More about: Day Trips to Saint Tropez from Nice
Saint Tropez is a vacation destination that can be defined in one word: dazzling. Brimming with celebrities, glamour, luxury yachts and exclusive clubs; spending a weekend exploring its streets is a delight for the senses.
Considered by locals and foreigners alike as a refined destination for the rich and famous; it is one of the best things to do in Nice on vacation. In the following sections I will put you in context about everything you can expect when you embark on an excursion to Saint Tropez from Nice.
Saint Tropez Day Trip from Nice
Travel by Ferry on the French Riviera
Get to know the beautiful city of Saint Tropez on a ferry trip from Nice. This excursion takes you to one of the most beautiful cities of the Riviera to enjoy the atmosphere, the luxury yachts, the beautiful beaches and the delicious food of Saint Tropez.
The excursion to Saint Tropez from Nice is a perfect way to escape the urban pace for a day and discover one of the most iconic destinations on the French Riviera. Accompanied by a local guide, you will visit both Saint Tropez and Port Grimaud, combining medieval and seaside charm with postcard-perfect scenery and touches of luxury.
In Saint Tropez, you will tour its famous harbor - where luxury yachts coexist with traditional fishing boats - and climb up to its medieval citadel. You will also have free time for lunch, strolling or shopping at your own pace. Later, the excursion continues to Port Grimaud, known as "Little Venice", a place of quiet canals, bridges and colorful houses that looks like something out of a painting. Transportation to and from your accommodation is included, which makes everything more comfortable.
What I like most about this excursion: the combination of two unique villages, very different from each other, but equally picturesque, in one day and without worrying about transportation.
Recommended if... you want to see the most authentic (and photogenic) side of the French Riviera without complications.
How is the ferry excursion to Saint Tropez from Nice?
The most popular way to make an excursion to Saint Tropez from Nice is through a combination of land and sea transportation. This format, very common in the area during the months of good weather, allows you to enjoy the coastal scenery while doing the tour in a more enjoyable and varied way.
The itinerary usually starts with a car or minibus ride from your accommodation in Nice to Sainte-Maxime. From there, you will board a boat that will take you directly to the port of Saint Tropez, allowing you to admire the coastline from the sea before arriving in the heart of the village. Once there, you will have free time to wander the streets, visit the citadel or simply stroll around the harbor where luxury yachts coexist with traditional boats.
If you go to Nice in summer, note that the boats that cover the route between Nice and Saint Tropez operate daily throughout the high season. On the other hand, if you plan to visit Nice in winter, for example to enjoy its Christmas atmosphere, boat trips are mainly available on weekends.
Useful information
- Means of transport: Private car from Nice to Sainte-Maxime and boat to Saint Tropez.
- Advantages of this option: Combines different means of transport and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline.
- Disadvantages of this option: Can be more expensive and time consuming than a direct road trip.
Excursions to Saint Tropez by other means of transport
Numerous local companies operate private car tours from Nice; the intention is that the traveler can enjoy the Riviera's beautiful coastal scenery while relaxing in comfortable, air-conditioned transportation.
Unlike other major Côte d'Azur destinations, such as Monaco and Ezé from Nice, St. Tropez is a small and somewhat isolated town, which is very difficult to reach. These excursions are organized in private vehicles and in small groups to ensure a personalized service and to facilitate a constant availability of excursions.
Whatever the time of your trip, it is best to book your excursion as far in advance as possible, as many of these companies do not operate on weekends and others only operate on specific days during low tourist seasons.
Useful Information
- Means of transportation: private minibus for small groups.
- Advantages of this option: It is the fastest and most direct way to get to St. Tropez, which translates into more time to enjoy the beach and the coast.
- Disadvantages of this option: If you want to enjoy a boat ride along the St. Tropez coast you will have to pay an additional fee or hire it on your own when you arrive at your destination.
Duration of the excursions to Saint Tropez from Nice
The duration of the excursion will always be subject to the itinerary of the company you hire for the adventure; however tour operators in Nice reserve between 9 and 12 hours for excursions to Saint Tropez.
Due to the duration, the adventure itself is considered one of the best day trips on the French Riviera. It is the perfect way to tour beyond Nice on a short trip.
The trip to Saint Tropez by car takes less than 2 hours while the tour to Saint Tropez by boat takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Organized tours operate so that travelers arrive in Saint Tropez at approximately mid-morning and can make the most of the day exploring the town; therefore most leave the town around 9 am in the morning.
Tips for an excursion to Saint Tropez from Nice
If you are looking for a luxury vacation, visiting Saint Tropez or visiting Monaco and Èze from Nice will make you feel like a movie star in your own movie. Follow the following tips to make your experience as pleasant as possible and make the most of every minute.
Dress code is important...
St. Tropez is an area full of restaurants, bars and upscale establishments and some of them require a dress code. To avoid misunderstandings and embarrassing situations review the rules of the place which are commonly stated on the web portal. You can also ask your tour operator for guidance if you decide to book an excursion.
Touring the historic district on foot is the best option...
The most prominent tourist attractions are located very close to each other in the heart of the historic district of Saint Tropez. You won't need your car to get around, so if you are traveling by transport from Nice it is best to park and walk around the area.
Pay attention to tipping...
For local restaurants and cafes tips should be 10-15% of the total consumed; the most prestigious gastronomic establishments include the fee in the total bill. However, you can add a small extra amount and indicate it on the bill.
October is a great month to visit
October is a great month to visit Saint Tropez if you are a shopping lover as many shopping malls and top local stores start their sale season. You will find luxury brands with a lot of quality at a reduced price.
How much does a Saint Tropez excursion from Nice cost?
While the final price of the excursion varies depending on the company you choose to hire, the average range is between 80€ and 130€ per traveler.
When looking for excursions to Saint Tropez from Nice read in detail the description of the experience and don't immediately go for the cheapest option. Some local tour operators offer travelers experiences such as a boat cruise off the coast of Saint Tropez for an additional fee that is usually worth paying.
If your vacation in the South of France includes a week or so in Nice, I recommend including a boat tour or excursion in your itinerary so that you can appreciate the beauty of the Côte d'Azur from different perspectives.
What not to miss in Saint Tropez ?
No matter how you decide to arrive, once in Saint Tropez I recommend taking advantage of the day to explore the following sites, considered by travelers and locals as the best things to do in the city.
If you go to Saint Tropez is an excursion, the company may organize for you some of these activities or the trip may include free time for each traveler to choose activities at their own discretion.
Take a tour of La Ponche
La Ponche is the name given to the old town of St. Tropez, one of the most captivating places for walking and strolling in the south of France. On your walk you will find numerous stores filled with high quality and attractive handcrafted objects; elegant cafes and restaurants serving traditional food.
Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema
If your itinerary allows it, I recommend visiting the small museum dedicated to cinema in Saint Tropez. The Musée de la Gendarmerie puts a high focus on local productions as well as its talented actors.
Saint Tropez, although small, has a deep and rich cinematic history, as this place served as the setting for many old school productions, which are now cinema classics.
Stroll along the Promenade and the Vieux Port.
The Vieux Port is one of the most popular attractions of the place; with many small fishing boats, elegant yachts and colorful houses, everywhere you look you will find a corner worthy of a travel postcard. Are you a fan of photography? This is the best place to take spectacular shots!
Relax on the Beaches
One of the most popular activities in St. Tropez is simply relaxing on its beautiful beaches with spectacular views. Many visitors travel from other nearby French cities to relax in the sun or take a refreshing swim. The beaches of St. Tropez, along with the waters of the Verdon Gorge, are considered a favorite escape from the hot summers.
Why take a trip to Saint Tropez?
St. Tropez used to be a quiet and cozy fishing village, but over the years it has built a reputation as a highly refined, luxury destination that the rich and famous prefer on their trips to the Riviera.
It is well worth a visit to see the charm that has attracted the attention of so many celebrities in recent decades.
Additionally, the main advantage of choosing the city of Nice as a vacation destination is due to its easy connectivity to other beautiful destinations within the French Riviera; Saint Tropez included among them.
My recommendation is to take advantage of this strategic location to see as much as you can; enjoy a day trip to Provence and medieval villages from Nice.
What are the advantages of taking a tour vs. visiting Saint Tropez on my own?
When it comes to visiting Saint Tropez, you have two alternatives at your disposal: to undertake the adventure on your own or to bookan excursion
. Each alternative offers significant advantages and disadvantages that I will explain in detail below.
Visiting Saint Tropez by ferry on your own...
The boat company Trans-Cote-d'Azur operates a transportation system that takes travelers from Nice to St. Tropez. This is an economical alternative to make the trip on a budget but at the same time requires much more planning and organization on your part.
The trip does not include any kind of guide or escort, you must be adjusted to the availability but especially the schedule to not miss your trip back to Nice.
If you choose this alternative, it is best to book your tickets in advance and schedule a trip to St. Tropez that includes spending at least one night in the city.
Visiting Saint Tropez on an organized tour...
On the other hand, organized excursions offer numerous advantages, among the main ones: saving you planning time; once you have made your reservations, you will only have to worry about being at the meeting point at the agreed time.
Additionally, most tour operators in Nice offer the traveler direct pick up from their hotel making the overall experience even easier.
This alternative is ideal for those travelers who will be in town for a few days to enjoy a short vacation; for example 5 days or 3 days in Nice; as it allows you to make the most of your valuable time and get the most out of your days exploring the south coast.