Cultural Delights of Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is synonymous with sea, sun and sophistication – and is considered amongst the most fashionable places to visit in the South of France during the summer months.

Situated in the western part of the French Riviera, just over 100km for Nice Cote d’Azur airport and a 20 minute ride in a helicopter from Nice to Saint-Tropez, the charming town is built around a picturesque port which attracts some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. Some find it very easy to spend a whole afternoon watching the super yachts as they come into anchor from their St Tropez villa rental with a class of wine in hand.

Venture away from the old port and you will find yourself in another world – of narrow, cobbled streets and shady squares where elderly men play pétanque. And hidden in these streets are row up row of exclusive boutiques and renowned restaurants, which make the perfect resting place during a day exploring the area.

Less well known but equally worthy of a visit during your stay in a St Tropez villa rental is the town’s collection of first-class museums.

One of the highlights of any cultural sejour in the South of France should surely be the Annonciade Museum, which is also known as the Art Museum of Saint Tropez. Here you will find some of the greatest masters of modern times, including Bonnard, Braque, Derain, Maillol, Matisse, Seurat, Signac, Utrillo and Van Dongen. The museum, located in a former church on Place Georges Grammont, will this summer be exhibiting paintings by the French artist, Georges Rouault.

Other note-worthy art galleries in Saint-Tropez include the Gallery Henrie Sie, where many impressionist paintings of Provence are exhibited, and the Céramique 1900, a modern art deco museum where you can find a large choice of ceramics to buy. Works include pottery by Picasso, Massier and Cazaux.

Also recommended for those that rent a villa in Saint Tropez is the Naval Museum, which is housed in the very impressive 16th century Citadel that dominates the port. The Citadel is a hexagonal-shaped building that was first built as a fortress to protect the town. It is now home to a collection of artefacts that recall the maritime history of the area, when it was a prime strategic post.

Finally, there is the unusual – but outstanding – Butterfly Museum which is more commonly known as the Maison des Papillons. Here you will find scores of preserved butterflies on display in a converted house on Rue Etienne Berny. The Maison des Papillons also has its own boutique where you can buy jewellery which often features motifs of butterflies and moths.

Jetset Agency has a extensive portfolio for those looking to rent a villa in Saint Tropez. Please have a look at all our St Tropez villa rentals available for summer holidays or vacation rentals for 2011. View our entire collection on the website.