Saint-Tropez

Saint Tropez is a small picturesque town in southeast Francein the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is one of the most beautiful resorts on the French Riviera which has gained widespread popularity due to numerous films(for example, there is the action of the gendarme with Louis de Funes and "Umbrella Sting" with Pierre Richard as well as the picture "And God created a woman" with Bridget Bardot). This is one of the most glamorous places on the Cote d'Azur. This luxurious resort is known for its excellent beaches and clear sea, picturesque houses and narrow cobbled streets of the old town as well as charming green courtyards and cozy squares. It is hard to believe that until the 19th century, Saint-Tropez was just a modest fishing village. But thanks to artists and cinema, the city has become a legendary place of rest.

Saint-Tropez is located in the western part of the eponymous bay of the Mediterranean Sea. The city is located between Cannes and Toulon, east of Marseille and west of Nice. The climate is warm Mediterranean. It is characterized by relatively hot summers, rainy autumns and mild winters.

The best time to visit Saint-Tropez and, in principle, any other place on the Cote d'Azur is September. This month is characterized by warm sea, comfortable weather and a relatively small number of tourists. The highest season is July and August. May and June are not the best time for a beach holiday (despite the warm comfortable weather). The water in the sea, although clean, but quite cool. The resort does not have access to the railway. The nearest train station is in Saint-Raphael, from where you can reach Saint-Tropez by bus. The nearest international airport is in Nice.

The history of Saint-Tropez began in the 2nd century BC when an ancient settlement was founded here. The town is named after St. Trochimus, who was executed during the time of Nero in the vicinity of Pisa. For some time (in the 10th century) the city was part of the pirate state of Fraxinet. At the end of the 10th century the town became part of the possessions of the Counts of Provence.

In 1615 a Japanese delegation visited Saint-Tropez. In 1637 an attack by Spanish galleons was repulsed here. This event is still celebrated. Saint-Tropez's reputation as a fashionable resort began to take shape in the 19th century when famous artists and celebrities began to settle here. Although until the middle of the 20th century the city was actually a small fishing village. This situation was changed by the cinema, turning the town into one of the most popular places on the Cote d'Azur.

The old town of Saint-Tropez, known as La Ponche, is located between the port and the citadel. The historic center is the most picturesque area of ​​the resort which has preserved the charm of a small fishing village. The old town is full of narrow cobbled streets, architecture of 17-18 centuries, shops, cafes and restaurants. Notre-Dame de l'assomption is one of the main symbols of the old town, a beautiful church in the Italian Baroque style, built in the late 18th century. The church has a facade of white limestone with pronounced yellow and red inserts, which contrast nicely with the blue sky and the sea.
Sights

The atmospheric Old Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez. This place enchants with the idyll of moored small fishing boats and luxury yachts, Mediterranean houses in pastel colors and cozy cafes with terraces. Next to the port is the Old Market Square Place aux Herbes, which in the morning turns into a farmers market. To the north is the harbor and promenade of Môle Jean-Réveille, which offers a magnificent view of Saint-Tropez.

Notre Dame de Annonsiad is an art museum that occupies the former 16th-century chapel of a Catholic order. The museum is known for a wonderful range of paintings by Impressionists and avant-garde artists.

The Citadel is a mighty hexagonal fortress that towers over the old city. The citadel was built in the early 17th century. Here you can admire the powerful bastions and beautiful panoramas of the bay. Now within the walls of the fortress is a maritime museum.

Saint-Tropez is famous for its private beaches in Pampelon. There are also some good public beaches: Plage de Bouillabaisse - a sandy beach behind the port, Plage des Canoubiers - a large sandy beach popular with locals, Plage des Salins - a wide sandy beach with crystal clear water and Plage de la Ponche - a small beach nearby from the old quarters.

St. Anne's Chapel is a chapel at the highest point of the hill, which was built in 1618 in honor of the liberation from the plague.