Page 128 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Provence & The Côte d'Azur

126  PROVENCE AREA B Y AREA

Exploring St-Tropez

This exceptional resort has become a victim of its own charms
– the August high season attracts about 80,000 hell-bent
hedonists. Following their departure, however, the genuine,
peaceful nature of the village is able to shine through. Surr-
ounded by slopes covered with vineyards, looking out over the
millpond bay of Golfe St-Tropez and protected by an imposing
citadel, its situation remains inviolate. It does, however, face
the northerly Mistral which thunders through the town for
much of the winter, ensuring it remains a summer haunt.

The old town, just behind the
waterfront, is marked by the tower
of the Eglise Notre-Dame de Baroque-style Eglise Notre-Dame
l’Assomption. To its north lies the de l’Assomption
Hôtel de Ville and the Tour Suffren,
home of the former local lords. of saints, including one of
Admiral Pierre André de Suffren St Torpès after whom St-Tropez
(1726–88), “terror of the English”, is named. Beheaded for his
is commemorated by a statue on Christianity, his body was put
the quay. Behind the quai Suffren in a boat with a dog and a
is the place des Lices, a large cockerel and the boat landed
square crowded with cafés. here in AD 68. Every year, his
Out to the east, beyond the bust is carried through the
Paintings by local artists for sale on the old Ponche quarter and the town in the 16 May bravade.
quai Jean-Jaurès unspoiled fishing port nearby,
lies the 16th-century hexagonal
A glimpse of the town citadel. With fine views from
Activity is centred north of the the ramparts, it contains the
Musée de l’Annonciade, beside Musée Naval de St-Tropez.
the little port. Here, local artists Further east, is La Madrague
sell their wares and people pass where Brigitte Bardot used to
the time of day in the Café de Paris, live. And God Created Woman,
le Gorille or Senequier (see p219). the 1959 film shot in St-Tropez
The pretty, pastel-painted houses starring Bardot, started the
lining the quai Jean-Jaurès can celebrity rush to the town.
be viewed at their best from the
harbour breakwater, the Môle E Musée de l’Annonciade The impressive hilltop citadel east
Jean Réveille. These buildings See pp124–5. of St-Tropez
were among the town’s sights
that inspired Paul Signac R Eglise Notre-Dame de E Musée de la Citadelle
(1863–1935) to start painting l’Assomption Forteresse. Tel 04 94 97 59 43.
in St-Tropez. Many other artists Rue de l’Eglise. Open Tue–Sun am. Open daily. Closed 1 Jan,
followed, all well represented in This 19th-century Baroque 1 & 17 May, 11 Nov, 25 Dec. & 7
the Annonciade (see pp124–5). church contains several busts Located in the dungeon of the
citadel keep, to the east of the
town, this museum houses
a collection on the colourful
history of St-Tropez and the navy.
E Maison des Papillons
9 rue Etienne Berny. Tel 04 94 97 63 45.
Open Apr–Nov: Tue pm & Wed–Sat.
Closed 1 Jan, 1 & 17 May, Ascension,
15 Aug, 1 Nov, 25 Dec. & 7 ground
floor only.
Hidden in a narrow medieval
lane is this amazingly complete
collection of butterflies found
in France, as well as rare
Fishing boats and luxury cruisers docked at quai Jean-Jaurès specimens from the Amazon.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp199–200 and pp211–12