A downtown dip sounds great to us. Outlined by the colourful town, the tiny beach of Plage de la Glaye is exactly what we mean when we say "this feels straight out of a painting".
Bòu means "fishing net" in Provençal, and the restaurant sits at the quieter end of Saint-Tropez’s port, past the superyachts, where the old fishing boats are still moored. The interiors are elegant and restrained, lovely dark wood, the only touches of colour are the blue striped cushions. The fish comes from local boats and is grilled to perfection – order the loup if it’s on the menu that day.
Far from the more see-and-be-seen spots of this part of the South of France, La Ponche is a breath of fresh air. Blink and you’ll miss the entrance, which adds a major cool factor and intrigue to this more glamorous private home with interiors that are intimately designed by Fabrizio Casiraghi (of London’s Grand Hotel Bellevue and Hotel des Grands Voyageurs in Paris). In the fifties, the hotel saw the likes of swish singers and actors (famously Brigitte Bardot, who now has a room named after her) gracing the halls, today that still exists but at a much more modest and moody pace. The scene is old world, with guests seen playing backgammon or scooping up chocolate mousse rather than popping bottles of Crystal.
Banh Hoï has been in this alleyway off the Place de l’Ormeau since 1976, serving fragrant Thai and Vietnamese cooking at the foot of Saint-Tropez’s bell tower. The tuna tartare is punchy with mint, coriander, and lemongrass, and the restaurant has two art galleries tucked inside, showcasing rotating exhibitions. Book a table on the cobbles outside.
Stop by this little cute bar on Place aux Herbes for a delicious cold glass of rosé, and share a dozen oysters with your friends, or your lover!