When you think of a holiday in St Tropez you likely think of the most popular areas, but for a more peaceful vacation – just a stone’s throw away from the centre of town and with its own stunning beach – why not try the Bouillabaisse district?
You may well have visited La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez without even realising it; this is the area you come to first as you drive over from Nice.
What’s more, it is packed full of some of the French Riviera’s most exquisite eateries and luxury hotels, meaning that those who take an interest in the finer things in life are likely to find themselves here. Prepare to get some serious holiday envy as we take you through the delights of this district, from Bouillabaisse beach clubs to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Getting to know La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez
Bouillabaisse Beach
Yes le Plage de Pampelonne Beach is glamourous, but to avoid the crowds while soaking up that Cote d’Azur sun, Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go. Offering soft golden sands, a secluded slice of that sparkling Mediterranean sea and views of the port of Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime (opposite) and the Maures mountains across the bay, this little-known spot is well worth a visit. Families will appreciate the onsite lifeguard from mid-June to mid-September, with good access for those with reduced mobility. Meanwhile, everyone can enjoy the selection of sophisticated Bouillabaisse Beach clubs and restaurants here – more on this later…
Villas in La Bouillabaisse district
Villas for rent in La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez are set in spacious and leafy surroundings, within walking distance to the bustling Saint-Tropez town centre while providing you and your family with the privacy of a more remote district. St Tropez House has a selection of idyllic luxury homes to rent and buy here – see three of our favourites below:
1. Villa Ferrero
With six luxurious suites and six bathrooms to match, the elegant Villa Ferrero is ideally located in a south-facing position, surrounded by vineyards and only a 5-minute drive from St-Tropez town centre and the harbour. You’ll be treated to a double living room, a large kitchen/dining room with spectacular views, a summer terrace with BBQ area, a fitness room, four beautiful outdoor spaces, including a magnificent garden of approximately 3.000 sq. where you will be able to appreciate the various local species such as olive trees, laurels, false pepper trees, palm trees and pines, and a heated swimming pool.
Villa Ferrero is also fitted with all the mod-cons, including WiFI and a sound system throughout, plus satellite TV in all bedrooms, the kitchen, the fitness room and the lounge. Enjoy stylish design and proximity to Michelin-starred restaurants and Bouillabaisse beach clubs when you stay here.
2. Villa Palmieros
Villa Palmieros is a spacious modern villa spread over 450 m2 in La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez, offering six bedrooms and six bathrooms to large groups of families and friends. Generously sleeping twelve, this villa is close to Bouillabaisse Beach and all the highlights of the town. When you’re not out exploring, enjoy the stunning private pool and chicly-decorated living space including dining area, kitchen and outdoor terrace. There’s no better villa for those who appreciate sleek, contemporary design.
3. Villa Mas des Olivier
Only 100 metres from Bouillabaisse Beach and five minutes from Saint Tropez centre lies Villa Mas des Olivier, an eight-bedroom home complete with seven bathrooms. This modern-style property with classic design twists features a state-of-the-art kitchen with dining room, a TV room, two master suites with ensuites, four guest bedrooms with bathrooms or shower rooms, and a separate staff apartment with two bedrooms and another shower room. Outside the property offers a grand swimming pool, a patio area with furniture and a landscaped garden area with an outdoor music system, all tucked away in La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez.
Domaine de Castellane on your doorstep
La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez is also within walking distance of the exclusive Domaine de Castellane region, with its quiet tranquillity, birdsong and breathtaking views. The centre of Saint Tropez may see 100,000 tourists pass through it daily, but here you will see nothing but perfectly manicured gardens and bright blue skies. As such, this private, unspoiled neighbourhood suits everyone from groups of friends looking to take in the sights of St-Tropez to families who simply want to kick back and relax.
For those that prefer to stay in a gated community while being in close proximity to Bouillabaisse Beach and benefiting from affordable property prices, St Tropez House also has a number of homes to rent and buy in Domaine de La Castellane. Below are two of our favourites…
4. Villa Origan
Villa Origan is only 900m from the golden sands of La Bouillabaisse Beach, stretching across an impressive 1700m² of private grounds in this quiet and secure community. The property charms its guests with four spacious ensuite bedrooms designed in the Provençal style, a double living room and state-of-the-art kitchen, a heated alfresco swimming pool, a covered terrace and a petanque court. Large windows look out onto the beautiful Mediterranean flora in the extensive gardens. With ample parking and a security system, and air conditioning and WiFi throughout, what’s not to love?
5. Villa Azalee
This is a stunning French Riviera property with four ensuite bedrooms, situated just a seven-minute drive from the centre of St Tropez and 300 metres from the beach. With a fully-equipped American kitchen, an expansive living room with a fireplace, an entree hall, a dining room with direct access to the covered terrace, and aircon and WiFi throughout, Villa Azalee provides the perfect spot from which to explore the lively town, or to bask in the privacy of this gated community.
Stepping outside, guests will find a beautiful garden with palm trees, lavender and jasmine, alongside a salt-water swimming pool and comfortable lounge chairs. A truly blissful spot at which to spend the summer.
Famous restaurants, beach clubs and hotels in La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez
1. La Vague d’Or at Cheval Blanc
The five-Star hotel Residence of La Pinède was acquired in 2016 by Bernard Arnault and reopened as Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez in May this year, becoming the 4th Cheval Blanc hotel and joining locations in Courchevel, Randheli in the Maldives and in St-Barth on the Isle of France.
These exclusive hotels promise extreme luxury, so when it came to hotel dining who else to put in charge than Arnaud Donckele, alchemist of textures and taste and award-winning chef. At the three-Michelin-starred Vague d’Or, diners should prepare to be whisked off their feet as they experience curated menus that display fresh, local produce from land and sea. From timeless classics to unusual and inspiring flavour combinations, La Vague d’Or in La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez, is a celebration of France’s nourishing landscape and culinary history.
2. Villa Belrose
The Villa Belrose overlooks beautiful Bouillabaisse and draws in celebrities, travel connoisseurs and those looking for some peace and quiet on the Cote d’Azur. World-class service meets stunning panoramic views at this truly unique hotel, with a luxurious spa which will have you on cloud nine in no time. As such, Villa Belrose has built up quite a reputation since its opening – don’t miss the fine dining experience at hotel restaurant The Belrose.
3. The Pearl Beach
Bouillabaisse Beach itself is not short of fabulous places to eat, but one of the best beach clubs is The Pearl Beach, offering an Oriental twist on typical Mediterranean decor and delivering meals you’ll be talking about for days. With favourites such as tuna tartar with ponzu sauce and guacamole and exquisite braised gambas in a red, coconut-curry sauce, it’s the perfect place to regroup after a long morning on the beach.
4. La Bouillabaisse Plage Restaurant
When you want to try something a little different but don’t want to leave the beach, head over to La Bouillabaisse Plage Restaurant, where a combination of ultra-fresh seafood, – including, of course, homemade Bouillabaisse stew – mouthwatering desserts and cocktails makes this another must-visit destination. Not hungry yet? Why not watch the sunset with a glass of local rosé, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore providing the perfect backdrop to your evening.
La Bouillabaisse, St Tropez has so much to offer, with fine dining restaurants and lively bars, a peaceful and secluded neighbourhood and well-priced villas, all in close proximity to a stunning, sandy beach. If you’d like to find out more about the area, contact our professional team.
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