Our personal experience of visiting Saint-Tropez: where we stayed, how we travelled from Nice, the cost of taxis and buses, relaxing at Pampelonne Beach, exploring the port area, and why Saint-Tropez became one of our favourite places on the French Riviera.
My friends and I have been to Saint-Tropez twice now, and both trips were completely different. The first time, there were four of us, eager to experience the atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur, the expensive yachts, the beaches, and understand why this small town is so popular. The second time, I went alone—without company, with more relaxed plans and a desire to simply relax for a few days by the sea.
First holiday with Saint-Tropez
Our first experience of Saint-Tropez turned out to be quite expensive. We flew into Nice and decided not to experiment with transfers, buses, and schedules. After the flight, we wanted to get to the hotel as quickly as possible. In the end, we took a taxi for the four of us straight from the airport. The taxi ride from Nice Airport Terminal 1 to our hotel in Saint-Tropez cost about 450 euros. When split between everyone, it was manageable, although still not cheap.
But at the time, we hardly thought about the price. We were in a vacation mood: sun, palm trees, people with suitcases heading to villas and yachts all around. The drive to Saint-Tropez itself was beautiful. I especially remember the stretches along the coast where the sea can be seen right from the car window. Even then, it became clear that on the Côte d’Azur, the road can be part of the journey.
We lived near the port of Saint-Tropez. And the port area became the place we returned to almost every evening. Before the trip, I imagined the port as simply a yacht marina, but in reality, it had a distinct atmosphere. Enormous yachts, some the size of small hotels, expensive cars, restaurants with terraces, people from all over the world.
We often bought takeaway coffee and simply strolled along the embankment, looking at the yachts and arguing about how much it would cost to maintain such vessels. Sometimes it seemed like the cost of one yacht exceeded the budget of a small town.
Several times, we got up early specifically to stroll around the port before the influx of tourists. Saint-Tropez is completely different in the morning: quiet, calm, with seagulls and the sound of the water. I liked this feeling even more than the evening bustle.
We dedicated one day to the old town. Narrow streets, shuttered windows, small shops and cafes. It’s pleasant to simply wander around without a route. Unlike the major tourist spots, some streets look quite natural, as if people actually live here, not just entertain tourists.
We climbed up to the citadel above the town. The view from the top was one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip: rooftops, yachts, the sea, and green hills all around. Places like these are a good reminder that Saint-Tropez isn’t just about luxury vacations, but also about a beautiful location.
In the evenings, we sometimes hung out in the bars near the port. I wouldn’t say it was a wild vacation with clubs until the early hours. Quite the opposite: cocktails, conversations, and watching life go by. In Saint-Tropez, it’s interesting to simply watch the people. It’s easy to find families with children, retirees, yacht owners, and young people here for the party.
I especially liked how even a simple evening stroll felt like an event.
During our first trip, we went to the beaches near the city several times. What we liked most was the opportunity to spend almost the entire day by the sea: swimming in the morning, then having lunch, swimming again, or taking a walk. It was a very relaxing vacation.
The second trip was completely different.
I went alone and decided to cut down on travel expenses as much as possible. Instead of a taxi, I chose the bus. The total cost was about 22 euros. Of course, compared to a taxi, that’s a huge savings.
But there’s a downside.
The trip took significantly longer. You have to keep track of schedules, wait for connections, and travel among a lot of people with suitcases. After a flight, it’s quite tiring. If you’re traveling alone and want to save money, this is a fine option. If you’re traveling with a group or with a lot of luggage, questions arise.
On our second trip, I stayed closer to Pampelonne Beach. The atmosphere there is very different from the center of Saint-Tropez.
The beach made an impression on me even on the first day. A long coastline, light sand, and clear water. Despite the place’s fame, you can find relatively quiet spots.
I liked coming in the morning, when there aren’t many people around. You can swim peacefully, then sit with a coffee and just gaze at the sea. At times like these, you understand why so many return here for years.
One day, I spent almost the entire day without my phone: swimming, walking along the shore, and reading a book. This rarely happens in everyday life.
The sunsets were also memorable. In the Pampelonne area, the light softens in the evening, the sea changes color, and the beach gradually empties. It’s a completely different atmosphere from the bustling port.
After two visits, I realized one thing: Saint-Tropez can be very different. For some, it’s expensive cars, parties, and yachts. For others, it’s a relaxing seaside getaway, walks, and beautiful views.
And even the method of getting there greatly influences the experience. A taxi turned out to be a quick and convenient option, especially with a group, although it’s expensive. The bus is much cheaper, but it requires time and patience. If I were traveling alone again and wanted to save money, I’d probably choose public transportation again. But if I were traveling with family or friends, I’d probably research private transfer options in advance, because after a flight, a few extra hours of travel feel more significant than it seems.
After two trips, Saint-Tropez has remained a place I truly want to return to not for the luxury or famous beaches, but for the special atmosphere, where you can peacefully sip coffee by the sea in the morning and stroll by the port in the evening, watching the yachts light up.
