to appreciate the beauty of the morning light, as you drink a coffee on the port then stroll down to "Môle Jean Réveille" jetty and sit on the infamous "Banc des Mensonges" (Liar's Bench)..

Take a tour to discover the "Porche de la Ponche" - the town's ancient access - the port, shady lanes, beautiful little chapels, tiny squares, alleyways, short cuts and secret gardens hidden right in the centre!... Little by little, let yourself fall under the spell.

And then, if you're in the mood on another evening, why not try out Saint-Tropez's ultra-famous night life. Get into the groove!

"Private castles"

Built at the turn of the 20th century by wealthy families. The recently-restored "Château Borelli" is perched on a hilltop facing the Citadel. As you descend "Colline Sainte-Anne" hill towards Pampelonne, you will discover the turrets of the "Château Saint Amé". "Château de la Moutte/Domaine Emile Ollivier" on the Route des Salins, comprising a small Provençal-style castle and adjacent country house, was bought up by Napoleon III's minister Emile Ollivier in 1860. (Conservatoire du Littoral Property, gérée par la Commune de Saint-Tropez. Info visit : Service actions culturelles 04.94.97.54.37)."

"Chapelle Sainte-Anne"

Built in 1620 to thank heaven for preserve the town from plague and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, the chapel walls are decorated with many ex-votos. Open to the public on May 18th (Bravades), July 26th Sainte Anne) and August 15th (Liberation).

"Chapelle du Couvent"

Also called the "Chapelle de Saint-Tropez". The current building, whose foundations are said to contain the remains of the martyr Torpes, dates back to the 18th century.

Beaches

"La Bouillabaisse" "Les Graniers", "Les Canebiers", "La Moutte" and "Les Salins".

The naval cemetery

Transferred to the "Pré des Pêcheurs" (Sinner's Meadow) in 1776, then its current location in 1815. One of France's rare naval cemeteries, offering unequalled views over the Bays of Saint-Tropez and Les Canebiers.

A Touch of History

According to legend, the Christian centurion Torpes, decapitated by order of Nero, was put in a boat and pushed out to sea along with a dog and a rooster. Although the animals should have devoured the body, they left it intact.

The boat is then said to have washed up on the exact site of what was later to become Saint-Tropez - a derivative of the name Torpes.

Monuments

"Notre Dame de l'Assomption"

Built in 1784, this Italian baroque-style church is topped by a bell tower. Inside, you can admire statues and carvings dating back to the early 19th century, along with the bust of Saint-Tropez, which is paraded through the streets every year during the famous "Bravades" celebration (May 16-18). The church organs were renovated in 1990.

"Chapelle de la Miséricorde"

The chapel is a listed 17th century monument.

"La Citadelle". (Citadel)

An initial defence post was erected on the so-called "Moulins" hill in the late 16th century, during the Religious Wars. The hexagonal tower, which formed an essential part of the village's defence system, was erected between 1602 and 1607. The Citadel underwent numerous modifications over the centuries, before falling into disuse in the 19th century, when the strategic interest of this perfectly-preserved fortress finally diminished. Bought up by the town in 1993 and made a listed monument, the Citadel - is currently being restored. Guided tours. Entrance fee.

The "Château Suffren" and "Tour Guillaume"

Date back to the late 15th century. The first bears the name of the ancient Seigneurs of Saint-Tropez, who adopted it as their family home in the 18th century. Cannot be visited.

Take a Walk!

Length: 1.30 hours on foot

1. Departing from the Tourist Office. Opposite the Tourist Office on Quai Jean Jaurès, you will see the statue of the Bailiff of Suffren cast in bronze from captured enemy canons offered by Napoleon III.

2. Adjacent to the Tourist Office is the fish market, at the entrance to the old village. A little further up, the Rue des Commerçants which were in the 16th century abounts with food shops.

3. Take the Rue du Clocher to "Notre Dame de l'Assomption" parish church (see "Monuments").

4. As you leave the church, turn right to arrive at the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. Head back down towards Quai Frédéric Mistral via Place Garrezzio, the "Château Suffren" and the "Tour Guillaume".

5. On your right, near Jean Réveille jetty, you will see the 16th century "Tour du Portalet" - one of the four towers forming the corners of the village ramparts.

6. Head on to "Tour Vieille", then the 17th century "Porche de la Ponche"; the town's former access. You will then arrive at Place des Remparts. On your right is Rue d'Aumale leading to Place de l'Ormeau, or Elm Square - the elm being the symbol of communal liberty in Provence.

7. Go back up Rue d'Aumale, then turn right into Rue Jarlier leading to the tower of the same name; one of the other towers marking the edge of the ramparts. Take Rue de la Citadelle on your right, then turn first left into Rue du Portail Neuf, the ancient peasant's quarter. You will then come to Rue de la Miséricorde and the chapel of the same name.

8. Continue down Rue Gambetta on your left to the Place des Lices, famous for its plane trees, boules players and Provençal market (on Tuesdays and Saturdays).

9. Further on, on your right is Rue Etienne Berny and the "Maison des Papillons" or Butterfly House, founded by Dany Lartigue and housing a large collection of rare and beautiful specimens.

10. On your way out, go back up Rue Allard to the Place de la Croix de Fer then on to the Place Georges Grammont, where you can visit the "Musée de l'Annonciade"; a superb reminder that Saint-Tropez's fame comes largely from its early 20th century vocation as a meeting place for avant-garde artists such as Paul Signac.

N.B.: Guided town tours available for groups. Information: 0 890 712 717 (0.15€/min).

Panoramas

"Chapelle Sainte-Anne"

Stunning views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez, the Maures Hills and the Southern Alps.

"Môle Jean Réveille"

The jetty is the perfect vantage point for regattas and other nautical events.

At the foot of the Citadel's ramparts

superb panoramic views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez, especially at sunset.

Butterfly House

9, rue Etienne Berny. Open from 01/04 to 31/10 and Chrismas holidays from 10am to 12.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, friday from 2.30pm to 6pm from Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday and Off Days. Tel: 04 94 97 63 45.

Children’s Library

45, rue Gambetta. Open from 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturday 10am to 12.30pm. Closed on Thursday and Off days.

Merry-go-round

Place Carnot.

"La Renaissance" Cinema

Place des Lices - Tél : 08.92.68.03.62

Public swimming pool

Route des Salins. Open all year round. Please ask for opening times. Tel: 04 94 97 50 91.

"La Citadelle"

Open everyday except January 1rst, May 1rst, August 15th, Ascension Day, November 11th and December 25th. Winter : 10am-12.30am/1pm-5.30pm, summer (from April 1rst) : 10am-6.30pm. Phone : 04 94 97 06 53.

Butterfly House

9, rue Etienne Berny. Open from 01/04 to 31/10 and Chrismas holidays from 10am to 12.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 2.30pm to 6pm from Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday and Off Days. Tel : 04 94 97 63 45.

"Musée de l'Annonciade"

Place Georges Grammont - Tel: 04 94 17 84 10. Open from 1rst december to 30rd june 10am12am and 2pm-6pm. Open everyday from 10th july to 31th august 10am-1pm and 3pm-10pm (subject to change). September October 10am-13pm and 3pm-7pm (subject to change). Closed Tuesdays, November, January 1st, May 1st, Ascension Day and Christmas Day. Sculptures and paintings by the Pointillist, Fauvist and "Nabis" (independent artists) movements.

Arts and crafts workshops and art galleries

information at the Tourist Office

Luxury shopping in town