You Were Never Told St Tropez Is Paradise? - Karl Lagerfeld
Something beautiful happened when I let go of my nervousness about traveling solo - my sense of sight, sound and smell heightened and I became acutely aware of everything around me. When you travel by yourself you are much more in tune with your environment. You notice more, you take in more. On my first solo trip to France, I felt like a child, wide-eyed and spellbound by discovery. And of course being that I was in Saint Tropez, only amplified those feelings of wonderment.
We met a couple several years ago that had been traveling to Saint Tropez every year for over 20 years. At first I questioned ‘The same place?’ But after my first visit I understood. It is magic. A city fortified in history named after a Roman officer during Nero’s reign named Torpes whom was beheaded after converting to Christianity and placed in a small boat that would end up on the shores of Saint Tropez, fishing and ship building would become its main industries, eventually artists of all kinds would call it home because of its beauty. There is no other place like it and somehow it retains its history and small fishing village feel among the glamour. The Mediterranean lapping against natural beaches, preservation of architecture and colors, historical cuisine, and the best market in the world, it is no wonder that it retains its reputation as the crown jewel of the Cote D'Azur, or French Riviera.
This infatuation with France began the day a French teacher visited Whitesburg Elementary School and assigned me the French name Antoinette. An adoration for a place that seemed like a dream would continue to build throughout my life. From a fascination with French cuisine to the landscapes painted by the world's most acclaimed artists to the impeccable taste in everything from clothes to decor, I fell in love with the French way of life. If there is one city that captures this way of life best, it is Saint Tropez, home to the bikini and Tarte Tropezienne. A place where you can experience the best of both worlds, luxurious and laid back; opulent and natural; days filled with everything you want or nothing at all. A place where the art of living well reigns superior to our Western world. A place where I never find myself scrambling to do a thing. A place I now return again and again. I am grateful to this Mediterranean paradise that soothed my wanderlust and brought a newfound contentment to my soul.
Where To Stay
Cheval Blanc
Where To Eat
Le Kikouiou
You will find locals and tourists enjoying this hidden gem near the Plage de l’Escalet. Highlights include the homemade truffle pizza; citrusy salmon tartare; homemade apple crumble and oozy chocolate cake.
La Vague d’Or, Cheval Blanc, Saint Tropez
Dining here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the sea view to the highly curated cuisine created by Michelin three-star chef, Arnaud Donckele. Make reservations far in advance.
La Brigantine, La Croix Valmer
Near the Pampelonne restaurant scene, the Starck-designed Lily of the Valley, captures the essence of Saint Tropez, a rustic, yet chic retreat. This quiet stretch of Gigaro Beach has become a foodie destination.
La Ponche, Saint Tropez
Tucked away on a steep cobblestone backstreet overlooking the legendary plage where And God Created Woman was shot, Hotel La Ponche is 1950s glam, stylishly spruced up à la Neo-Provencal by designer Fabrizio Casiraghi and under new management. A perfect spot for people watching.
Where To Beach
Les Graniers
Plage de l’Escalet
Where To Shop
What To Do
On my first solo trip to France, I felt like a child, wide-eyed and spellbound by discovery. And of course being that I was in Saint Tropez, only amplified those feelings of wonderment.
The Mediterranean lapping against natural beaches, preservation of architecture and colors, historical cuisine, and the best market in the world, it is no wonder that it retains its reputation as the crown jewel of the Cote D'Azur, or French Riviera.
