Inside My Fashion Editor’s Guide to Saint-Tropez: All the Must-Know Hotspots

      Welcome to Who What Wear Travels, a curated series of guides to destinations favored by the fashion crowd. This is your comprehensive resource for everything from the trendiest accommodations to unforgettable dining experiences and the ideal travel wardrobe, all recommended by stylish locals and well-traveled fashion enthusiasts. Last month, I had the opportunity to visit the South of France with the French luxury hospitality group Maisons Pariente just before the peak tourist season began on the Azure Coast. I started my journey in a quaint village in Provence before heading to the coast. Based at Hôtel Lou Pinet, I spent several days discovering the town and shoreline of Saint-Tropez.

      It’s widely recognized that few places embody effortless glamour like Saint-Tropez. Originally a quiet fishing village along the French Riviera, it shot into the global spotlight in the 1950s, largely due to Brigitte Bardot, whose sunlit style and carefree demeanor helped shape the town’s lasting charm following her star-making film in 1956, And God Created Woman. There’s no doubt that Saint-Tropez, the crown jewel of the Côte d'Azur, remains a vibrant summer destination in 2026, just as it was in the 1960s. Even after decades, it still attracts fashion insiders, celebrities, and jet-setters looking for a combination of classic charm and seaside luxury.

      "What continues to amaze me is how Saint-Tropez manages to evolve while maintaining its essence," shares Kimberley Cohen, cofounder and artistic director of Maisons Pariente. Cohen has summered there since childhood and, like many, finds a strong local identity and rich Tropezien heritage amidst the international attention. "Some of my earliest memories are connected to the village, its beaches, the market, and long summer days with friends whose families had similar traditions." Like the Cohens, this sense of nostalgia keeps many families returning year after year. Now, with the filming of The White Lotus’s much-awaited fourth season in Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Cannes, the former is poised to gain even more prominence in the upcoming seasons. If you’re dreaming of days spent on the beach, meandering through pastel-colored streets, or enjoying waterfront dining at sunset, take a look at my fashion editor's guide below, filled with recommendations for the best hotels, eateries, beach clubs, and shopping.

      **When to Visit**

      Like many Mediterranean destinations, Saint-Tropez's high season peaks in July and August. During these months, the area comes alive: sleek yachts grace the coast, reservations at famed beach clubs along Pampelonne Beach fill up quickly, and patios near Place des Lices buzz with activity. However, if you prefer to experience the town during its quieter shoulder seasons, consider visiting in early June when everything is just opening and a sense of anticipation fills the air, or in September for softer light, warm waters, and a more relaxed vibe. "These times showcase a more authentic side of Saint-Tropez, closer to what locals cherish," Cohen explains. Alternatively, if you time your visit perfectly in mid-May, you might even catch a glimpse of a few A-list celebrities unwinding post-Cannes Film Festival.

      **Where to Stay in Saint-Tropez**

      **Hôtel Lou Pinet**

      Nestled away from the harbor's hustle, Hôtel Lou Pinet provides a tranquil perspective on Saint-Tropez luxury. With its verdant gardens and Provençal-inspired décor, this intimate 35-room hotel exudes simple elegance. Everything and everyone here feels refined without being ostentatious. "Lou Pinet was designed as a sanctuary for guests to experience a different pace," Cohen explains about the motivation behind the hotel's creation. "We aimed not to compete with Saint-Tropez's excitement but to complement it with warmth, privacy, and a rare sense of tranquility. Rather than establishing a destination within a destination, we wanted to capture the feel of a private Tropezien residence." The design throughout the property, especially in guest rooms, fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, evoking nostalgia for the elegant ambiance of the 1960s and 70s. Recently, I watched the film adaptation of the 1954 novel Bonjour Tristesse on my flight, and I couldn’t help but feel as if I had stepped right into one of its scenes.

      **Airelles Château de la Messardière**

      Those picturesque images of a manicured lawn overlooking the sea? That’s Airelles Château de la Messardière, the crown jewel of Saint-Tropez, frequented by celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge each summer. It’s also one of the filming locations for the much-anticipated fourth season of The White Lotus, so expect to see stills of Laura Dern lounging on one of its ornate loungers or Vincent Cassel diving into the rectangular pool.

      **Hôtel Byblos**

      Hôtel Byblos might be the closest