After checking in to the hotel in Grasse, the leading perfume-producing city, we wanted to swim. The receptionist suggested going to the beach in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. The beach in this area is narrow, but the waters are clear and turquoise blue.
That evening, we also visited Casino’s local supermarket to buy local delicatessen for dinner. We had different cheeses, olives, charcuterie, and fruits. This was a delicious dinner on the hotel balcony with a view over the valley.
The next day, we mainly explored Cannes. First, we went to the beach. After that, the walk on the Croisette, the promenade of Cannes, was good. The expensive hotels at the promenade have their beaches. Parking in Cannes is easy; our choice was to park in the center. It feels safe, and also the car is cool inside. There is a restaurant street in the town. But it seems that it is more widely exploited for dinners. At lunchtime, only one cozy restaurant was open and packed. There are lots of restaurants in Cannes, and they serve local delicacies like oysters, patès, foie gras, and crème brule.
We also visited St. Tropez that day. St. Tropez is an international tourist Mecca between Hyeres and Sainte Maxime on the Mediterranean coast. It was fantastic to walk around the harbor and relax. I have read that “people watching” is a favorite summer sport here in the South. Visitors like to sit at the outdoor cafés. We also visited the Tourist Info in St. Tropez to get help with the accommodation. As it was Saturday evening and 7 PM, nothing suitable for us was available. Tourist information gives information only on surrounding areas. As we were in St. Tropez, they only had info about St. Tropez hotels.
We again turned to the Lonely Planet guide and called the nearby places. It should be noted that it helps if you start the conversation with “Bonjour!” We found a nice Hotel du Soleil in Hyeres. Lonely Planet’s description, “Ivy-clad place at the top of the very steep Rue du Rempart, is Medieval Hyeres’ loveliest hotel,” is very precise.
When you are in medieval Hyeres, it is worth going to Place Massillon, a big terrace with cafes. There was also live music, in addition to excellent food.
We thought we were smart this time and did not buy breakfast in the hotel for 6 EUR as it seemed there were several cafes nearby. But they were not open when we wanted to hit the road in the morning. So, our lesson was that it is still worth having breakfast in the hotel.
Another oddity about French hotels is that the rooms rarely have air conditioning (at least not in the ones we stayed in). When you enter the room, it seems that it is not possible to sleep at that temperature. But then you open the hatchways to clear the air inside the room.
The next day, before lunchtime, we also visited the beach and market in Sanary-Sur-Mer. The true “wow” of the day was the Sunday market. It was full of delicious smells, and we ate with our eyes! We also bought delightful pate from one farmer, fresh bread from the baker, and some fruits. We had a romantic lunch with all of that on the stones on the beach. But the destinations of the day were Provencal mountain villages.
What is St. Tropez famous for?
It has been a popular destination for celebrities and the jet-set crowd since the 1950s when it was discovered by movie stars like Brigitte Bardot and Roger Vadim. The town’s reputation as a playground for the rich and famous has only grown since then, with many high-end boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to wealthy visitors.
The town’s main attraction is its beautiful beaches, such as Pampelonne Beach, one of the most famous beaches in St. Tropez. It is located just a few kilometers south of the town. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera.
Pampelonne beach stretches for more than 5 kilometers and is known for its crystal-clear water and white sand. The beach is also famous for its beach clubs, which are known for their luxurious amenities and lively atmosphere. These beach clubs offer sun loungers, parasols, and private beach cabanas, as well as a variety of food and drinks. They are also popular spots for celebrities and the jet-set crowd.
The beach is also famous for its water sports activities, such as windsurfing, kite surfing, and jet skiing. It also offers various activities like volleyball, beach soccer, beach yoga, etc.
Pampelonne Beach is a great place to spend a day relaxing and soaking up the sun, but it can get quite crowded in the summer months, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. It is also an excellent spot for sunset as the sun sets behind the Esterel mountains and is a sight to be seen.
St. Tropez is also home to several luxury marinas, where you can see some of the world’s most impressive yachts and sailing boats. These marinas are popular spots for visitors to see some of the world’s most impressive boats and for boat owners to dock their boats.
One of the most famous marinas in St. Tropez is the Port de Saint-Tropez Marina. It is situated in the heart of the town, and it is the largest marina in St. Tropez. This marina can accommodate up to 1600 boats and yachts, with a maximum length of 60 meters. It offers various services to the boat owners, such as electricity and water supply, fuel, waste disposal, and laundry service.
Another famous marina is the Port de la Ponche Marina. It is located in the old town of St. Tropez, and it can accommodate up to 150 boats and yachts, with a maximum length of 20 meters. It is considered one of the most picturesque marinas in St. Tropez, with its colorful buildings and charming atmosphere.
The Marina Baie des Canoubiers is also famous for its location, with a beautiful view of the bay and the Esterel mountains. It can accommodate up to 1000 boats and yachts, with a maximum length of 60 meters, and it offers all the services a boater would need.
Lastly, the Marina du Gassin, located in Gassin village, just a few kilometers from St Tropez, offers a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere while still having all the necessary amenities and services.
These marinas offer a unique atmosphere and an excellent opportunity to see some of the world’s most impressive boats and yachts, making them popular spots for visitors to St. Tropez.
In addition to its beaches and luxury lifestyle, St. Tropez is also known for its cultural heritage. The town has a charming old town with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and an impressive 17th-century citadel. You can also explore the town’s many art galleries, which showcase works by local and international artists.
The trip continues to Provence mountain villages of Roussillon and Lagrasse.
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