During my year as an English instructor at Lycée du Golfe de Saint Tropez (Saint Tropez Gulf High School), I had many weekends and lazy afternoons to both sight see and soak up the famous Saint Tropez sun.  The first day I visited Saint Tropez, I found the contrast between the intense blue of the ocean and the cheerful, peach and yellow buildings to be quite inviting. As I ventured further into town, I discovered top -notch restaurants, incognito celebrities, fabulous boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife. “I could get used to this,” I remember thinking.  And I did get used to it, to the point at which seeing George Clooney strolling down one of the cobblestone streets as I was on my way to the open- air market didn’t make me do a double take. As I look back on those days in the Mediterranean sun, surreal is the only adjective that comes to mind. That means it’s time to go back- to make sure all of those memories weren’t just a colorful Pastis-induced dream. I’ll see you there.

Some of the Saint Tropez spots I’ll be visiting again include:

Musée de l’annonciade
The charming Annonciade Museum showcases “avant-garde” masterpieces by notable French artists who were active between the years of 1890-1950 such as Signac, Cross, Derain, Marquet, and my favorites, Matisse and Rouault. This museum is a must-see for any fan of Pointilism or Fauvism.
Quai de l’Epi Le Port
83990 St-Tropez
Telephone : +33 (0)4 94 17 84 10
Fax : +33 (0)4 94 97 87 24

Le Marché à la Place de Lices (Tuesday and Saturday)
Each Tuesday and Saturday morning, Place des Lices is bustling with stall owners, locals and tourists. Here you can find many local products including olives, goat’s cheese, chestnut cream, jam garlic, thyme, rosemary, local fruits and vegetables, lavender sachets, soap scented with olive oil or honey, and Provençal textiles and pottery.
Place des Lices
83990 Saint-Tropez

Nuits du Château de La Moutte Festival (late July and early August)
If you find yourself in Saint Tropez during the summer months, be sure to check out the free performances during the Nuits du Château de La Moutte Festival (Nights at the Moutte Château), featuring family-friendly music, theater and dance performances in front of Saint Tropez’s historic chateau.

La Tarte Tropézienne Boulangerie Patisserie
Don’t worry, this foodie wouldn’t dare leave out the best Patisserie in town. After all, they are the ones we have to thank for the invention of the cream-filled Tarte Tropézienne in 1955.
1, bd Louis Blanc,
2, rue Clemenceau,
Place des Lices
83990 Saint-Tropez
Telephone : +33 (0)4 94 97 19 77

La Cave de Saint Tropez
Here’s a little something for you oenophiles. The easily accessible Saint-Tropez wine cellar is situated just behind the Place des Lices. They offer free tastings of AOC Provençal reds, rosés and whites. They’ve been in the business since 1908, and they sure know what they are doing!
Avenue Paul Roussel
83990 Saint-Tropez
Telephone : +33 (0)4 94 97 01 60

No matter what you choose to do, I’m sure you’ll succumb to Saint Tropez’s charm, just as I did. Keep an eye out for celebrities while you’re there- you’re bound to run into a few who have excellent taste, just like you.