Just a few kilometers from Gassin, discover these magnificent villages!
GASSIN
Perched atop its promontory, Gassin offers a breathtaking 360° view of the entire St. Tropez peninsula. Beaches, forests, vineyards, leisure activities, and gastronomy—all the senses are awakened. It also boasts a rich architectural and historical heritage. The village street names themselves are symbols of the town's history. "Passage du Guet" (Watchtower Passage), "Porte des Sarrazins" (Saracen Gate), "Rue du Fort" (Fort Street), and "Passage des Templiers" (Templars' Passage) are all references to a tumultuous past. And let's not forget "L'Androuno," perhaps the narrowest street in the world, allowing only one person to pass at a time! Recognized for several years as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," Gassin has also received a Marianne d'Or award for the quality of its architectural restorations. To appreciate this, simply take a stroll in the shade of the centuries-old hackberry trees. Welcome to Gassin!
ST TROPEZ
The village, perched between the Massif des Maures mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, remains a must-see destination for celebrities, sea lovers, history buffs, foodies, shoppers, and art and heritage enthusiasts. In short, a little corner of paradise on earth! But beyond the entertainment and festivities, St. Tropez remains an authentic village, a small fishing port with many facets and endless charms to discover as you wander through its monuments, squares, and shaded alleyways. In other words, St. Tropez has managed to preserve its convivial Provençal village life by the sea.
GRIMAUD
The castle perched atop the hill gave rise to a small medieval village by the sea, with a modern lakeside town at its foot. The village's water supply was ensured by the construction in the 16th century of an ingenious gravity-fed system that drew water from a spring 3 km up the hillside; the very name "Pont des Fées" (Fairy Bridge) illustrates the "magic" of this process. The 17th-century Saint-Roch windmill, recently restored by the Compagnons du Tour de France (a French guild of craftsmen), provided the population with food self-sufficiency.
During the summer period, street performances in the old village allow you to discover atmospheres from elsewhere, through songs and dances.
In the plain, there is a sports complex, a go-kart track, a bowling alley and a games room for you to relax.
SAINT MAXIME
Sainte-Maxime is the largest town in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. This seaside resort lies between Les Issambres and Pointe du Rabiou to the west. In the evenings, to recover from sunny days spent sunbathing on the beach or enjoying all sorts of activities, live music fills the terraces of the ever-busy cafés. The marina offers a range of services to satisfy both users and visitors. Numerous beaches stretch along the coastline, such as Plage de la Nartelle.
CAVALAIRE
Nestled at the end of a magnificent bay that bears its name, bathed by the blue waters of the French Riviera along nearly 4 km of golden sand, Cavalaire is prized for the quality of its bathing waters, its marina, its Provençal market, its traditional Provençal festivals, and its summer events. The Maison de la Mer (House of the Sea) displays archaeological collections from discoveries made in and around Cavalaire.
RAMATUELLE
Even today, when you enter the town from the plain, you have the impression of entering a stronghold, as if you were attacking a fortress in times past. Nowadays, it's a peaceful, tranquil, and unpretentious town. Its numerous fine sandy beaches make it a constant attraction, with fabulous coastal paths, enchanting viewpoints, and vineyards that beckon you to relax!
LA CROIX VALMER
It's a small Provençal village exceptionally situated facing the Mediterranean, nestled in a gently sloping valley sheltered from the winds. A discreet, affluent clientele enjoys the long, fine sandy beaches (Gigaro, Sylvabelle, or Le Débarquement) where all kinds of water sports are available. But it's also steeped in history, with the Taillat dolmen, the Roman ruins of Pardigon, and the Napoleonic gun batteries of Lardier. A stunning coastal path and prestigious vineyards—everything for a wonderful holiday!
COGOLIN
A village for all four seasons, ideally located between land and sea, Cogolin lies at the foot of the Massif des Maures but with a wide maritime opening with a capacity of 1800 boats.
The arts and crafts are very prominent here, with the famous briar pipe factories and carpet workshops. The Raimu Museum showcases the life and career of Jules Muraire, the immortal César from Marcel Pagnol's trilogy.
LE RAYOL CANADEL
So much blue you won't know what to do with it! Breathtaking blue! The string of Golden Islands opposite. The Corniche des Maures behind, and in the middle, the Domaine du Rayol, a Mediterranean garden. Indeed, the Conservatoire du Littoral owns 5 hectares of plants and plant species characteristic of Mediterranean climates around the world. A guided tour is a must.
COLLOBRIERES
In the heart of the Massif des Maures, this is the chestnut capital. In the shade of the narrow streets, by the small fountains, come and stroll in the cool air and taste the local artisanal products (chestnut cream, candied chestnuts, honey and jam).
LA GARDE FREINET
A true gateway to the Gulf of St Tropez, its stone houses and Roman tiles are neatly arranged around a town centre with narrow passages, sometimes carved into the rock.
It's the ideal starting point for exploring the Massif des Maures. Hiking trails abound. Savoring the tranquility of a clearing, the murmur of a fountain, is the serenity of an "island in the forest," as La Garde Freinet likes to call itself…
