Villa Piaf

This spacious family home is set in the leafy hills around Gassin, a mere 4km away from the heart of the town of Saint-Tropez. With countless stunning beaches nearby and historic villages to visit for day trips, this is a fantastic place to stay where you can truly get to know this part of the French Riviera.

When staying at Villa Piaf, you will be spoiled for choice as there are expansive sandy bays, small swimming coves and little tree-backed beaches to choose from. The closest beach is a mere 1km away whilst the beautiful Bouillabaisse Beach is also just 2.5km away, a laid-back option with some of the best views over the bay. One of the best-loved beaches in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is 8km away and boasts chic beach clubs with waiter service.

As well as the amazing beaches, Saint-Tropez is also a diverse town where you can spend many days exploring. When it is time for dinner you can head to a glamourous spot or try an off the beaten track fishing restaurant. Make sure to set aside a day to wander the narrow, winding streets of the old town which gives us a glimpse in to what life was like for those living in this once tiny fishing village. You can stroll around and look at the ancient churches, the defensive citadel and head down to the gorgeous port, where the fishing vessels still bob on the water and bring in the catch of the day.

If you would like to visit another town for the day then Sainte-Maxime is a great option. The town is 13km around the bay and is a sister town to Saint-Tropez which is a lovely place to visit when Saint-Tropez is a little busy. This historic place has a charming town centre with medieval buildings, an imposing tower and a brilliant folk museum to learn about the history of the region. In the summer months, Sainte-Maxime comes alive with communal events in the streets and squares such as fetes, fairs and saints’ days which tourists are welcome to join in with.

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.