Sainte-Maxime is an elegant destination facing Saint-Tropez and a family-friendly resort with an exceptional climate with almost 300 days of sun per year and mild winter temperatures between 12 and 19 C°.
Lying in the heart of Provence and sheltered from harsh winds by the Maures mountains, Sainte-Maxime, thanks to its exceptional location, has long been an idyllic holiday destination. Currently, the village is experiencing a rise in prosperity. This village is becoming increasingly attractive with its gentle climate, south-facing position and wonderful views over Saint-Tropez. With a glorious promenade, a choice of beaches and excellent opportunities for water sport lovers, Sainte-Maxime is sure to satisfy all types of visitors.
There is over 10 km of clean sandy beaches in and around Sainte Maxime. As well as ‘Elephant Beach’, each is organised to offer something different. La Croisette Beach offers a specialist sailing school, Madrague Beach a diving school, and La Nartelle Beach offers jet and water skiing.
Most of these beaches, especially in the town centre, have lifeguards on duty offering safe swimming facilities in the clear waters of the Mediterranean. The beaches in the town can also be enjoyed from the promenade, the views across the ocean being especially spectacular at sunset which can be enjoyed from our Villa Riviera.
Sainte-Maxime is a dynamic town all year round and offers a wide range of sports and cultural activities, animation and attractions for small and large.
As well as the abundance of water sports, Sainte-Maxime has much to offer. With two sports halls and many outdoor facilities, the town can offer every sport from tennis to archery. There is also an 18-hole golf course on the outskirts of town.
Other facilities include cinemas, theatres, two modern shopping centres, a casino, and even a music school, offering courses for all levels.
Sainte-Maxime, a town of cultural heritage. You can visit some sightseeing attractions such as the Tour Carrée (16th century) located on the port that hosts the Local Traditions Museum, next to the Church (inside the Church, you can see a beautiful marble altar and an 18th-century bell; on a hill, the Château des Tourelles, in which Léon Gaumont, French cinema pioneer, spent the last years of his life; more original, the Phonograph, Mechanical Music and Inventions Museum.
Many cultural events: the Carré Gaumont, a performance hall, offers an eclectic and quality programme including dance, theatre, music and songs, circus, etc.
Regarding the other events and activities, you will enjoy them throughout the year: in February, the Corso du Mimosa (mimosa celebration); in March, wine and gastronomy fair; at the beginning of the season, the Jetcup (jetski championships) and Fest’Italia (big market of products coming from Italy); the Bravades (celebration of the patron saint); Saint-Jean’s Day and Saint-Pierre’s Day in June; gala evening parties at the Théâtre de la Mer each summer; and the Sainte-Maxime Free Flight World Masters or the Var Rally in autumn.
As a family resort, the city of Sainte-Maxime has always devoted special attention to children with excellent family facilities (waterpark, casino, etc.): the town has been awarded the “Famille Plus” label.
You can also find olive oil and AOC Côtes de Provence wines. You can enjoy hiking on several walking trails in wooded hills or strolling through a botanical garden to discover on 3 hectares, more than 60 plants typical of the Mediterranean.
In short, the biggest city of Saint-Tropez bay has everything it takes to attract those who love spending nice family holidays.
You will find many shops, restaurants and bars while strolling along with the port and through the old town. The sea invites you for relaxation and joy, the surroundings are open to you and wait to be discovered by feet or bike; idleness, culture, festival and sport, everything that will make your stay perfect!
Getting here
BY BOAT
One of the great attractions of Sainte-Maxime is the boat service (Les Bateaux Verts) which crosses the bay to St. Tropez and northeast to Cannes. During the summer months, these boats are a blessing to escape the inevitable traffic jams which build upon the roads into St. Tropez.
From St. Tropez, there are boats which take you further southwest to Cavalaire-Sur-Mer and Le Lavandou from which you can also visit the Hyères Islands. Trips to Les Issambres and Port Grimaud leave regularly from the harbour.
BY RAIL
The nearest station on the main rail line is Saint Raphael, 14 km from Saint Maxime which has frequent services to Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Eze, Monaco, Toulon and Marseille.
BY AIR
Nice Cote D’Azur airport is the most convenient but Hyeres airport is not far away.
BY CAR
From Nice airport or if you are coming into the Cote d’Azur by car, take the A8 to Le Muy turn-off. Drive down the D25 to Sainte Maxime. To avoid toll charges, come off at Saint Raphael and drive along the coast on the D1098.
Restaurants
La Nartelle Beach is the most exclusive spot amongst the beach club restaurants which includes Mario Plage. There are also plenty of sun-loungers by the bar offering complete relaxation with a view to die for.
Other beach clubs are La Renne Jaune, Barco Beach and the Madrague. On the pier, there are marine shops to browse and an excellent restaurant.
Sainte-Maxime has an excellent selection of restaurants, some overlooking the Gulf of St. Tropez which provides a sumptuous backdrop to mouthwatering menus. Particularly recommended is Hostellerie la Belle Aurore at 5 bd Jean Moulin. La Badiane has a romantic appeal set in an intimate dining room with superb food and local wines.
La Reserve on the front specialises in bouillabaisse, oysters, lobsters and provençal cuisine. There is something for everyone! Though some restaurants are quite expensive, there are plenty of reasonably priced places to eat in comfortable surroundings offering a warm welcome.
