Visiting galleries and museums, mooching around designer boutiques and devouring Tarte Tropézienne in glitzy star-studded restaurants… Granted, you don’t need to leave St-Tropez for an amazing holiday on the iconic Côte d’Azur. But, if you rent a villa with a luxury car you gain unrestricted access to the spectacular countryside around St Tropez. Just a short drive away from the glamorous village you will find hiking trails hidden within untamed forests, picturesque vineyards, and ancient hilltop town. So why not hire one of our concierge service luxury cars and travel in style? Here are three unmissable excursions….
Get active with the kids in the countryside around St Tropez
For a splash-tastic adventure, fill up your car with swimming gear and towels and hit one of the region’s many waterparks. Just a 30-minute’ drive along the coast towards Cannes takes you to the seaside resort of Saint-Maxime. As well as having superb views of Saint Tropez, it is also home to Aqualand, which has a great range of flumes, slides, and pools for all ages. If Sainte-Maxime itself captures your interest, why not take the kids on the miniature train which circles the town’s main landmarks, regaling you with the town’s history along the way.
Alternatively, if you fancy venturing further afield in the countryside around St Tropez, carry on to Frejus – their Aqualand has just launched a new group ride: VERTIGO, which sends groups of 3 or four down an enormous slide with an inverted descent and disco lights for good measure.
Step back in time exploring ancient hilltop villages
If you have managed to rent a villa with a luxury car, Provence’s historic towns are at your beck and call and at just 20-minutes’ drive away, Ramatuelle should be your first stop! The tangled maze of cobbled streets is littered with intriguing historical features. Overlooking the iconic Bay of Pampelonne, the charming village has a Saracen doorway, an ancient wash house, and even a Napoleonic jail. Enjoy coffee in its pretty square before hitting Rue Victor Léon for lunch.
Grimaud is also a must. Its pastel-hued Provençal houses make it popular with visitors seeking swoon-worthy holiday snaps. Surrounded by the foothills of the Massif des Maures, the atmospheric town has enchanting castle ruins at its heart and looks across the bustling Gulf of Saint-Tropez. A traditional windmill provides an extra photo opportunity.
Hike in Massif des Maures
A world away from buzzy Saint-Tropez, the densely wooded Massif des Maures mountain range is a haven for hikers. The area’s mountains and valleys are famous for their cork and chestnut trees and are latticed with trails for all abilities. Embark on a trek here and you will be duly rewarded with spectacular sea views – for a bird’s-eye view, climb towards Notre-Dame-des-Anges. Within the mountain range hide 26 ancient villages, perfect for refueling. Visit in spring when the wildflower meadows are in full bloom. Scour the local villages for traditional chestnut jam – getting your hands on a pot of this sweet treat is reason enough to pay a visit to the countryside around St Tropez.