That morning started with a croissant and a coffee on the veranda of our caravan.
Watching kids run through the campsite in pyjamas and sandals while my big teens slept in… lol… as teens do best.
Just slow and simple.
Enjoying a way of living that has always felt like it could be home.
But another adventure was planned for later that afternoon and by lunchtime, after just under an hour’s drive from Fréjus, we arrived in Saint Tropez.
And nothing about it felt accidental.
Saint Tropez instantly felt exactly how you imagine it would. Glamorous. Polished. Unapologetically expensive. I could immediately see why celebrities and luxury travellers have been drawn here for decades.
The energy is very different from other French Riviera destinations like Cannes. Both places are filled with designer boutiques and high end restaurants, but Saint Tropez takes luxury to a completely different level.
It is luxury everywhere you look. You can literally almost smell the money in the air 🤣
Harbours packed with enormous yachts.
Streets lined with designer stores.
Luxury cars arriving like red carpet guests.
People strolling past casually with Prada shopping bags as if it is just another ordinary Tuesday.
It is not exactly my world.
But… for a moment it was kind of cute to step into it.
If you are planning a trip to Saint Tropez you will find glamorous beaches such as Pampelonne Beach, vibrant markets, upscale shopping and world class dining. But us being us, we kept things simple.
We parked up. Walked. Explored.
We dipped our toes gently into a lifestyle I had only ever imagined before.
It was busy and you could tell many people were there for them IG pics 🤣
But hidden between the glossy bits, you can still feel the softer charm of the French Riviera that seems to exist everywhere along this coastline. I don’t think it’s disappeared. It is just quieter here I guess.
Saint Tropez was once a small fishing village before becoming one of the most famous luxury destinations in the world. Somehow it has managed to hold onto parts of that past…ever so subtle. And if you slow down enough to notice, it is still there.
We walked along the harbour. Sat on the rocks with some very overpriced smoothies the young people insisted on 🙄 and watched the waves roll in. The sunlight dancing on the water. And amongst all the glamour we found small pockets of realness.
Honestly, we did not do much more than that until dinner.
If you have read my other travel blogs you will already know this about me. Outside of travel and music, I love food. In fact..could definatly be described as a foodie family. And food will therefore feature on every trip we ever take.
If I am being honest, our entire Saint Tropez visit revolved around one place. A restaurant called La Ramade.
Oh Lord… this place.
It was not flashy.
It was not curated for social media.
It was simpe luxury done beautifully.
A garden terrace with tables tucked between trees. Candlelight flickering as evening settled in. A slow, relaxed atmosphere. Good quality wine that did not feel outrageous. Food that was genuinely excellent.
Dinner at La Ramade… one of our favourite memories of Saint Tropez.
To this day my son still says it was the best steak he has ever eaten.
We had such a lovely family meal.
We talked. We laughed. We just existed together.
That was my real highlight of Saint Tropez.
Not the yachts.
Not the designer labels.
My family.
A beautiful meal.
A place that finally felt real.
Was Saint Tropez glamorous. Yes.
Was it expensive. Absolutely.
Was it slightly pretentious. Haha… correct.
Am I glad we visited. Of course.
Could I live there forever. Honestly… no.
That is not judgement. It is simply understanding the difference between somewhere that is impressive to experience and somewhere that truly feels like home.
A Few Honest Tips if You Are Visiting Saint Tropez
Go early in the morning or later in the evening. These are the calmest times and the town feels more authentic. By midday it becomes very busy and very performative.
Consider visiting Saint Tropez as a day trip from nearby towns such as Fréjus or Cannes. You can experience the atmosphere without the pressure of staying overnight.
Walk as much as possible. Traffic can be heavy and parking is limited. Exploring on foot helps you notice the quieter and more charming corners.
Plan your budget realistically. Even small purchases can quickly become expensive. Yes, even smoothies 🙄
Choose restaurants thoughtfully. You do not need the most famous or most expensive option. A tucked away place like La Ramade gave us one of our most meaningful memories.
If you are looking for somewhere with a softer, storybook feel, consider nearby destinations like Port Grimaud which offer a calmer pace and a different kind of Riviera beauty.
Final Thought
Saint Tropez is beautiful. Brilliant. Absolutely worth seeing.
But for me, it is a place you visit rather than somewhere you settle.
And that is perfectly fine.
Some places look good on you.
Others feel right.
If you are planning your own French Riviera road trip, you can also read about our days in Cannes, Èze and Nice for more honest family travel ideas along this beautiful coastline.
Travel That Adds Something
I write about travel that adds something to you, not just takes you away.
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