inspired by St Tropez

by Sharon Santoni

Saint-Tropez holds a special place in my heart. When I first came to France and fell in love with a French boy (and the whole darn country), I was a student in Nice. I returned home to Britain for an academic year to finish my degree and got straight back on a plane to fly south where that young French boy and I settled into a gorgeous little house in the countryside beside St Tropez.

The next two years were a whirl. We were young, and everything was fun. St Tropez is all about the exuberance of the south. It is a party town with restaurants on the long sandy beach at lunchtime and in the busy port in the evening.

We worked hard and played hard, too. I was totally caught up in the atmosphere of this iconic little village that shot to fame in the 1960s when Brigitte Bardot made it her home. While we were there, I often saw Bardot shopping at the farmer’s market. Nobody ever bothered her, and she got on with her life quietly out of sight of the tourists.

Besides that gorgeous, young actress, there is so much more that St Tropez is famous for. Here are a few of my favourites:

Sennequier

The iconic red facade of the café restaurant on the port. Sennequier is an institution, and I love morning coffee there, watching the town wake up.

Club 55

The chicest of the beach clubs and restaurants down on Pampelonne. St Tropez is all about seeing and being seen, and there is no better place to do that than here!

L’Annonciade

Many tourists are unaware that there is a simply breathtaking art museum in the heart of the town. They have a small but perfectly curated permanent collection that includes several big names such as Bonnard, Vuillard, Signac and Seurat. These artists all painted here after Signac created his studio at La Hune.

Le Jas des Roberts

A very special brocante fair that takes place most Sunday mornings out in the countryside, in the shade of large parasol pine trees. More than just a great fair, le Jas des Roberts is an institution.

Les Voiles de St Tropez

Every October, this party town becomes one full of nautical charm, as a large yachting regatta arrives and takes over. The boats are spectacular, and the restaurants hum to a different rhythm. It is one of my favourite moments of the year.

MFCH August Box: Un Weekend à Saint-Tropez

If you’ve dreamed of ever visiting Saint-Tropez, look no further. I am happy to tell you that our August Box is curated around the theme “Un Weekend à Saint-Tropez” (“A Weekend in Saint-Tropez“) and is filled with some of my favorite things about this gorgeous, sun-soaked destination. And there’s no need to take a flight – the glamour and luxury of the French Riviera will be straight delivered to your doorstep!

There are only a limited number of boxes available, so be sure to reserve yours soon: order HERE!

15 comments

Phyllis S. June 15, 2021 - 3:12 pm

What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing! I love this idea for our next box, & can’t wait!

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Christine June 15, 2021 - 7:37 pm

Yes it is a beautiful story and I thank you for sharing also, Loved the photos too, especially of Brigitte Bardot, she looked fabulous then.

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Janet Brethauer June 15, 2021 - 7:40 pm

Looking forward to the August box. I can’t wait to see what Saint Tropez has to offer. Is it too soon to start watching for the box. Dreaming of a trip to France soon!

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Deborah A Lischer June 15, 2021 - 8:30 pm

Thank you for sharing this lovely story and special moments in St. Tropez !

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Nettie June 15, 2021 - 9:35 pm

Lovely! Thank you Sharon!

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Cheryl Brooks June 16, 2021 - 3:37 am

Hi Sharon,
Your terrific story has brought back lots of very happy memories! The first time my husband Graham and I visited St Trop was about 1977, I think it was. We love to return as often as we can (although not often enough!), and never tire of it–the real “essence” of it never changes. We always look forward to the outdoor market in Place des Lices, and totally agree about Musee L’Annonciade–a perfect jewel that most visitors miss, as you point out. When we Australians are FINALLY allowed to travel again, St Trop is right up there on our re-visit list (along with Paris). Thanks again, a super story!
Kind regards, Cheryl

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Linda Grissom June 16, 2021 - 5:10 am

What about the French boy you loved???? In suspense!

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Sharon Santoni June 17, 2021 - 12:38 am

he and I have been together ever since! 🙂

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Janet June 22, 2021 - 8:27 pm

The best part of the story – congratulations!

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Mary June 16, 2021 - 5:12 pm

Oh Sharon our beloved Saint Tropez – your post brings back fond memories of our time spent in this little piece of paradise!

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Regina Losco-Valotta June 17, 2021 - 7:21 pm

Merci beaucoup Sharon for sharing your wonderful story! We love St. Tropez and have many wonderful memories of this jewel on the Cote. I’m looking forward to my August box.

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Sandy Fisher June 19, 2021 - 11:54 pm

Thank you for this article. I’m lucky to have visited St. Tropez. My fondest memory is of the art museum, which is a little gem!

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our august box giveaway - MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME June 28, 2021 - 6:23 pm

[…] I explained last week, St Tropez holds a very special place in my heart, and in the box you will discover a well known […]

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Debbie M June 29, 2021 - 10:01 am

Such lovely memories you have and your story of St Tropez could be the base of your next story for us. Of course you could leave out anything too personal and add a disclaimer. Just a thought.

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Paula July 11, 2021 - 11:02 pm

Just adore your story! A real life fairytale! And adore the Bridgette pictures and stunning landscape photos! Thank you!

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