THE HISTORY OF SAINT TROPEZ

"Saint-Tropez is part of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez which is made up of twelve municipalities belonging to the Massif des Maures. Located to the south-east in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region, the village enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Saint Tropez has become, in spite of itself, a mythical village. Famous throughout the world, this charming village began its history in 599 BC Nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean, it was part of a string of mooring stations developed by the Phocaeans. In the middle of the 2nd century BC, the Romans colonized the peninsula of Saint-Tropez. The construction of houses, farms and vineyards will increase until the second century of our era. The village will experience the chaos and destruction of the multiple invasions suffered by all of Western Europe until the fall of the Roman Empire. Saint-Tropez is above all a small fishing village, its history is largely linked to the sea. A vast trade in wine and oil has developed, these products are exported in large quantities. The life of men is oriented around fishing, small coastal shipping, long courses and shipyards. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the wave of artists, painters, writers and filmmakers settled in Saint-Tropez, they make them their place of meeting, celebration and inspiration. Saint-Tropez becomes an artistic and cultural place which naturally allows it to turn to yachting and becomes an essential city for travelers from all over the world. Saint-Tropez is a fully protected village, its architectural heritage is admirable, it has 17 classified sites or monuments and natural areas such as the facades and roofs of port buildings, the old port, the Citadel and its surroundings, the Ponche district, the parish church of Notre Dame de l'Assomption and its bell tower built in 1634 , the chapels of Sainte-Anne, Miséricorde, Saint-Tropez, Annonciade, the Lavoir Vasserot and its fountain, the Jarlier Tower, the castle and the park of La Moutte... with a maze of narrow streets and squares warm and colorful colors. The natural heritage is just as fabulous, six magnificent beaches located on the twelve kilometers of coastline attract tourists from all walks of life. The beaches, the vineyards, the pine forests and the salt marshes provide a natural setting for the village. For a weekend or a holiday, in season or out of season, savor the authentic life of the village, the Place des Lices animated by the life of the fairgrounds, the market and its local products with this flavor of Provence. Discover the fishermen, bowlers, markets, luxury and traditional shops, cafes, night clubs and restaurants. A paradise for lovers of nature, art, gastronomy, sport, culture and siesta! This is not necessarily what you think of when you go on vacation to Saint-Tropez. And yet... Saint-Tropez is and has always been a village of art, culture and tradition. Although many tourists do not venture further than the port, Saint-Tropez conceals many hidden treasures such as its 16th century church with its famous bell tower, the castle of Suffren, the fishermen's quarter "La Ponche" or still the citadel which houses the Maritime Museum. The authentic character of Saint-Tropez, with its old streets and its Provençal market, combined with its history as a fishing village, continues to seduce and attract crowds."