New York Habitat Blog

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 this jewel of the French Riviera.  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 27th to October 5th.

St Tropez France

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.  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.

The streets of St Tropez, France

New York Habitat has some wonderful apartment rental accommodations 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 shore.  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 two bedroom rental in St. Tropez (PR-723).  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 the large terrace or by the pool.  This apartment is a bit further from the center of St. Tropez 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.

There must be more than this provincial life…

While Belle of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast longed to escape her small town in France, there are people from all over the world who are clambering to get in. Many small villages comprise the South of France and they attract scores of people each summer, hoping to relax and get away. New York Habitat highlights the town of La Garde Freinet, located in the French Riviera and near St. Tropez, as well as a secluded Three-Bedroom Villa (PR-741) .

Private, Three-Bedroom Villa in the French Riviera:

This traditional stone villa is located within a forest of the cork oak and pine trees that are characteristic of the area. There are no neighbors close by, which heightens the sense of privacy surrounding the French Riviera villa.

The large swimming pool on the terrace overlooks the forests and the hills. You can cool off by taking a dip or relax on a comfortable poolside mattress, in the shade.

The sweeping property has two houses: the main house and the smaller house (or Maison d’amis). The smaller house can be used for even further privacy from the larger group. The villa boasts three separate bedrooms, as well as two bathrooms. Both of the homes are nestled within a sloping landscape that will leave you breathless.

The village of La Garde Freinet is a ten-minute drive from the villa and merely 15 miles away from the vacation hot spot of St. Tropez.

La Garde Freinet, French Riviera:

A narrow, winding road scales the mountains and weaves its way through miles of trees and vineyards, channeling towards the small village of La Garde Freinet.

The village was originally named by the ancient Saracens and translates roughly to “The Guard of the Forest.” The name is quite fitting, as the region is known for its abundance of oak, cork oak, pine, and chestnut trees. The forest and the village are located on a narrow ledge of the Massif des Maures mountain range and overlook the gulf of St. Tropez, which can be reached from the village by car in about 10 minutes.

The streets of the village are narrow and provide the only separation between the houses, which are constructed back-to-back and side-to-side, leaving no space for backyards or patios. This typical feature of Provençal villages makes the aforementioned private and spacious villa that much more enticing.

Twice a week, the town comes alive for market day. The aromas of all the delicious treats for sale join the scents of rosemary, thyme, mint, and marjoram that perpetually fill the air.

What makes this three-bedroom a Hidden Gem?

Its secluded location within the sweeping Massif des Maures mountain range is an attractive bonus to this accommodation. The large swimming pool, extensive terrace, and comfortable décor of this two-house property all add up to make the villa a Hidden Gem.

For more information on the South of France, check out the following articles:

• A Writer’s Retreat in the South of France
• An American in the Southeast of France
• Grape harvest in Provence - France

Please, feel free to leave any comments or questions below.