The ‘Other’ Saint-Tropez

The Côte d’Azur needs no introduction and while it may be best known for the glitz and glamour of Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, there are plenty of smaller, charming towns worth visiting.  

Sainte-Maxime is one such town, pretty and unpretentious, with a relaxed pace and easy access to some of the French Riviera’s finest beaches. Conveniently located near Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud, Saint-Raphaël, Fréjus, and the Esterel Massif, it also makes an ideal base for discovering the region’s stunning landscapes and hidden gems. Plus, with easy connections from both Nice and Marseille airports, Sainte-Maxime is an accessible retreat away from the crowds. Here are some of the best things Sainte-Maxime has to offer. 

Chic boutiques and provençal markets 

A fantastic place to shop if quirky, independent boutiques are your thing. You’ll find clothing and jewellery stores in the centre of town, particularly along Rue Paul Bert and the nearby streets. 

No trip to a French town is complete without a visit to the local market and in Sainte-Maxime you’re spoilt for choice.  

In the heart of town, you’ll find le marché couvert, where simply walking through the doors is a feast for the senses. Local specialities, fresh produce, baked goods, fish, dairy products, flowers and more are sold by farmers and artisans from across the region. It’s open most of the year, from 7am to 2pm daily, July to September, with additional evening openings Monday to Saturday. For full seasonal hours, visit www.sainte-maxime.com. 

The Friday day market at Place Jean Mermoz runs all year and offers everything you’d expect from a typical Provençal market; clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, food, and textiles. 

In summer, the night market takes over the pedestrianised old town from 13th June to 14th September, open daily from 4pm to midnight. You’ll find local artists, craftspeople and makers displaying their work in the alleyways and squares. 

Exploring the marina and beyond 

The marina in Sainte-Maxime is located in the heart of the town, with moorings for up to 800 leisure boats, five fishermen stalls and a yacht club. It’s the perfect place for a picturesque stroll. As it’s a working marina as well as a base for leisure boats, you’ll see fishing boats, maintenance crews at work and plenty of comings and goings on the water. The nearby Boulodrome is a great place to soak up the atmosphere, watching the locals play boules or pétanque.  

After a relaxing stroll around the harbour, there’s no better way to explore the coast than by boat. The Bateaux Vert company offers a wide range of trips with the most popular being the short, but spectacular sailing to Saint-Tropez, just 20 minutes away. Worth it for the views across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez alone. 

For something different, why not head to the Île Sainte-Marguerite (home of the man with the iron mask – his cell was located in the Fort Royal) with a stop over in Cannes on the way. There are also options to visit the Islands of Port-Cros or Porquerolles, for a quieter, nature filled day of exploration. See www.bateauxverts.com for timetables and all excursions.  

If you prefer to explore independently, it’s also possible to hire small boats from the marina. Some are chargeable by the hour, with no licence needed; a fun and flexible way to see the coast from a different angle.  

Beaches around Sainte-Maxime 

Sainte-Maxime has several beaches to choose from, but even the town’s central beach is a pleasure, with soft, golden sand and clear water that make it perfect for relaxing or swimming. There are cafés nearby, and it’s just a few steps from the town centre, making it easy to enjoy the water anytime. 

If you’re after something a little more peaceful, head a few minutes east to Plage de la Nartelle. It’s popular with families and those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere and excellent facilities. Beach clubs here offer sun loungers and parasols for hire, and there are plenty of places to grab lunch or a cocktail. If you’re feeling more adventurous, Plage de La Nartelle is also home to a water sports centre where you can try your hand at jet skiing, paddleboarding, pedalos, or even book a water-skiing session. 

And if you’re exploring beyond Sainte-Maxime, the coastal route towards Saint-Tropez, whether by bike or car, is lined with a string of beautiful beaches, many of which are less crowded than the town beaches. It’s well worth stopping off along the way to discover a quieter spot or take in the changing views of the coast. 

Whether you want to sunbathe, swim or explore, the beaches around Sainte-Maxime offer something for everyone. 

While this guide covers some of the highlights, Sainte-Maxime has much more to offer, including tranquil garden walks, lively festivals, delicious local dining and scenic cycling routes. Sainte-Maxime makes a great base for both laid-back, relaxed Riviera days and short adventures. It’s the ideal holiday destination if you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic alternative to the more famous hotspots of the Côte d’Azur. 

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