Page 245 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

DRIVE 23: Vineyards of Provence 243

across the open field of Pré des
Pêcheurs. Swing right to check out
Place de la Vue, a popular spot for
artists, who set up their easels and
paint the seascape beyond. The
energetic can continue east along
Rue de Cavaillon’s footpath, tracing
the 12 km (7 miles) around Saint-
Tropez’s cap to trendy Plage de
Pampelonne. Take Place de la Vue’s
small set of stairs down to Plage de
la Fontanette 5. Visitors can get into
their swimsuit and cool off with a
quick dip in the Mediterranean.
Rested and refreshed, follow the
coastline westwards to Port des
Pêcheurs, tucking back inland at the
bustling Place du Revelen. Go through
the arched walkway beneath Porte
du Revelen, taking Rue Petit St-Jean Above Charming Plage de Pampelonne on
along to Place de l’Ormeau 6, a 2 Plage de Pampelonne the Saint-Tropez peninsula Below
serene square. Exit the square at its Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur; 83350 Passageway in the citadel of Saint-Tropez
northwest corner, where quiet Rue Turquoise waters gently lap the 5 km
du Clocher leads to the buzz of Rue (3 miles) of white sandy beach here.
des Commerçants, lined with Although it may appear a paradise
bakeries, cafés and shops. today, Plage de Pampelonne wit ness-
Rue du Marché, the first right turn, ed drama with the Allied landings in
will lead to Place aux Herbes 7, August 1944.
which hosts a tiny but vibrant flower The first beach bar, the trendy
VISITING SAINTTROPEZ
and produce market (Tue–Sun morn- Tahiti Plage, opened two years later
ings), stocked with artisan cheeses, and Pampelonne soon became a
Tourist Information
lavender honey and plump olives. pop ular naturist spot. Strip down Quai Jean Jaurès, 83990; 08 92 68 48
Between the square and the town’s and dive in (Le Liberty and Neptune 28; http://sainttropeztourisme.com
Vieux Port (Old Port), the Porte de la are naturist beaches), or follow the
Parking
Poissonnerie 8 is brimming with cele brities to the famous Le Club 55. There are two large car parks to the
the day’s catch. Each morning, Pampelonne’s 27 beach clubs are the west of the port, the aptly named
fishermen ply mounds of red mullet, places to be seen in, attracting over Parking du Port and Parking du
Nouveau Port. There is an additional
sea bream and octopus to local 30,000 daily visitors in summer.
car park in Place des Lices. All are
residents and top chefs alike. ª Take Chemin des Moulins back to within easy walking distance of the
Art lovers can take a detour to Route des Plages (D93). Turn left, town centre. However, finding parking
the far side of the Vieux Port to the heading south along the D93 until the during the high season is very difficult.
former chapel that is now the Musée first roundabout. Drive straight onto
de l’Annonciade (open Wed–Mon, closed D61 following signs for Ramatuelle.
Nov). It houses treasures by Bonnard, EAT AND DRINK
Dufy, Signac and Derain. Walk down
Rue François Sibilli back to the car SAINTTROPEZ
park at Place des Lices and grab a Le Café inexpensive–moderate
table at Le Café. Order a pastis, and try The café offers classic southern French
Provence’s favourite pastime, pétanque dishes, including the town’s sweet-
tooth speciality, tarte tropézienne.
– a set of boules can be borrowed
Le Café’s passion is pétanque.
from the café for free.
Place des Lices, 83990; 04 94 97 44 69;
ª Exit via Avenue du Général de www.lecafe.fr
Gaulle (runs east of the port), which
La Ponche moderate–expensive
becomes Avenue du 15 Aout 1944. Turn Traditional Mediterranean recipes
left onto the D93, known as Route des mingle with playful, high-end
Plages, and head south until reaching gastronomy at La Ponche, just steps
away from the sandy stretch of Plage
a left-turn indica tion onto Chemin des
de la Ponche.
Moulins. Drive through the vineyards
3 rue des Remparts, 83990; 04 94 97
to reach the car parks that line the 09 29; www.laponche.com; closed
Plage de Pampelonne. Nov–mid-Mar
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €20; moderate, €20–€40; expensive, over €40