Arrive in St Tropez by Bateaux Verts Ferry for a Scenic Ride

Whether you arrive by car, yacht, helicopter or ferry, Saint Tropez is worth a visit!

Park and Ride

For a quick getaway to Saint Tropez, here’s an idea to avoid the frequent traffic jam between Saint Maxime and St 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 a discount on ferry tickets.

Scenic Ferry Ride

The journey is relaxing and beautiful, especially arriving at the Port of Saint Tropez and seeing how the sun hits the buildings on arrival. The ferries run every 20 minutes (or more often) during mid to high season. I was there for an Easter Celebration in 2023, and while Saint Maxime and Saint Tropez were busy, our boat journey 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.

Cultural exhibits include a trip to the Musée de l’Annociade, Musée de la Gendamerie et du Cinema, Musée de l’Historie Maritime de Saint-Tropez et La Citadelle de 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 pearled sugar and then filled with crème diplomate (pastry cream and whipped cream) and with 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 crossings take approximately 20 minutes

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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.