There’s a side of Saint-Tropez that most visitors miss – the one tucked just beyond the glamour, hidden behind vineyard hills and winding coastal roads.
It’s where Provence shows its quieter beauty: medieval lanes lined with shuttered windows, the scent of pine and lavender in the air, and café terraces where time seems to stop.
These nearby villages don’t compete with Saint-Tropez’s sparkle; they kind of complete it. Each one tells a different story, of fishermen, farmers, and artists who shaped this coastline long before the yachts arrived.
Here are five of the most beautiful villages to explore near Saint‑Tropez, each one offering its own version of Provençal charm, cobbled lanes, panoramic views, local cafés where you’ll overhear a dozen languages, and maybe even a café bathroom with tiles worth noting (yes, I check these things).
Whether you’re touring by rental car, tempted to hop aboard a charter boat, or simply craving a slower step, these stops will satisfy.
1. Gassin
Perched on a rock high above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Gassin is one of those villages that rewards the early climb up narrow lanes with a sweeping view that stops you in your tracks. It has the distinction of being listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
The walkable historic core feels timeless: stone houses, pastel shutters, the narrowest street perhaps in the region (“L’Androuno” claims that title), and little cafés where the locals don’t rush. You can expect to spot:
- Scenic viewpoints over the gulf and vineyards
- A medieval church and ramparts that quietly hint at the village’s defensive past
- Restaurants with Provençal meals + friendly banter
Tip
Park at the designated lot at the edge of Gassin (cars driving into the village get tight) and give yourself at least 90 minutes to wander. Best in the morning or late afternoon when the light softens.
And if you feel like doing something lavish and effortlessly scenic, you might consider booking a yacht trip through https://www.naveliacharters.com/.
2. Grimaud
Not far from Saint-Tropez, Grimaud is a delightful mix of medieval atmosphere and coastal ease. The village is dominated by the ruins of an 11th-century castle, which still frames the skyline.
The alleys wind upwards, tunnels, arches, and charming little surprises (such as the old windmill below). The fun part: you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, yet the sea and vineyards are just minutes away.
What to do:
- Wander up to the castle ruins; the view from there gives you the village rooftops, the gulf, and the hills beyond.
- Explore the Saint-Roch mill.
- Visit the lower parts if you want a simple Provençal meal before returning to Saint-Tropez.
Pro tip
The car parking gets tight in the heart of the old village. Consider arriving early, or park outside and walk in. Also, the cable-lift connecting the lower village to the upper isn’t just handy, it adds a playful twist if you’re tiring of uphill walking. One source mentions a “glass and iron lift”.
3. Ramatuelle
Just a short drive from Saint-Tropez lies Ramatuelle, tucked into the hills above the famous Bay of Pampelonne. It strikes a pleasing balance: coastal views, less hustle than the beachfront, and genuine village character.
You’ll find narrow stone-house alleys, pink-tile roofs, and vineyards dropping down towards the sea. The entire setting invites slow-walking, stopping when you spot a café with shade and stories.
Did you know?
The terrain here was once used to monitor sea-traffic: Ramatuelle’s elevated position means you’re basically looking out from centuries ago, watching boats go by as a lookout might have.
When to go
Late afternoon is magical – the warm light hits the stones, you hear cicadas, you sip something chilled on a terrace. Perhaps avoid the height of summer midday traffic if you’re driving.
4. Bormes-les-Mimosas
If you love villages that feel effortlessly picturesque – think climbing bougainvillea, stone walls with bright shutters, sweeping sea views – then Bormes‑les‑Mimosas is a fine pick.
The village blooms, literally: the mimosa flowers transform the landscape in winter/early spring, and the riot of plants climbing ancient stone makes wandering here feel like being in a garden-meets-history film.
Why go:
- The views: from the top, you’ll glimpse sea, islands, hills, and trees, a layered Provençal scene.
- The atmosphere: the old town is quiet, shady, perfect for lunch or a slower stroll.
Note
It’s a bit further from Saint-Tropez than some others on this list (around 45 minutes by car) so plan accordingly if you’re doing a half-day trip.
5. La Garde-Freinet
For a change of pace from the seaside sparkle, consider La Garde‑Freinet, tucked into the forested Massif des Maures. It’s a village with woodland steps, cooler shade, and a slower rhythm.
Rather than sea-front spectacle, you get something rooted: cork oak forests, quiet roads winding up, galleries and ateliers quietly tucked into the stone houses.
Why this is special:
- The nature ─ you’ll walk through forested trails, hear different birds, and feel the moss underfoot.
- The charm ─ houses built from local stone, shaded squares, and fewer crowds.
Heads-up ─ The drive is narrower, roads are more winding, so if you’re renting a car, take it slow and savour the journey as much as the destination.
In Summary
Each of these villages brings something distinct: Gassin for its panoramic perch, Grimaud for medieval alleys and castle ruins, Ramatuelle for sea-hills-vineyard mix, Bormes-les-Mimosas for floral beauty and charm, and La Garde-Freinet for forested serenity away from the coast.
Your checklist:
- Try to visit two villages in one day if you’re based around Saint-Tropez, but don’t rush.
- Consider starting early to beat crowds and heat.
- Bring walking shoes – cobbles and alleys are charming but require a bit of care.
- If you’re exploring by boat or yacht, you’ll get a unique vantage. Arriving by sea offers the dramatic reveal of village after village rising from the hills.
- Don’t skip the seemingly “lesser-known” village (La Garde-Freinet) just because it isn’t a headline destination; sometimes those are the moments you remember best.
When you finally settle into one of the terraces, glass of rosé in hand, you’ll realise the appeal is in those quiet pauses where you overhear locals chatting, a dog sleeping in the alley, the tiles of a courtyard catching the sun for a moment. These villages near Saint-Tropez are magic, not because they’ve been staged for postcards, but because they live their Provençal charm every day.
Here’s to slow wanderings, unexpected corners, and the feeling that you’re discovering something still a little secret.
