For most of July and August, we discourage first time visitors from venturing anywhere near Saint Tropez unless arriving by sea. Clogged roads, congested harbor and restaurants that are impossible to get into are inundated with a mix of brash tabloid stars and Tropezienne novices. But in recent years, the months of May and June have become more popular with fashionable visitors that come in search of its familiar beach club, notable eateries and famous hotels that average around half-the-price as high season. April brings with it the annual openings of Le Byblos, Chateau Messardiere and Villa Belrose that kick-off the season in mid-April. This year, new Hotel de Paris was one of the only five star hotels in town to stay open year-round, but with lackluster occupancy it’s unclear as to next year.
By day, Le 55 features daily lunch with walk-ups that don’t even require a reservation along still-sleepy Pampelonne Beach where Nikki Beach opens May 15th with events coordinated with its nearby outpost during the Cannes Film Festival. Back in the village, La Vague d’Or is also open for nightly dinner of its acclaimed 3-star Michelin menu as well as Alain Ducasse’s Rivea, Cristina and Villa Romana on April 30th. In terms of nightlife, you’ll want to make your trip over the weekend if looking to indulge in champagne debauchery with Les Caves du Roy open on Fridays and Saturdays with the kind of sultry French scene we remember from the early 2000s. There’s also Bar du Port that manages a lively happy hour scene of mostly locals before things get going at nearby Le Quai that rages til 3am.
