Mer Vue

Mer Vue is in a hillside setting above the beautiful Plage de l'Escalet, around 6km from the southern-most point of Plage de Pampelonne and 11km from Saint-Tropez.

It’s a short walk down the hill to Plage de l'Escalet, a pretty sheltered bay with clear water ideal for snorkelling and swimming. A coastal hiking path leads past small coves and beautiful Mediterranean nature towards Cap Taillat for yet more incredible scenery.

The nearest village is hilltop Ramatuelle (5.5km) with its narrow cobbled lanes, bougainvillea-clad houses, restaurant terraces, little art galleries and impressive 16th century church.

Bypassing the village, there are summer beachside restaurants along Plage de Pampelonne, just over a 10-minute drive away, including some of Saint Tropez’ most prestigious beach clubs. The 5km long sandy shores of Plage de Pampelonne are also known for seasonal watersports – look out for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaks, and pedal boats alongside jet-skiing and windsurfing.

Take time to experience Saint-Tropez (11km), a former fishing village with colourful houses and a medieval warren of narrow lanes with boutiques, bars, high-end restaurants and café terraces as well as the vibrant twice-weekly market at Place des Lices. Boat trips depart Saint-Tropez for tours of the French Riviera coast or pick up a ferry towards Port Grimaud and Sainte-Maxime.

Other picture-perfect villages include hilltop Grimaud (19km) and Gassin (11km), both enjoying sweeping views of Saint-Tropez bay. Take time to drive to La Croix Valmer and its wonderful vineyards, close to one of the region’s most idyllic beaches, Plage de Gigaro (12.5km) and yet more opportunities for coastal walks.

Read more about Saint Tropez

Once a traditional fishing village, Saint-Tropez is now one of the most glamourous destinations of the Côte d’Azur and welcomes visitors from across the world.

However, there’s more to Saint-Tropez bay than exclusive beach clubs, glitzy boutiques and fine dining restaurants. From the family-friendly beaches of Sainte-Maxime to the vineyards of La Croix Valmer, Oliver’s Travels guests can truly admire this enchanting corner of the French Riviera whilst staying in one of our handpicked villas in and around Saint-Tropez.

Soak up the luxurious yet laidback vibe of Saint-Tropez as you wander around its marina lined with huge yachts contrasting colourful fishermen’s houses overlooking the bay. The old quarter is a warren of winding lanes with French designer boutiques, picturesque cafes and restaurants whilst Place des Lices hosts a vibrant Provençal market on a Tuesday and Saturday morning. Enjoy the most glorious vistas from Saint-Tropez’s 17th century citadel and maritime museum. Boat trips are another superb way to tour this part of the coast and passenger ferries cross the bay.

Just south of the town, follow Brigitte Bardot’s footsteps as you visit one of Plage de Pampelonne’s exclusive beach clubs, the most famous being Le Club 55 (always book well in advance). Stretching over 5km, Pampelonne’s long sandy beach is also loved for its vast range of summer watersports including jet-skiing, windsurfing and paddleboarding.

The picture-perfect villages of Saint-Tropez bay are beautifully located to make the most of the French Riviera scenery. On the hillside overlooking Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle has attracted artists and writers over the years and is full of charm – look out for performances during its theatre and jazz festivals in the summer months. Meanwhile, hilltop Gassin is classified as one of France’s 'Plus Beaux Villages’ whilst flower-filled Grimaud is such a pretty medieval village with yet more stunning views of the coast.

Driving into the Maures hills, discover the characterful villages of La Garde-Freinet and Le Plan-de-la-Tour surrounded by oak and chestnut forests, a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-riding enthusiasts and other outdoor adventurists.

Back to the coast, take a boat tour of Port Grimaud, known as the ‘little Venice of the Côte d’Azur’, and experience its atmospheric Monday evening summer market. Across the other side of the bay, Sainte-Maxime is a lovely sheltered seaside town with pretty cafes, a daily market and gorgeous beaches. Families adore this area – there are tree-top adventures, tennis, mini-golf, a water park and coastal paths for biking and hiking.

Golf-lovers can appreciate a choice of courses – Golf Blue Green as well as the prestigious Beauvallon Golf Club and Golf Club Saint-Tropez. Wine connoisseurs should head to the wine châteaux of Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne as well as the vineyards of La Croix Valmer.

Not forgetting the idyllic shores of soft sand and crystal-clear sea of La Croix Valmer’s coastline from Plage de Sylvabelle to Plage de Gigaro, also home to a wonderful coastal walking trail with the most incredible flora and fauna alongside sensational views of the Mediterranean as you hike towards Cap Lardier and beyond.