Saint-Tropez was “discovered” by the European elite in the late 19th century and does not need special introduction. It is a harbor with white yachts, a luxury resort full of movie stars and bohemians. The most interesting place in the city is the waterfront. Many artists display their creations here. All together – the sea, the sun, the white yachts, and the bright colors of picturesque canvases merge into the harmony inherent to Saint-Tropez. The place got its name in the late 4th century AD.
The Roman Emperor Nero ordered the beheading of several officers of his army for converting to Christianity. According to the tradition at that time, the bodies of the unfortunate were placed in a boat. The sea washed the vessel ashore in a small bay, which was named San, meaning saint, Tropez, a modified word from Torp (the term used for Roman officers). The highest point in the city is the 16th-century fortress, where peacocks often scream on the suspension bridge. A small museum of the fort tells the simple story of this village of soldiers and sailors. In addition to the famous museum of impressionists located in the chapel of the white penitent Annonciade (Musée de l’Annonciade), the city has an interesting Butterfly Museum (La Maison des Papillons – 20,000 specimens). There are even exotic species from the Solomon Islands in the Amazon. Saint-Tropez truly became famous thanks to Brigitte Bardot and Louis de Funès – the funniest policeman in French cinema. Hidden from prying eyes, the villas of this resort have increasingly become home to celebrities: former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, King Farouk, Robert De Niro, and many, many others…
PORT GRIMAUD
This is a charming tiny town located on the way to Saint-Tropez. It is situated not only on land but also right on the sea. The settlement was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC. In the old part of the city, the Grimaud Castle (Château de Grimaud – 11th century) has been preserved, from where there is a beautiful view of Port Grimaud. This is the “marine” part of the town, covering an area of 90 hectares and with a population of 2000 people. It is quite possible to walk here along a fortified road. The houses stand on the water. The islets are connected by Venetian bridges. Port Grimaud came to life in the 1960s.
