St Tropez Day Trips from Nice
If you're looking for a luxurious and glamorous getaway, Saint Tropez is a destination you should consider. This excursion can be done from charming Nice and today I'll tell you how to get there.
Saint Tropez | © bapt miller
Saint Tropez is a holiday destination that can be defined in one word: dazzling. Brimming with celebrities, glamour, luxury yachts and exclusive clubs; a weekend spent exploring its streets is a delight for the senses.
Considered by locals and foreigners alike as a refined destination for the rich and famous; it's one of the best things to do in Nice on holiday. In the following sections I'll put you in context about what to expect when you embark on a trip to Saint Tropez from Nice.
Saint Tropez Day Trip from Nice
Travel by Ferry on the French Riviera
Get to know the beautiful town of Saint Tropez on a ferry trip from Nice. This excursion takes you to one of the most beautiful towns on the Riviera to enjoy the atmosphere, luxury yachts, beautiful beaches and delicious food of Saint Tropez.
Recommended if... You want to enjoy a boat trip along the beautiful Côte d'Azur, it's ideal for travellers on a short holiday in the South of France who are looking to make the most of every second of their itinerary.
Explore Saint Tropez by boat from Nice.
The most popular form of excursion to Saint Tropez in the Nice area is a boat trip. Local tour operators gather a group of travellers to take them on an adventure with different phases of the tour: the first part of the trip is done in a private vehicle, with the traveller being picked up from their accommodation in Nice.
For the second part, you will board a boat that will take you to St. Tropez, where you will be able to admire all the coastal scenery of the city. Finally, you get off the boat at the Port of St. Tropez to explore the city and its tourist highlights.
If you're visiting Nice in the summer, be aware that the St. Tropez - Nice ferries operate daily trips throughout the summer as this is the high season on the Riviera. If you are visiting the city in winter, to enjoy Christmas in Nice for example, the boats operate mostly on weekends only.
Useful information
- Means of transport: You will travel by car or minibus from Nice to Sainte-Maxime and then by boat to Saint Tropez.
- Advantages of this option: You will be able to combine several transport options and enjoy the diversity of landscapes that the French Riviera has to offer.
- Disadvantages of this option: The tour tends to be more expensive and a little longer than the direct private transport option from Nice.
Excursion to Saint Tropez by other means of transport.
Numerous local companies operate private car tours from Nice; the intention is that the traveller can enjoy the Riviera's beautiful coastal scenery while relaxing in comfortable, air-conditioned transport.
Unlike other major Côte d'Azur destinations such as Monaco and Ezé from Nice, St. Tropez is a small and somewhat isolated town, which is very difficult to reach. These excursions are organised in private vehicles and in small groups to ensure personalised service and constant availability of excursions.
Whatever the time of your trip, it is best to book your tour as far in advance as possible, as many of these companies do not operate on week ends and others only operate on specific days during off-peak tourist seasons.
Useful information
- Means of transport: private minibus for small groups.
- Advantages of this option: It is the quickest and most direct way to get to St. Tropez, which means more time to enjoy the beach and coastline.
- Disadvantages of this option: If you want to enjoy a boat trip along the St. Tropez coast you will have to pay an additional fee or hire it on your own when you arrive at your destination.
Duration of excursions to Saint Tropez from Nice
The length of the excursion will always be subject to the itinerary of the company you hire for the adventure, however tour operators in Nice reserve between 09 and 12 hours for excursions to Saint Tropez.
Due to the length, the adventure itself is considered to be one of the best day trips on the French Riviera. It is the perfect way to tour beyond Nice on a short trip.
The trip to Saint Tropez by car takes less than 2 hours while the trip to Saint Tropez by boat takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Organised excursions operate so that travellers arrive in Saint Tropez around mid-morning and can make the most of the day exploring the town, so most leave the town around 9am in the morning.
Tips for a trip to Saint Tropez from Nice
If you are looking for a luxury holiday, visiting Saint Tropez or visiting Monaco and Èze from Nice will make you feel like a film star in your own movie. Follow the tips below to make your experience as enjoyable as possible and make the most of every minute.
Dress code is important...
St. Tropez is an area full of restaurants, bars and luxury establishments and some of them require a dress code. To avoid misunderstandings and embarrassment, check the rules of the place, which are usually posted on the website. You can also ask your tour operator for guidance if you decide to book an excursion.
Touring the historic district on foot is the best option...
The most important tourist attractions are located in close proximity to each other in the heart of Saint Tropez's historic district. You won't need a car to get around, so if you're travelling by transport from Nice it's best to park and walk around the area.
Pay attention to tipping...
For local restaurants and cafés, tips should be 10-15% of the total amount consumed; the more prestigious gastronomic establishments include the tipping fee in the total bill. You can still add a small extra amount and indicate it on the bill.
October is a great month to visit
October is a great month to visit Saint Tropez if you're a shopaholic as many shopping centres and top local shops start their sales season. You'll find luxury brands with lots of quality at a reduced price.
How much does a tour of Saint Tropez from Nice cost?
While the final price of the excursion varies depending on the company you choose to book with, the average range is between €80 and €130 per traveller.
When looking for excursions to Saint Tropez from Nice, read the detailed description of the experience and don't immediately settle for the cheapest option. Some local tour operators offer experiences such as a boat cruise off the coast of Saint Tropez for an additional fee which is usually worth paying.
If your holiday in the South of France includes a week or so in Nice, I recommend including a boat tour or excursion in your itinerary so that you can appreciate the beauty of the Côte d'Azur from different perspectives.
What can't I miss in Saint Tropez?
However you decide to arrive, once in Saint Tropez I recommend taking the day to explore the following sites, considered by travellers and locals alike to be the best things to do in the town.
If you go to Saint Tropez on an excursion, the tour company may organise some of these activities for you, or the trip may include free time for each traveller to choose activities at their own discretion.
Take a tour of La Ponche
La Ponche is the name given to the old town of St. Tropez, one of the most captivating walking and strolling spots in the South of France. On your stroll you will find numerous shops filled with high quality and attractive handcrafted objects, elegant cafés and restaurants serving traditional food.
Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema
If your itinerary allows it, I recommend visiting the small museum dedicated to cinema in Saint Tropez. The Musée de la Gendarmerie puts a high focus on local productions as well as its talented actors.
Saint Tropez, although small, has a deep and rich cinematic history, as this place served as the setting for many old school productions, which are now cinema classics.
Stroll along the Promenade and the Vieux Port.
The Vieux Port is one of the most popular attractions here; with many small fishing boats, elegant yachts and colourful houses, everywhere you look you'll find a postcard-worthy travel spot. If you're a fan of photography, this is the best place for spectacular shots!
Relax on the Beaches
One of the most popular activities in St. Tropez is simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches with spectacular views. Many visitors travel from other nearby French towns to relax in the sun or take a refreshing swim. The beaches of St. Tropez, along with the waters of the Verdon Gorge, are a favourite escape from the hot summers.
Why book a trip to Saint Tropez?
Once a quiet and cosy fishing village, Saint Tropez has over the years built up a reputation as a highly refined, luxury destination favoured by the rich and famous on their trips to the Riviera.
It is well worth a visit to see the charm that has attracted the attention of so many celebrities over the decades.
Additionally, the main advantage of choosing the city of Nice as a holiday destination is due to its easy connectivity to other beautiful destinations within the Côte d'Azur; Saint Tropez included among them.
My recommendation is to take advantage of this strategic location to see as much as you can; enjoy a day trip to Provence and medieval villages from Nice.
What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting Saint Tropez on my own?
When it comes to visiting Saint Tropez, you have two options: you can either set off on your own or book an excursion like the ones discussed at the beginning of this article.
Each alternative offers significant advantages and disadvantages, which I will explain in detail below.
Visiting Saint Tropez by ferry on your own...
The boat company Trans-Cote-d'Azur operates a transport system that takes travellers from Nice to St. Tropez. This is an economical alternative to make the journey on a budget but at the same time requires a lot more planning and organisation on your part.
The trip does not include any kind of guide or escort, you will need to be aware of availability and above all the timetable so as not to miss your return journey to Nice.
If you choose this alternative, it is best to book your tickets in advance and plan a trip to St. Tropez that includes spending at least one night in the city.
Visiting Saint Tropez on an organised excursion...
On the other hand, organised excursions offer numerous advantages, the main one being that they save you planning time; once you have made your reservations, you only have to worry about being at the meeting point at the agreed time.
Additionally, most tour operators in Nice offer direct hotel pick-up making the overall experience even easier.
This alternative is ideal for those travellers who will be in town for a short holiday, for example 5 days or 3 days in Nice, as it allows you to make the most of your valuable time and get the most out of your days exploring the south coast.