Visiting Cannes and St. Tropez When You're Not a Beach Person

Just mention the French Riviera and the first thing that comes to mind is the crystal clear water and itsy bitsy teeny weeny polka dot bikinis. But what if you just don’t like the hot sun? Have a young family? Or what if you head there, the weather is just NOT beach weather after all? This is what I unexpectedly ran into on my recent trip to Cannes during the film festival. Lucky for us, there’s still plenty to do that don’t revolve around the surf and sand. :)

Visiting the South of France During the Off Season

Ok well, the 10-day film festival isn't necessarily off season, but its in May when the temps are still cool and not “tourist” season. I was also able to easily score an entire AirBnb for $50 a night (check out that post here) - so to me, its off season. :) There are few places in the world as chic as the south of France. Many people think you have to visit in the summer and be part of the beach scene to get the true French Mediterranean experience, but I had an amazing time in May. If you love fashion and beauty, stunning scenery, and gorgeous-people watching, this trip is a must!

I spent 6 days in Cannes, and decided to take a day trip to Saint Tropez - somewhere I’d been obsessed with visiting for over 10 years. So I boarded the ferry (I booked this tour via Viator) from Quai Laubeuf and took the hour-long ride through the Mediterranean to see the gorgeous coastline on my way.

St. Tropez

The first thing you notice in St. Tropez (Or St. Trop as the French call it) are. the. YACHTS. Not boats - but the shiny, million dollar, multi-level, multi-staffed yachts. If you love being on the water, you’ll feel right at home. The people in St. Tropez were simple yet chic, with a casual European air about them. Wear white and light blue to fit in - and I could see why women over 30 tend to flock here to be part of the legendary French art and beauty scene.

The Port - Capitainerie du Port

If you love art, there are about two dozen artists speckled right near the port selling their original art. Mostly paintings, but I spotted a local who painted ceramics and bought a butter dish with what else - pink roses on it for 18 euros.

Also worth noting is the uber fancy-looking L’Opera Saint Tropez- described as a “dance restaurant”. Ok! If I was with friends, I would have made a beeline here and stayed all day. Its also where I took these pics by their gigantic outdoor flora/fauna wall:

Senequier

French food is one of my faves, so I decided to splurge and go to Senequier for a lazy brunch. Its easily one of the most well-known restaurants to see and be seen at in St. Tropez. I walked away with mixed feelings - negative about the slow and aloof service (although it did improve) and prices (40 euros/$45USD for an omelette - no thanks, even for a New Yorker that was crazy) but happy about the massive escargot (22 Euros for 6) I ended up getting.

I spent the rest of my time wandering around the charming cobblestone streets. I didn’t really have the time to wander in too far (after spending two hours at Senequier) but also was content just to purposefully get lost and take a few photos. The biggest thing that stood out to me was how safe it was - never did I feel uneasy as a single female traveler, nor was I ever catcalled. Yes! Also the absence of anyone begging, homeless, or selling things that weren’t locally made. It was like being in a French film - just bring your straw hat, and you’ll fit right in.

Vieux Port

Once I arrived in Saint Tropez, I found the best places for breakfast (or any meal for that matter) can be found in Vieux Port. The charming old fashioned fishing boats sit alongside luxury yachts, which was fun to watch while I had a quick bite. Afterwards, I strolled around the port and was drawn in by thepastel-colored houses, the beautiful work of the artists lining the streets, and the adorable local markets and gourmet food stores.

Museums

The natural beauty of the French Mediterranean and its deep roots in the film industry have lead to the creation of a number of famous museums. Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma is a museum celebrating the history of film from the area. Muséede l'Annonciade is a small visual arts museum with a focus on early 20th century works. My favorite was Church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption. In addition to the fine works of art found inside, its hilltop location provides stunning views of Saint Tropez!

Shopping

A shopping trip in Saint Tropez is an absolute must if you are looking for a quality, chic look during your trip. Even if the beach isn’t your scene, there’s no denying that beach- and sailing-themed boutiques like Manoush, Blanc Bleu (I told you that everything here is blue and white!) and Sunday (but can a shop BE any more “me”?) are a fashionista’s dream. 

Beauty

No trip to Saint Tropez would be complete without a search for the perfect beauty products - starting with fragrance. Its so crazy how scent is one of the longest lasting memory makers - there are still perfumes from my childhood that when I smell them they take me back 20 years or more. I loved the specialty perfume shops like Les Senteurs Tropéziennes, which also had a chic and giftable selection of candles and diffusers. Of course, don’t forget to visit more of those famous pharmacies; Pharmacie Bourdeleix, Pharmacie du Port, and Pharmacie Du Soleil are all located in the heart of the shopping area and are well worth the visit.

I spent the rest of my time wandering around the charming cobblestone streets. I didn’t really have the time to wander in too far (after spending two hours at Senequier) but also was content just to purposefully get lost and take a few photos. The biggest thing that stood out to me was how safe it was - never did I feel uneasy as a single female traveler, nor was I ever catcalled. Yes! Also the absence of anyone begging, homeless, or selling things that weren’t locally made. It was like being in a French film - just bring your straw hat, and you’ll fit right in.

CANNES

Rue de La Croisette

Or “The Croisette” as locals say - give yourself plenty of time for luxury window shopping and people-watching along Rue de La Croisette. The most glamorous residents and tourists were here lounging, walking their dogs, and browsing the boutique shops like Gucci and Hermes.

France is well-known for its pharmacies featuring legendary beauty products and accessories, and the area did not disappoint. Pharmacie Du Casino features a number of major brands of creams, serums, and masks for a full-body beauty regiment. Closer to the harbor is Pharmacie deL’Hotel de Ville, whose products are more focused on a homeopathic approach to beauty.

Drop a note in the comments if you have been to Cannes or to any of these stores and what you thought!

Manger (To Eat!)

Le Bistrot De L’etang - 5 Place de L’etang - Cannes. +33 4 93 43 63 91. I stumbled upon this gem two years ago and their homemade gorgonzola gnocchi was still on my mind - truly the best I have EVER had, by leaps and bounds. I made a beeline here again and it did not disappoint. The TripAdvisor ratings aren’t great for some reason, but I have been here 4 times in two years and never had an issue once.

La Tarte Tropeezienne - I had no idea this yummy patisserie existed but I am not one to turn down desserts. I learned that it was made famous by Brigitte Bardot when she was filming “And God Created Woman”. The tart was two sweet buns with a kind of custard inside. It was very good but filing - I think I should have eaten it in two sittings, rather than one!

What’s your favorite food when you travel that you can’t get at home? Tell me in the comments and I’ll try it when I visit!