St Tropez France pict
St Tropez France

Since the days of Brigitte Bardot, St. Tropez has been known as a playground for the rich and famous.  But thanks to New York Habitat, you don’t have to be rich or famous to enjoy spectacular accommodations in Saint Tropez. This fall is a perfect time to visit: the temperatures are cooler, the tourists have all gone back to work, and the 10th annual St. Tropez Sails event will take place from September 24th to October 2th, 2011.

The name of the town comes from the martyr Saint Tropes, who was beheaded by the Emperor Nero in Pisa and then sent out to sea.  His body landed in the South of France. The town remained a quiet fishing village for much of its history, until the twentieth century, when it became the European vacation spot for celebrities from around the world, though it still retains much of its small-town charm.  

You will be happy to know Saint Tropez offers lots of attractions for your vacation fun. From guided tours and culture walks through the older parts of town, to the many outdoor markets and local wineries, St. Tropez holds on to its provincial heritage.  But the glamorous clientele have left their mark on the town as well.  One thing that is sure to attract the moneyed class is St. Tropez Sails, a yachting festival featuring both traditional and modern yachts and daily races.  For those of you not nautically inclined, the Annonciade Museum has become one of the centers for twentieth century and avant-garde art, featuring such French masters like Matisse and Braque. World class restaurants and night clubs let you live like a star, or maybe even with a few of them!  Don’t forget about the beautiful beaches either!  Head to the Bay of Pampelonne, five kilometers (around 3 miles) of uninterrupted sandy shores with many opportunities for windsurfing, water-skiing, and other water activities, or if you prefer, simply relax on the beach and take in the sights and sounds of St. Tropez.

St Tropez, France picture
The streets of St Tropez, France
New York Habitat has some wonderful French Riviera apartment rentals that will make you feel like a celebrity, without having to spend like one.  For instance, this studio apartment in St. Tropez (PR-630), is right in the heart of St. Tropez, just steps away from shops and the events of the French Riviera. You can play paparazzi right from your window, as it looks out onto streets below.  The bright, cozy apartment offers charming touches, such as exposed ceiling beams, and modern amenities, such as an updated kitchen and bathroom.

If you’d like a bit more space, take a look at this three bedroom rental in Saint Tropez, French Riviera (PR-562). It is beautifully decorated and the kitchen and bathroom are modern and well-equipped. They even include a dishwasher and washing machine, very rare in France! With large windows in every room, the apartment gets plenty of sun. If you’d prefer to be in the sun, relax on your private patio, or by the pool. This apartment is in a residential and quiet area as you enter the village, so it offers the perfect getaway after a long day of rubbing elbows with celebrities.

Though St. Tropez has become a hub for the rich and famous people of the world, it is still quite accessible to the rest of us.  The beautiful beaches are always free and there’s enough of St. Tropez’s French-town charm left to keep you from being completely overrun by the glitz and glamour. A vacation rental from New York Habitat will let you pretend to be a local in St. Tropez and allows you to avoid all the paparazzi that mob the hotels.  Though you may want to save up and spend one night on the town; you could be dining next to Brad and Angelina!

Have you been to St. Tropez?  Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments section. And for more travel tips about South of France, stay tuned on the New York Habitat Blog!