Amazing Day Trips to Take From Saint-Tropez by Boat

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The long stretch of sandy coast at Plage Pampelonne in Ramatuelle is the place to see and be seen in summer on the Côte d’Azur. The beach is divided into public areas (including two nudist zones) and private beach clubs, where champagne and rosé flow all day. Nikki Beach and La Bagatelle attract a hip crowd.

The vineyards that surround Saint-Tropez produce the pale-pink rosé that is popular around the world. With over 110ha (272 acres) of vines under cultivation, Château Minuty is one of the biggest estates. Quality hasn’t been sacrificed for quantity at this family-run vineyard in Gassin, and its range of highly regarded wines come from hand-harvested grapes, cultivated without pesticides or herbicides. The sleek tasting room is open year-round.

Constructed in the 1960s on reclaimed marshland in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, it’s easy to see why Port Grimaud is also known as “The Little Venice of Provence”. Venetian-inspired bridges connect a network of boutique- and restaurant-lined canals, although the colourful buildings still retain a distinctly Provençal feel. Climb to the top of the Church of Saint François of Assisi for the best views in town. In July and August, night markets light up Monday evenings with an array of local artisans selling their wares.

The cobbled pedestrian streets of the pretty medieval village of Cogolin are a delight to explore at a leisurely pace. You’ll discover pottery studios and handcrafted carpets, as well as a rich tradition of producing delicate reeds for wind instruments. Serving up flavoursome local dishes in the heart of town, Grain de Sel is a cosy spot for a bistro lunch.

Do you dare to bare it all on Île du Levant? The easternmost of the three Îles d’Or (Golden Islands) off Hyères is a nudist paradise, where you can roam au naturel everywhere apart from designated spaces such as the harbour and village square. It’s worth remembering that there’s no electricity on the island, but there is a selection of restaurants, including the appropriately named Pizzeria Adam et Eve.

The fine sands and turquoise waters of the Île de Porquerolles – another of the Îles d’Or archipelago – bring a sense of the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. The island is well set up to hire cycling, diving and nautical equipment, and there’s a network of signposted walking routes to explore. Make time to visit the Villa Carmignac, a striking contemporary villa and exhibition space.

Facing its famous neighbour across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime is a more low-key version of Saint-Tropez. This family-friendly coastal resort is easy to navigate on foot (the tourist office has self-guided walking tour maps). Finish by strolling to the lively seafront promenade with a pretty rose-petal gelato from Aux Parfums d’Italie.

In contrast to the red-carpet glamour of La Croisette, these two islands found in the Bay of Cannes are an oasis of leafy calm. On Île Sainte-Marguerite, the larger of the two, you’ll find an important museum and several dining options, while the serene atmosphere of Île Saint-Honorat comes from the monastic order that calls it home. In the channel that separates the two islands, lie the grand statues of the Cannes Underwater Eco-Museum.

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