More about Saint-Tropez
Why go to Saint-Tropez?
For historical reasons, Saint-Tropez is extremely dog-friendly, so visitors can get their Fido fix
Everything is expensive in this wealthy port; yacht berths cost more than $5,000 a day
The smallest port on the French Riviera, this is where people go to see and be seen
Saint-Tropez Cruise Port Facilities?
Hanging around the area where the tenders pull up, unlike at most tender docks, is quite enjoyable. A good place to get your bearings is the tourist office, where you can pick up pamphlets or maps and ask the English-speaking representatives about bus schedules. It is located in the old port at quai Jean Jaures, a few steps from the popular Senequier cafe, with its distinctive red chairs and awning. The tourist office is open every day except Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nearby, street vendors sell paintings, jewelry and maritime baubles. And if nothing else, you can eyeball the too-fabulous yachts while waiting for the tender to bring you back to your ship.
Good to Know?
Saint-Tropez is a pretty clean, safe place. The biggest danger during the daytime is that you might get gouged by an unscrupulous cab driver. Make sure the meter is running, and the cab should also be clearly marked with its number. If you have any doubts, wait for another.
Getting Around?
If you aren't venturing out of Saint-Tropez, walking is your best transportation option. The town is a delight for strolling; hours can pass as you go from shop to shop, gawk at the yachts, sit in leafy squares or sip a cafe au lait. A couple of beaches are within (long) walking distance, or you can take a cab. A 10 percent gratuity is typical for taxi rides. Some cabs accept U.S. dollars if arrangements are made in advance. Taxis are not abundant, but they do troll the seafront street for fares.
The city has a bus system, but most buses and their routes are not clearly marked; most go outside the city rather than serve a route within it. You can pick up a schedule at the tourist office.
The area right around Saint-Tropez is fairly flat, so if you feel ambitious, you can rent a bicycle or Honda scooter for the day at Holiday Bikes (14 avenue du General Leclerc; 04-94-97-09-39). If you're planning to travel into the hills surrounding the town or as far away as the beaches at St. Maximes, a car rental might be the best option: Locazur is a local agency (9 ZA Saint-Claude Route des Plages; 04-94-97-57-85) or you can book in advance through Hertz or Avis.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The currency is the euro. There are several banks and ATM's in the main area of town and along the sea wall adjacent to the yachts. A "Bureau de Change" (where you can exchange dollars for euros and cash traveler's checks) is located at 1 rue Francois Sibill, which is also near the yacht harbor; it charges a commission for each transaction.
Language?
French is the local tongue, but English, Italian and German are widely spoken in the tourist areas.
Where You're Docked?
Saint-Tropez is a tender port. Tenders arrive in the center of town near the yachts, restaurants, shops and open-air vendors.