By John Roberts
Saint-Tropez is a glitzy seaside resort town in southeastern France. This French Riviera hot spot has been the landing place for decades for artists, musicians and film stars.
It is a truly gorgeous locale, sunny and with spectacular beaches. The seaside port area where I arrived on my Regent Seven Seas Mariner cruise is packed with upscale fashion and jewelry shops alongside fine dining options.
But I bypassed the diamonds, clothes and plates piled with mussels to seek out the Sentier du Littoral, a coastal hiking path that leads from the pier area and stretches about seven miles past several beaches before your reach the popular Plage de Pampelonne beach.
I almost always skip the touristy stuff to try to find gems away from the crowds. The mission is to get a little exercise with my sightseeing and cap off the exploration with a nice cold beer or two.
The "Coastal Path" in Saint-Tropez is one of the great finds I've made in a new location. Mrs. In The Loop and I found the well-marked path nearly to ourselves for long stretches. A couple of trail runners cruised by at one spot and a few other hikers came along, too, as we wound along the stunning seaside trail.
The hike begins just past the shops in the busy port area. Just stick along the ramparts and follow the sea to find the start. Along the way, the path is well marked and includes steps down to the water in certain spots, single-track dirt paths through a bit of forest and a little bit of rock scrambling (not extreme at all). The route features breathtaking views all the way and passes several lovely homes carved into the hillside.
Saint-Tropez is a glitzy seaside resort town in southeastern France. This French Riviera hot spot has been the landing place for decades for artists, musicians and film stars.
It is a truly gorgeous locale, sunny and with spectacular beaches. The seaside port area where I arrived on my Regent Seven Seas Mariner cruise is packed with upscale fashion and jewelry shops alongside fine dining options.
But I bypassed the diamonds, clothes and plates piled with mussels to seek out the Sentier du Littoral, a coastal hiking path that leads from the pier area and stretches about seven miles past several beaches before your reach the popular Plage de Pampelonne beach.
I almost always skip the touristy stuff to try to find gems away from the crowds. The mission is to get a little exercise with my sightseeing and cap off the exploration with a nice cold beer or two.
The "Coastal Path" in Saint-Tropez is one of the great finds I've made in a new location. Mrs. In The Loop and I found the well-marked path nearly to ourselves for long stretches. A couple of trail runners cruised by at one spot and a few other hikers came along, too, as we wound along the stunning seaside trail.
The hike begins just past the shops in the busy port area. Just stick along the ramparts and follow the sea to find the start. Along the way, the path is well marked and includes steps down to the water in certain spots, single-track dirt paths through a bit of forest and a little bit of rock scrambling (not extreme at all). The route features breathtaking views all the way and passes several lovely homes carved into the hillside.
Early in the hike, the coastal path crosses through a large cemetery. The maritime cemetery is the final resting place of noted film director Roger Vadim, whose greatest contribution was introducing the world to Brigitte Bardot; he also was married to Jane Fonda among his five marriages.
The cemetery occupies a stretch of the most stunning coast in France.
The cemetery occupies a stretch of the most stunning coast in France.
The large Saint-Tropez cemetery sits on one of the prime seaside locations in France.
Further beyond, we made our way along winding trail, up and down, stopping to snap pictures at nearly every bend. On the way back, we made our way down to a nice pooled area of clear, crisp water for a quick dip to cool off. It was incredible to have a swimming hole all to ourselves in the French Riviera.
I've learned that you just have to make the effort to explore and exert a little bit of energy to enjoy these types of unique experiences.
I've learned that you just have to make the effort to explore and exert a little bit of energy to enjoy these types of unique experiences.
The coastal path is generally well marked, but if you start to feel lost, just follow along toward the water.
Several spots along the way lead you right down to the sea ...
... Where you can jump in for a bit of swimming.
Thanks for reading!
Travel fit. Travel happy. Travel often.
JR
Travel fit. Travel happy. Travel often.
JR
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