Chartering a yacht in St Tropez

St Tropez became a fashionable holiday destination after the Second World War due mainly to the film industry depicting it as glamorous and a romantic hideaway on the French Riviera. St Tropez has also established itself a major fixture on the yachting calendar with many racing events taking place and making it a highly sought after yacht charter location.


The history of how the name of St Tropez came to be is from an old legend that tells of a Saint Torpes who was beheaded during the time of Nero and his body was placed on a boat from Italy with a rooster and a dog, and it arrived on the shores of the present town location. In the 18th century it was a busy commercial port trading in fish, cork, wood and wine as well as an important shipbuilding area.

In 1637 an army managed to drive away a Spanish invasion and this victory is still celebrated today every May as a colourful religious and military festival known as the Bravades des Espagnols, which means the act of defiance. On the 5th of June the town celebrates the fighting of the Spanish in the 15th century. During this time in the 15th century as a large army had to be raised, no taxes were charged up until King Louis XIV.

The town’s next major invasion came during the Second World War when the Allies landed here and started their invasion of Southern France in an operation known as “Operation Dragoon”.

After the war it was Brigitte Bardot filming in the area which gave the place a celebrity status. This followed with a couple of other films with Louis de Funes which made the area even more fashionable. Today this is still the same. People want to be seen in the small port, moored stern to the quay and soak up the bustling atmosphere and music from the bars and cafes looking onto the port. People take their time to slowly drive past in the latest sports cars, whilst others pose to have their photos taken next to the super yachts in the port, everyone hoping for a chance to spot a super star.

In the back streets you will find quietness and little alleyways connecting to small squares and plenty of decorative and enticing shops. There are a large number of competitive boutiques for both men and women. It is all about looking good here. The Place des Herbes has been trading with vegetables, fruits, flowers and local produce for years and can be found on the Quai Jean Jaures. It is open every day except Mondays in the wintertime. The main market day is every Tuesday and Saturday in the Place de Lices, so the traffic into the town is more congested then.

The main beaches of the town are outside at Pampalonne - Ramatuelle and you will need a car to get to them. The others along the bay of St Tropez are west of the town, as well as two small beaches to the east known as Plage de la Moutte and Plage des Salins.

However the Bay of Pampelonne is where the super yachts anchor during the day and the jet set can be found in the restaurants and beach bars which are along this beautiful 5km stretch of the coast, relaxing, dining dancing and sipping champagne. There are jet bikes and wind surfs to hire and it is popular for waterskiing as well. You may also find some private naturist beaches here as well.

The surrounding area of St Tropez is work exploring if you enjoy the vineyards and sampling the local wines. This is the area where the Cote de Provence wines originate.

One of the most spectacular yachting events of the sailing calendar is the Voiles St Tropez Regatta, which ends the summer season. There are world classic yachts, modern racing yachts and the port and bays are full with over 300 competitors. This is one of the best occasions to charter either a yacht or motorboat and follow these races. To find out more about chartering here contact the Bluewater Charter Department and we will help plan an action packed yachting vacation