All Aboard! Why Take the Bateaux Verts Ferry to Saint-Tropez?

Whether you arrive by car, yacht, helicopter or ferry, Saint Tropez is worth a visit! However, arriving in Saint Tropez can mean sitting in traffic during peak seasons or during events. Tasha discovered an easy way to reach Saint-Tropez. Start in Sainte-Maxime or Port Grimaud and take one of Les Bateaux Verts.

Electric Boats

Good news: the Bateaux Verts ferries operating between Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez, as well as Port Grimaud and Saint-Tropez, are being upgraded to electric. This transition reflects the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, improving air quality in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and lowering noise pollution for both passengers and coastal communities. It also aligns with broader regional efforts to promote sustainable tourism and protect the Mediterranean coastline.

The first vessel—already part of the fleet—features fast charging at midday and slower overnight recharging. A second electric ferry is expected to join the fleet soon.

Park and Ride

For a quick getaway to Saint Tropez, here’s a way to avoid the frequent traffic jam between Saint-Maxime and Saint-Tropez. This is no exaggeration; the last 15-kilometre stretch into St Tropez can often take over an hour to drive. The solution is to stay (and/or park) in Saint-Maxime and take the Bateaux Verts ferry. The cost is 8 euros each way, and it’s a quick 15–20-minute journey across the Gulf of Saint Tropez. Some hotels in Saint-Maxime even offer discounts on ferry tickets.

Scenic Ferry to St Tropez

The journey is relaxing and beautiful, especially arriving at the Port of Saint Tropez and seeing how the sun hits the buildings. The ferries run every 20 minutes (or more often) during the mid- to high-season. We were there during a holiday, and while Saint-Maxime and Saint-Tropez were busy, our boat ride into town was serene. As a parttime-Los Angelino, I have learned to avoid traffic whenever possible, so ferry rides are delightful.

St Tropez To-do List

Once you arrive in Saint Tropez, you can enjoy the charm of the old fishing village, the glamour of designer shops and the extravagant yachts lined up in the harbour. There are hiking trails to Plage Pampelonne, water sports, shopping, and Michelin-starred dining. And, at the end of September, you can enjoy the annual Voiles de Saint-Tropez boat show and competition.

Some cultural options in Saint Tropez include:

Musée de l’Annonciade Georges Grammont
83990 Saint-Tropez
Telephone: +33 (0)4 94 17 84 10
Closed on Mondays

Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma
2, Place Blanqui
83990 Saint-Tropez
Telephone: +33 (0)4 94 55 90 20

Musée de l’Histoire de Saint-Tropez et La Citadelle de Saint-Tropez
1, Montée de la Citadelle
83990 Saint-Tropez
Telephone: +33 (0)4 94 55 90 30
Reopened in the spring of 2026

Here is a link to the museums in Saint-Tropez.

Sweet Treat for a Star

And since I am in the culinary world, don’t forget to try a slice of a Tarte Tropézienne, the dessert designed by Alexandre Micka in 1955 and made famous by Brigitte Bardot. Made of brioche with pearl sugar, then filled with crème diplomat (pastry cream and whipped cream) and a hint of orange blossom extract, it is a light and sumptuous taste of Saint-Tropez.

Tarte Tropézienne Recipe

Because the brioche rises overnight, allow two (2) days to make your Tarte Tropéziennes. I make the pastry cream and whipped cream while the dough rises on day two (2), so the project takes a bit of time management!

Check out this recipe

Practical Information

Bateaux Verts (website)
14 Quai Léon Condroyer
83120 Sainte-Maxime
The service runs frequently, with departures approximately every 20 minutes during the day and every 40 minutes during off-peak hours.

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Tasha Powell

Tasha Powell is a food stylist and writer who specializes in working with celebrity chefs and leaders in the hospitality industry. She cooks and styles for monographs, cookbooks and Satellite Media Tours, working between North America and Europe. Take a look at her mouthwatering photos on Cooking with a French Twist. Since July 2020, she has offered themed Zoom cooking classes influenced by her travels in France and Morocco. Here are a few:

• Fusion Vegetarian Menu: Cheese Soufflé, Grilled Vegetable Kabobs, Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lime Crème Fraiche & Floating Islands
• Fall in Provence: Carrot Soup, Seared Duck Breast and Chocolate & Pear Tarte
• 3-Course Gluten-Free Menu: Panisse, Grilled Shrimp & Chocolate Towers with Michelin Star plating techniques
• Food Styling Tips: Apéro Dînatoire, presentation & plating
• 4-Course Gluten-Free Menu: Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce, Zucchini Rollups, Roasted Leek Salad & Chocolate Lava Cakes, Michelin Star plating techniques
• Just Stuffed! Stuffed Aubergines, Tomatoes & Zucchini
• Provençal Cuisine: Baked Ratatouille Tian & Tarte du Soleil
• Add Sparkle, Shimmer, Silver and Gold to Your Culinary Presentations! By Lynn Neuberg of Easy Leaf Products and Chef Tasha Powell

Class listings can be found at Chef Tasha Events

Tasha also arranges culinary tours with Barbara Pitcher in Provence, France, in Marrakech, Morocco, in Sicily, Italy and in Parry Sound, Canada under Pitcher and Powell Cuisine and Culture.