While Saint-Tropez attracts visitors from all over the world every year with its legendary harbour and glamorous beaches, its surroundings hold plenty of hidden gems. Within just a few kilometres, you’ll find authentic Provençal villages perched on hilltops or nestled by the Mediterranean. Flower-filled alleyways, breathtaking panoramas, traditional markets, and medieval heritage reveal another side of the French Riviera.
Here is a selection of the 6 most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez — not to be missed during your stay.
Hilltop and Medieval Villages to Discover
Gassin
Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Gassin overlooks the Saint-Tropez peninsula from its promontory. This medieval gem charms visitors with its picturesque streets lined with colourful houses, shaded squares, and restaurants boasting spectacular views over the gulf. The panorama stretches as far as the Hyères Islands and the Maures Massif, making Gassin an unmissable stop for lovers of landscapes and photography.
Ramatuelle
Clinging to the hillside, Ramatuelle reveals a perfectly preserved medieval heart, with narrow cobbled streets and stone houses adorned with pastel shutters. Its Provençal market, held several times a week, is an invitation to taste local delights: cheeses, honey, and Provence’s famous rosé wines. Just a few minutes away lies the legendary Pampelonne Beach, offering the perfect balance between village authenticity and Mediterranean art de vivre.
Grimaud
Dominated by its feudal castle, Grimaud blends history with cultural life. The village regularly hosts festivals, exhibitions, and concerts, making it a key spot on the local cultural scene. Art galleries and craft shops add to the charm of a stroll through its winding streets, while the views from the ramparts highlight the richness of its medieval heritage.
Unique Flower-filled Villages by the Sea
Port-Grimaud
Nicknamed the “Provençal Venice”, Port-Grimaud is a one-of-a-kind lakeside village. Designed by architect François Spoerry, it combines canals, bridges, and colourful houses, accessible on foot or by boat. Strolling along the quays, enjoying a terrace by the water, or exploring the area in a small boat are just some of the experiences that make Port-Grimaud such an original stop near Saint-Tropez.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Renowned as one of the most flower-filled villages in France, Bormes-les-Mimosas enchants visitors with its colourful facades and steep streets lined with bougainvillaea. In spring, when mimosas fill the air with their golden fragrance, the atmosphere is particularly magical. An ideal starting point to explore Le Lavandou and the Hyères Islands, Bormes combines medieval heritage with an enchanting Mediterranean setting.
Cotignac
Lesser-known but equally captivating, Cotignac lies at the foot of an impressive tufa cliff dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. The village exudes Provençal charm with its shaded squares, lively cafés, and weekly market. Surrounded by vineyards, it offers the perfect blend of culture and wine tasting, making it an excellent choice for an off-the-beaten-path escape.
What to Do in These Villages? Activities and Experiences
Visiting the villages around Saint-Tropez means immersing yourself in a Provençal lifestyle shaped by nature, gastronomy, and traditions. Here are some must-do activities to make the most of your stay.
Explore nature and landscapes
Hilltop villages like Gassin and Ramatuelle are ideal starting points for hikes with panoramic views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Maures Massif. Coastal paths around the peninsula lead to wild coves and stunning sunset viewpoints. Cyclists will also enjoy the marked routes winding through vineyards, olive groves, and Mediterranean forests.
Experience the charm of Provençal markets
Each village hosts its own colourful market, where the soul of Provence comes alive. In Ramatuelle, stalls overflow with seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, and local cheeses. In Cotignac, the Sunday market draws both locals and visitors with its artisanal products and regional wines. These are perfect opportunities to taste local flavours and meet producers in a convivial atmosphere.
Discover heritage and craftsmanship
The villages around Saint-Tropez are full of historical and architectural treasures. Grimaud’s castle, medieval ramparts, Romanesque churches, and Baroque chapels all bear witness to a rich past. In the narrow streets, you’ll find artisan workshops featuring pottery, painting, ceramics, and textiles. Some villages, such as Bormes-les-Mimosas, even offer themed routes to explore heritage independently.
Join cultural events
Throughout the year, the villages come alive with festivals, concerts, and traditional celebrations. In Grimaud, the summer music festival attracts international artists. Ramatuelle hosts theatre and jazz festivals that delight culture lovers. In smaller villages like Cotignac, votive festivals and local celebrations immerse visitors in Provençal traditions.
Taste local wines and produce
No stay in the region would be complete without discovering the vineyards surrounding Saint-Tropez. Provence rosé is the undisputed star, but excellent reds and whites are also produced here. Many estates offer guided tours of their cellars followed by tastings. To round off the experience, you can sample other local delights such as olive oil, tapenade, lavender honey, and traditional biscuits — perfect gourmet souvenirs to bring home.
A Provençal Escape Full of Charm
Around Saint-Tropez, these Provençal villages offer a peaceful interlude, far from the bustle of the coast. Whether hilltop, medieval, or flower-filled, each one reveals a unique side of Provence. Whether you are passionate about heritage, nature, or gastronomy, this discovery promises an unforgettable escape.
