Exclusive private tour of Saint Tropez by a Tropezian guide

This is a private walking tour of Saint-Tropez led by a guide who was born and raised in the town. It is arranged for your party alone, and it begins in Saint-Tropez itself, giving you a local's view of a place often seen only through its yachts and beach clubs. The route runs from the port to the Place des Lices, then climbs through the old town to the Citadel Hill. Along the way you see the hidden squares that most visitors walk straight past, and you hear about the history of the village and the southern way of life. The guide also points out the places that inspired painters such as Paul Signac and Matisse, tells the story of the Tropezian sailors who sailed across the world, and introduces the local speciality, the Tropezian pie. The circuit and the timing can be adapted to your wishes, and the guide is happy to answer questions before you book. Saint-Tropez began as a fishing village and kept a strong maritime identity for centuries. Its harbour, its ochre and pink facades and the narrow lanes behind the quay still reflect that past. In the late nineteenth century Paul Signac settled here, and other painters followed him, so the town became a gathering place for artists long before it attracted the international crowds of the twentieth century. The hilltop Citadel, built in the seventeenth century, overlooks the village and the bay. The town sits on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, on the peninsula that carries its name, between the Var coast and the wooded Massif des Maures. Nearby you will find the sandy beaches of Pampelonne, the neighbouring resorts of Sainte-Maxime and Ramatuelle, and hilltop villages such as Gassin and Grimaud. Vineyards of the Côtes de Provence appellation spread across much of the surrounding countryside. The tour suits travellers who prefer an unhurried, personal introduction to the town to a generic visit. It is well suited to couples, families and friends who want to understand the history and character of Saint-Tropez, and to anyone interested in its painters and its seafaring tradition. Because the guide is flexible, the route can follow your own interests. Saint-Tropez has no railway station, so most visitors arrive by road or by sea. The coast road from Sainte-Maxime and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is often busy in summer, and boat shuttles also link the town with Sainte-Maxime across the bay. Parking in the centre is limited, so plan your arrival with care. After the walk, you can stroll the quays, visit the local market on the Place des Lices, or head to the beaches of Pampelonne.