About Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur |
Saint Tropez! Sometimes, it's enough to just say its name to let everyone know what you're talking about. A mecca of Mediterranean luxury, a paradise of the highest caliber, and a place where the rich and famous relax and have fun. Over the years, Saint Tropez has certainly garnered quite a glossy reputation that helps it stand out against other coastal cities within this region. Just what makes even the world's elite itching to go here? What can you find here that you won't in Cannes, Mykonos, Ibiza, and the like? Well, there's a lot more in store in Saint Tropez than you probably realize.
Saint Tropez has a population of 5,835 residents. Although the city has long been a popular destination among the rich and famous, it seems there are only a few who have actually relocated here. Just like the rest of France, they mostly speak French here, even when it's become a globally known destination. So if you can't speak or understand the language, you'd do well to learn French beforehand. Or if you want, you can always enroll in the fine French language schools in Saint Tropez. They're pretty commendable as far as educational institutions go!
Since Saint Tropez lies along the French Riviera, it's a coastal city that sees warm weather and sunny days all year long. So in terms of the best time to go here weather-wise, you have all 365 days of the year for your options. Do note, however, that its hottest month, July, sees an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). Its coldest month, on the other hand, is January which sees an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). And if you're one to prefer a less crowded destination when you get here, you'll want to go here during late spring, from May to June, or early autumn, namely September. These are the off-season months for tourists in Saint Tropez.
Is there any place more glamorous, more luxurious, and more covetable than Saint Tropez? Known for its sunny weather, scenic coastlines, and Mediterranean appeal, it's no surprise that this French city has appealed to so many people. Even the various neighborhoods in Saint Tropez have their own unique charms. The eponymous town, Saint Tropez, is the main luxury hub of the city. It's where you'll find designer boutiques, chic cafes, and even luxury homes too. Meanwhile, Gassin presents a picturesque view that's typical of the French countryside. Think cobblestone streets, rustic churches, and bustling locals.
Don't think that going to the beach or relaxing on a yacht are the only worthwhile things to do in Saint Tropez. Sure, these are what the coastal city is famous for, but there's more to see and do here than you probably realize.
And no, you don't need a ton of money for your stay in Saint Tropez. Visiting the city's famous citadel, going to Chapelle Sainte-Anne, hiking up the Sentier du Littoral, and dining at the well-known Senequier café are only some of the many things you can do in Saint Tropez for a day. Hardly any of them cost a fortune at all!
Thanks to its glossy and glamorous reputation, it's easy to think that Saint Tropez is an expensive city, isn't it? Well, it's actually true. Though it may not be as overly expensive as you might think. Just like any other city out there, staying in Saint Tropez can get pretty pricey. The city's common rental fees along with costs around a minimum of €1,500.00 to a maximum of €5,000.00 a month. If you want to buy property in France, specifically in Saint Tropez, that’ll cost you around €17,069.00 per square meter. For food, prepare to pay approximately €103.50 for one to two weeks' worth of groceries. And as for utilities, your total basic monthly bills usually cost around €122.31 per month.
Although Saint Tropez seems like it belongs to a different world that’s all its own, it remains a city in France. So when it comes to the general customs here, they're basically the same as the country's social customs overall. This means that, just like in any other French city, There are certain things that are considered good and bad manners. And they apply in business settings as they would in social gatherings.
For instance, it's taboo to drink before anyone else at the dinner table. You also shouldn't share the bill based only on what you ordered. And if you can, always send gifts as a form of gratitude but make sure it's not an expensive luxury item even though there are a lot of them in Saint Tropez. As long as you follow these rules, you'll be fine!
Always remember that even if you don't have a luxury sports car in Saint Tropez, it's not the end of the world. You can still get around the city and reach your destination and back in no time. After all, Saint Tropez's public transport is as efficient as any of those in other cities. There are buses that travel to all the different districts of the city and taxis that often stop at popular hotspots or crowded places. And when you're really in a bind, you can always rely on a transportation app to help you.
When it comes to healthcare in Saint Tropez, do note that the city only has one central healthcare institution: the Centre Hospitalier de Saint Tropez. One of the finest in the region, it's well-equipped with advanced medical technology, has a staff of seasoned professionals who also speak different languages, and is big enough to treat as many patients as possible. But gaining access to this hospital will only depend on your type of healthcare coverage. The only way to get treated with subsidized medical costs here is if you registered into the French healthcare system's public option as a legal resident of the country or if you got private medical insurance as a tourist.
Food in Saint Tropez is basically divided into two categories: haute cuisine and local Mediterranean delicacies. Since the city is still part of France, you’ll find the country's finest dishes to be served in any of the most notable places to eat here. And you can also expect that they cost a ton of money.
Meanwhile, Saint Tropez has its own fair share of open food markets, inexpensive diners and bistros, street stalls, and more that offer delicious treats that you can afford. They serve fine seafood, both popular and underrated French desserts, delectable drinks, and more. But if there's one thing you shouldn't miss while you're here, it's the famous La Tarte Tropezienne dessert. It's a Saint-Tropez mainstay!
As with social customs Saint Tropez also celebrates France's national holidays, albeit on a smaller scale compared to other cities. A good example is Bastille Day, also known as the national day of France, which is on July 14. While Paris celebrates it with a huge military parade, throngs of people waving flags along the Champs-Élysées, and a stunning fireworks display at night, in Saint Tropez, there are only a few soldiers parading on the street. During religious holidays, most establishments here either operate on a half-day or close early so that people can hear mass and spend time with their families.
Finally, make sure to follow these tips when traveling to Saint Tropez. As already mentioned, learn a bit of French! Even though you're likely to meet a ton of foreign tourists and expats in the city, French remains the dominant language here. At the same time, consider opening a local French bank account. It'll make dealing with your finances a lot easier here, especially if you plan to stay for a long time!
Make sure to join a local French mobile network as well. Don't just rely on wifi hotspots throughout the city to help you stay connected to others online. Getting a local SIM card is a far more efficient way to do that!