St-Tropez

St-Tropez has become a byword for wealth and glamour on a slightly hedonistic scale. And on this score this town is without peer - what with the harbour full of super yachts and central square full of sports cars . But St-Tropez is also rich in culture and history. Though only about 1% of its visitors have that in mind. St-Tropez is home to some wonderful avant-garde art galleries, trading on former residents such as Signac and Matisse, and the markets and small port are bristling with fresh local produce and fresh fish. And despite its reputation, some of the best places to stay in St-Tropez are actually affordable.

Although the small fishing village of St-Tropez appealed to discerning, and arty, visitors long before the 1950s, this peninsula was transformed into a glamourous darling of the jet-set almost overnight, after Bridgette Bardot came here to film 'And God Created Woman' in 1956. This is when this town became sexy. And flooded with luxury yachts, sports cars and those-who-like-to-be-seen.

But it's not all brassy glamour, out of season St-Tropez still has the charm of fishing village life in one of the world's most beautiful coastal spots.

Whatever time of year you visit its worth taking some time out from your sunbathing and boutique-window-shopping to watch the older generation play Pétanque in the shade, or have a go yourself.

And on Tuesdays and Saturdays visit the market in Place des Lices for locally grown/made produce such as olives, breads and soap.

The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in St Tropez doesn't just cater for those with deep pockets. We've managed to track down some very good value options in the heart of this glitzy spot!

For St-Tropez on a St-Tropez budget!

• Sumptuous and luxurious, the Hotel Residence de la Pinède is also one of the few hotels in the South of France with access to a good beach. As well as its beach terraces and elegant suites, this hotel also has a restaurant with two Michelin stars.
• The Chateau De La Messardiere is too cool even for St-Tropez, instead it peers down from a hilltop overlooking the bay. This is a glitzy and secluded spot to relax in, where you'll feel truly pampered.
• Le Yaca is a collection of charming old houses just 100metres from Port des Pêcheurs. One of the houses was home to Colette in the 1920s. Discreet, casually chic and beautifully decorated in cool creams and whites accented by a Moroccan fabric here, an Oriental lantern there, it's the antithesis of St-Tropez flash and a real oasis of calm, especially the pool and garden.

On the Waterfront

• The Hotel de Paris is right in the heart of St-Tropez's old fishing hamlet heart, but packed with the latest and greatest technology and several swish restaurants, a chic bar perfect for people watching and a stunning swimming pool.
• Hotel Pastis is glamourous, with nine charming rooms decorated with stunning artworks, but relaxed, and only eight minutes from the centre of town.
• Hôtel de La Ponche is another hotel converted from a cluster of houses - this time right on a small beach. Rooms are elegant and classical, and some have beautiful views over the bay. With doubles starting from just £126 per night, this is also one of the best places to stay in St-Tropez if you're on a more modest budget.

The Best Places to Stay near St-Tropez

• Le Ferme d'Augustin is a charmingly converted farmhouse hotel in a beautiful spot, only five minutes from St-Tropez's port, but surrounded by lemon trees and olive groves.
• Epi Plage on Pampelonne Beach is a collection of ten wooden chalets, all surrounding a central pool. Great for families, you're also only a short drive to the action of St-Tropez.

Still not sure which to book?

1. Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in St -Tropez,
2. consider spreading your net to cover the whole Côte d'Azur,
3. or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.