Guest Tips

The Saint-Tropez Shortcut:

Do not drive into Saint-Tropez. The road becomes a bottleneck just before the town at a place called Carrefour de la Foux, famous for its traffic jams with what can only be described as world-class patience sitting in them. Drive or take the bus up to Port of Sainte-Maxime and from there across by Bateaux Verts (Green Boats) is much more sensible. They run every fifteen minutes; it takes fifteen minutes across the bay right into Saint-Tropez’s port where all that glamour awaits you­ – this way not only saves hours but also gives a beautiful mini cruise!

THIS IS ALSO A FAVORITE WITH THE LOCALS. DO NOT ASSUME YOU WILL GET A TABLE JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE STAYING THERE. AT LEAST MAKE YOUR RESERVATION FOR DINNER AT BREAKFAST. PARTICULARLY IF YOU WANT ONE OF THE PRIME SPOTS ON THE TERRACE WITH A VIEW OF THE SEA.

TRAFFIC TIMING:

If you are visiting in July or August, the coastal road in front of the hotel gets very busy from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. If you plan to visit surrounding villages like Grimaud or Ramatuelle, leave early (before 9:00 AM) to escape the gridlock.

The Riviera is lush and warm, which means mosquitoes are present in the evenings. The hotel likely provides plugs, but bringing a strong spray for when you are dining on the terrace is a smart move.

Market Days:

The market in Sainte-Maxime is excellent. A huge open-air market occupies the town center on Thursdays and Fridays. Buy a rotisserie chicken and some rosé there, then head toward the Pointe des Sardinaux near the hotel for your luxury picnic at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Beach Towels:

Check if the hotel provides beach towels. If not, buy a cheap one at the shops in La Nartelle. Do not use the white bathroom towels for the beach, as the sand and salt ruin them, and hotels often charge a penalty for this.