Villa Zidane

Saint-Tropez is one of the finest places you could spend your French escape. This once tiny fishing village is now known as a playground for celebrities and boasts long beaches, brilliant restaurants and excellent shopping opportunities. Also close by you can visit sleepy historic villages and unspoilt island beaches, making this the perfect place to stay to explore the French Riviera.

Sitting in the hills just perched above the coast, Villa Zidane is ideally placed for visiting Saint-Tropez town which is just 4km away. However, while here you may also want to discover more of natural surroundings and take part in some outdoor pursuits to make the most of the great weather. For example, just 3km away from the villa you can visit the prestigious Golf Club Saint-Tropez and try out the 18-hole golf course. Just down the road from here there is also a polo club and if you prefer hiking or cycling, there are routes through ancient woodlands in easy reach of the house.

If you would rather enjoy the natural environment by strolling through acres of manicured vineyards and sampling world-class wines then why not head over to Domaine Bertaud Belieu which is a picturesque winery a short drive from the villa. Whilst visiting Bertaud Belieu the owners will be happy to guide you through the wine making process, give you a tour of the cellars and grounds and then you can sample the delicious wines, especially their famous rosé.

After a busy day exploring the nearby countryside or playing a round of golf, you can be sitting in a luxurious restaurant in the heart of Saint-Tropez in no time at all. You could try the celebrity favourite Café Senequier or maybe try Kinugawa which is a new Japanese inspired fine-dining restaurant with a pretty secret garden.

Aside from unrivalled eateries, Saint-Tropez is also surrounded with some of the French Riviera’s best beaches: Plage de Pampelonne (8km) is place to go if you want to unwind on comfy sun loungers sipping a delicious cocktail or you could try the more natural Plage de la Moutte for a refreshing swim and to try out some water sports.

Saint-Tropez also has a long and rich history which you can learn more about at the museums in town, including the maritime museum, police museum and even a film museum. The old town is a delightful place to spend the morning strolling around the maze-like streets and visiting medieval churches. The old town is also where you will find some of the best markets which are held throughout the week in summer months, whether you are seeking fresh bread or vintage clothing, the bustling markets will have it!

If you would like to visit another town with a completely different character then drive over to Port-Grimaud which is 6km away from the house. This pastel-coloured port town is all set on the water and is connected by canals, much like Venice. The town is relatively new but still has lots of charm and plenty to see and do. Winding around the waterways and stopping off for lunch with sea views is a great way to pass a day here.

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.