Set on the French Riviera, Sainte-Maxime will seduce you with its sandy beaches, crystalline water and lively atmosphere. The resort is perched on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and has a laid-back and low-key vibe. Stroll around the historic town centre and wander down to the harbour to admire the colourful fishing boats.
Things to do in Sainte-Maxime
Cobbled streets and historic architecture give Sainte-Maxime a fairy-tale feel. You’ll love strolling around the town centre, stopping for coffee and croissants at a local café. Sainte-Maxime’s sunny squares are lined with al fresco restaurants shaded by leafy plane trees. Seafood is a local specialty, with menus featuring hauled in from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Opposite the main church, Tour Carrée is the town’s signature historic landmark. The stronghold was built in the 1500s to defend Sainte-Maxime against Saracen pirates. Today the fortress houses a local history museum. In summer, Place du Marche comes alive with street stalls selling jewellery, olive oil, handmade soups and other souvenirs. Live music adds to the carnival atmosphere.
Featuring soft sand and turquoise water, Plage du Centre Ville is just steps from the town centre. Just north of Sainte-Maxime, Plage de la Nartelle is a postcard-perfect beach that is perfect for sunbathing.
When you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, take a day trip to one of the surrounding wineries and olive oil producers. The region is peppered with boutique vineyards bottling some of the finest roses in the country. Parasailing tours unlock a bird’s eye view over Sainte-Maxime, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the surrounding Les Maures mountain range.
Getting around Sainte-Maxime
Sainte-Maxime is compact and easy to get around on foot. Ferries run between Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez every 15 minutes in high season. The resort is a 1.5-hour drive from Nice and 2.5 hours from Marseille.