Culture of Saint-Tropez. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Tourists are recommended to start their exploration of the city landmarks and sites with the l'Hôtel-de-Ville square. Close to the square tourists will discover a remarkable historical landmark named the Suffren Palace (Le Château de Suffren) being among the oldest and most beautiful architectural constructions of the city. The age of the palace is about a thousand years. It was built in the 9th century. At present this historical construction houses a popular gift shop.

A remarkable landmark of a later period is the Saint Tropez Citadel (La Citadelle de Saint-Tropez) which was erected in the 16th century. It should be noted that this construction was built against the will of local folks. In this way the king managed not only to unite the citizens of the city but also demonstrated his power and might.

At present a part of the fortifying construction is taken with the Naval Museum which was established in 1958. The museum acquaints its visitors with great marine past time of the city of Saint Tropez as well as gives a deep insight into the life story of sailor Suffren who gave his name to the mentioned above palace. Another recommended object to include in the city exploration program is the Museum of Annunciation (Le musée de l'Annonciade) keeping an excellent collection of artworks by painters of the beginning of the 20th century. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Not far from the port area tourists will find a scenic square. Des Lices Square is embraced with age-old plane trees. This place is considered to be the most romantic and beautiful in the city being a perfect destination to escape from the city buzz and enjoy marvelous city-scapes. The square is an established place for holding of various cultural events and holidays. Another attractive place of the city is the old Fishing quarter (Quartier De La Ponche) which is located not far from the fortress.

A few centuries ago the territory of this city district was inhabited by local fishers and craftsmen. Some streets of the fishing quarter have been preserved unaltered for more than a hundred years. Wandering though ancient houses tourists can reach the Old Port district (Le Vieux Port) which is a symbol of the resort and is a reflection of luxury and wealth. The main feature of the port district is numerous luxurious yachts at rest. Each of the yachts is genuinely unique construction.

A scenic embankment runs along port area being the most popular destination to rest and recreate among foreign tourists. Another remarkable symbol of the destination is the Saint Tropez Church (L’église de Saint-Tropez) named after its patron. The church was built at the beginning of the 18th century and through its long history the church has scarcely changed its look. It features luxurious decoration and plenty of significant religious relics.

Picturesque windmills which can be stumbled upon in the midst of green expanses, add charm to walks along the environs of Saint-Tropez. One of these magnificent structures is the Moulin de Paillas mill, which was built in the year 1630. In 2002, the building was rebuilt so as to bear a resemblance to its original appearance. It is worth noting that an unforgettable panorama opens from here on Saint-Tropez Bay. In total, five mills were built in the area, but only Moulin de Paillas was restored in our day. In the vicinity of the city, you can also come across the street Rue du Moulin, once framed by 16th-century mills (of which only one was preserved, Moulin Saint Roch). Despite the fact that the mills can no longer be found, the trail is one of the most romantic places on the entire Cote d'Azur.

Not from the picturesque street is situated an equally romantic bridge Le Pont des Fées, observation of which will bring extraordinary impressions. Those who comprehend French will translate immediately: “The fairy bridge” – it owes its name to the romantic legends that envelop the building. Built at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries, it was used to supply water to the village of Grimaud. The road to the bridge will impress the connoisseurs of beauty no less, as well as those who wish to put up a camp. To arrange it is easy – what remains is only to find a place for a picnic and swim in the natural pool formed by rocks. Nearby you can find the castle Chateau de Grimaud – its ruins to be precise. Until the present time, disastrously little written evidence has remained about the fortress. However, it is known for certain that it was built at least in the 11th century.

Saint-Tropez is famous for its beautiful French palace Château de la Moutte. The 19th-century manor is located in the middle of picturesque open spaces with palm forests – from where, by the way, incredibly fantastic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez can be beheld. The estate was built by order of Martin de Roquebrune in 1856 and was bought later by the Prime Minister Emile Ollivier. It was he (the Prime Minister) who took on the task of decorating the castle, and his services in creating a magnificent ensemble are invaluable. Going inside, you can see the portrait gallery of the Ollivier family, as well as the magnificent library with 4,000 books. Walking along the Pont du Préconil built in 1860 will bring tourists a lot of pleasure. In 1932, the structure suffered from a flood, but already in 1933, the bridge acquired a new look thanks to the engineer Monsieur Giboin. It became the most real masterpiece of modern architecture.

Under the already mentioned La Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, you can find the marine cemetery Cimetière Marin de Saint-Tropez, which is exceptional in that it is also an excellent viewing platform with views of Saint-Tropez Bay. It was opened in 1791 and later expanded several times. You will find it interesting to walk through the Cimetière de Ramatuelle, where Gerard Philipe (who died so early) is buried, and also Magdelaine de la Grange, Pierre Vellay. The resting place is famous for its pacifying atmosphere and extraordinarily beautiful tombstones. Those wishing to enjoy a promenade, while breathing in the incredibly lovely aroma of flowering plants, should go explore the garden Jardin Botanique des Myrtes. Another great place to conduct a walk is the Jardin Remarquable l'Hardy garden - Denonain.

Many tourists, wishing to enjoy a romantic atmosphere, go to the surrounding village of Saint-Tropez Tourtour. It is a charming village with narrow streets framed by old houses, from the balconies of which you can behold beautiful flowers which give extraordinary charm to the area. In the village, you can come across an open-air theater where interesting performances are often held, as well as the beautiful Église Saint-Denis church with a tower, which opens up magnificent views on the Hills of Provence. It is rightly considered to be the most beautiful village in France. As for the religious sights of St. Tropez, among them is the church Chapelle Sainte-Anne, which was built in 1618 as a sign that the city has survived a terrible plague. The shrine was built in the traditional Provence style and bordered with cypresses and pines.

The Cultural Center Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma will be interesting to visit not only for film fans who immediately recall the iconic French film “Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez”. Here you can learn not only about the film industry in the city but also about the history of the French gendarmerie (troops). The museum is also fascinating for the reason that among the exhibits there are several interactive ones. The garden La Maison des Papillons is also attractive for tourists – here you can see how a pupa becomes a caterpillar so that after it becomes a beautiful butterfly and flutters, delighting the eyes of all visitors. Also of interest is the Musée de la Tour Carrée, where you will find on display, many beautiful exhibits, one way or another connected with Cote d'Azur: ship models, navigational charts, seashells, and works of art.