Port of St. Tropez

Most people who visit St. Tropez on the French Riviera probably think about the glamour side of the town – its up-market shops, the restaurants dotted around the port that can charge an extraordinary amount for an ordinary pizza, the yachts that broadcast the fact that their owners drip with cash, and the film stars and other well-known individuals who spend time in the town. And yes, St. Tropez offers all of these things once you manage to arrive in town after navigating slow and cluttered roads en route and find a place to park.

But if you’re planning a visit to St. Tropez, why don’t you discover a somewhat unknown gem in the town’s Citadel, or fortified castle, that occupies a hill overlooking the town and the bay. The Citadel was built between 1590 and 1607 to protect St. Tropez against enemies that have varied over the years, but most often the Spanish or English. It’s a protected landmark that is currently being renovated. The main castle building is inaccessible but all of the ramparts and surrounding out-buildings are available to be explored.

The town of St. Tropez viewed from the Citadel

Getting to the Citadel is simple. Go to the port and head upwards. St. Tropez is small enough so that you won’t get lost. Once you reach the park that surrounds the Citadel you’ll face a reasonably steep ascent up some rugged steps that will probably be an unpleasant but short climb in the midst of a Riviera summer.

Head of Louis XIV, the Sun King, on a cannon at the Citadel of St. Tropez

The entrance fee is EUR2.00 each and you’re free to wander around the buildings for as long as you like, subject to seasonal opening hours. Various cannon and other artifacts are to be found in the grounds, but I suspect that most will head over towards the sea to take in the breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.

View of the Riviera from the ramparts of the Citadel of St. Tropez

Apart from the views, my favourite parts of the Citadel were the walled garden and amphitheatre. I imagine that a concert held in the Citadel on a warm summer’s night must be a very pleasant event to attend. Or, as you can see in the photo, it’s a nice place to stretch out for 40 winks and allow the day to just pass on by…

Amphitheater in the Citadel of St. Tropez

Walled garden in the Citadel of St. Tropez

So if you can tear yourself away from the other attractions offered by St. Tropez, take an hour or so to climb the hill to explore the Citadel. Kids will enjoy the adventure and adults will enjoy being able to work up a thirst for some of the excellent rosé wine that is grown around St. Tropez.

– Tony

Follow Tony @12Knocksinna