The Lady's Tale

A day in Saint-Tropez, 4/19/2023

The shining sun and warmer temperatures are welcome changes from the cold weather we have been experiencing. And where better to embrace the weather than here in the south of France!

Things here in St. Tropez are a bit different than Marseilles (big city) or La Ciotat (fishing village). For example, it is very much a tourist destination with upscale shopping and fine cuisine. Small, chic boutiques are plentiful along with high end names like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Longchamp. As you can guess, prices are expensive and the atmosphere has a trendy vibe, whereas La Ciotat was very low key.

Geographically, it is very hilly with lush greenery, the water is more cobalt blue than green, and the air is dry and crisp. It is a clean, quaint town filled with lots of history, cobblestone streets, and even has a statue honoring Brigitte Bardot.

Highlights of our day include hiking to the top of the citadel and visiting the maritime museum in La Ponche (old town), visiting the Musee de l’annonciade (which is a museum set in an old chapel featuring Impressionistic paintings from the likes of Matisse), visiting the Vieux Port, and of course, eating al fresco! I really enjoy the way the cafes are situated here in Europe; all the tables look out to the harbors or to the streets. You actually sit side by side with a table in between you instead of sitting across from each other. And, yes, most folks smoke or vape.

Side note: the old citadel is filled with bronze statues by Nunan and Cartwright focusing on the themes of nature and freedom. These are the statues you see in the pictures. The dome that is green, gold, and black is the historic black Penitent Brotherhood chapel built in the former quarter of seamen’s families.

Our boat.
Mega yachts and ferries aplenty.
Longchamp.
The walls of the old town looking out to sea..
Around town.
Clock tower in the middle of the old town.
Like in Rome, public water fountains.
Into the fort.
When looking down at the shadow, you see the imitation of the crucifix.
From the top of the citadel.
All ceramic pieces inside. Very neat.
See last paragraph for reference.
Break time.
Best burrita ever!!
Entrance to museum that was a chapel.

Our day ended with more walking and dinner at the harbor-side restaurant, La Petit Plage. Complete with sandy floors, hanging basket lighting, and bougainvillea, it was the perfect setting for a fabulous meal. Rich continued to rave about his veal cutlet all the way back to the boat! With that said, tomorrow’s forecast brings us winds so we will be off to Cannes.

My “go everywhere” bag!
Rich’s favorite meal pose!