Top 10 Villages near Saint-Tropez & French Riviera | Côte d’Azur meets Provence | Bucket List France
From glam coastal towns to quiet hilltop escapes, the far region is full of postca perfect villages that capture the magic of southern France. places where time slows down. A chilled glass of rosé becomes a lifestyle and the simple joy of sitting under a plain tree just makes sense. So come along as we take you through 10 of our favorite villages in the VA. Yes, Sanrope is up first, but wait till you see who else is on the list. So we’re heading into the VA department, one of France’s most popular spots for summer holidays. You’ve probably heard of Sanrope, but what about the other pictures villages in this beautiful region between Marseilles and Nice. Time to fix that. Let’s start with the one that put the bar on the map. It might be tiny, but Sanrope needs no introduction. This once sleepy fishing village turned international hot spot that’s swarmed by Hollywood stars and the riches of the rich each summer is the Riviera’s most famous name. Mega yachts crowding the charming old port and designer boutiques aside, the town itself is just beautiful. Those narrow alleys, colorful facads and typical main square that turns into an enormous market every Tuesday and Saturday morning. And if you wander just a few steps away from the crowds, you’ll find local life taking on as if Pit Bau never came to town and plenty of history, too. Purged quietly in the hills, a stones throw from Sanrope, Ramatu is all about province calm, unless it’s dinner time on any given summer evening. This hilltop village wraps around the mountain like a snail shell, literally. Its spiral shape was designed to protect against pirates. And today, it’s just irresistibly charming. Expect ochre walls, cats chilling out, and endless views. During summer, this peaceful village also becomes the stage for one of France’s coolest jazz festivals. But of course, it’s best known for its nearly 5 km stretch of sandy beach. Plun, home to legendary beach clubs like Club Son. Go grab a drink there. By the way, if you’re planning a trip to the south of France, head over to our website, rivierminusgo.com. You’ll find even more ideas for beautiful places to visit, where to stay, and what not to miss across the Kazour. Just a short drive from the coast, Crimo feels like another world, this medieval hilltop village has everything. Stonehouses, bugilia, and a ruined castle that comes with epic views of the Gulf of Sanrope. Don’t miss climbing up there and taking in the beautiful surroundings. Behind the castle, you’ll discover not only a historic mill, but also an ancient stone bridge. That’s a fun hike, too, even in the evening hours. And here’s a fun twist. Grimmore also has a seaside twin called Parmo, known as the Venice of Provence because of its canals running through the village. Lar is where things start to feel a bit wilder. in the best way. Nestled in the massive demo, this laid-back village feels miles away from the glitz of the coast. Even though Santo once again is just half an hour down the hill, it has a bit of everything. A provin heart, a touch of wilderness, and a strong local character. You’ll find cute little restaurants in the heart of the village, old stone houses and winding alleys, and a hike up to the Fren ruins. and this cross. If you’re in the mood for a magnificent view of the village and a bit of cardio, wear proper shoes, unlike we did. To sum things up, Lard F is not really on the typical tourist radar, but we love it that way. Tucked away in the M hills behind S Maxim and Santrope Plur is a low-key escape with a local vibe. It’s all about peaceful streets, vineyard views on your way there, and a village square with locals who still greet each other by name. It might not be flashy, but this place is hard. And it’s also where Johnny Depp used to live in an entire little village behind this gate. Flower lovers, this one’s for you. By moa, a bit bigger than the previous villages and about an hour’s drive from Sanrope towards the west is as pretty as it sounds, especially in winter when the mimosas bloom and the whole village smells like sunshine. It’s a riot of pastel facads and quaint little squares with steep streets leading up to a castle and sweeping sea views. Oh, and if you like castles with sea views, don’t miss the foro nearby. It’s the French president’s summer retreat. And with the next village, we’re moving into the green heart of Pu. If there were a prize for drama, Coutinyak would take it. This village is built right next to a massive taffrock cliff with natural rock shelters and chocolatey caves looming above the houses and a lovely main square lined by plain trees, fountains everywhere and a weekly market and you’ll understand why Kinyak has long been a favorite with artists, wine lovers, and curious wanderers looking for that slower provenal vibe. This place ticks all the boxes. Oh, and did we mention it’s ridiculously photogenic? And now, welcome to Tour. Nicknamed the village in the sky. And for good reason. Purged at over 600 m, it offers panoramic views all the way to the Mo Mountains and even the distant sea on a clear day. It’s officially one of the puro village de France’s prettiest villages in France and for good reason. Its medieval heart is filled with charm, fountains, and shady squares, perfect for slow afternoons. It’s the second smallest village in today’s collection, so especially outside of the summer season, expect a really quiet and peaceful place. Seong is the kind of village that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a painting. And fun fact, it actually inspired a famous one. The suralist artist Max lived here in the 1960s and his influence still lingers in the quiet squares and tucked away studios. It’s also another one of Le Pubu village de France with medieval gates, steep stone alleyways, ivy draped facads and so on. The vibe, super peaceful, no big crowds, the perfect spot to slow down and soak up that golden provinol magic. It’s quieter than nearby fans or Kanyong, which just means you get the beauty all to yourself almost. Let’s end with a village that’s perched right above the turquoise waters of Lake Squa, next to the spectacular gorge. is tiny, but the views are huge and its colorful tile turrets on the village’s crown jewels. It’s also the perfect launch pad if you want to explore the gorge or make a side trip to nearby Mustia Sant Marie or Castellan on the other end of the canyon. But that’s a story for another day. And that’s a wrap on our top 10 villages in the VA. Which one would you put at the top of your list? Or did we miss your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear.
From world-famous Saint-Tropez to hilltop gems hidden deep in Provence… In this video, we’re taking you on a road trip through the Var department, one of the most stunning and sun-drenched corners of the South of France. 🇫🇷☀️
Sure, you’ve heard of Saint-Tropez — but what about Seillans, Cotignac, or Aiguines? Whether you’re dreaming of colorful markets, sea views, or shady cafés under plane trees, these 10 villages are packed with charm, history, and that irresistible joie de vivre.
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📌 What’s in this video:
00:00 Intro
01:06 Saint-Tropez
01:58 Ramatuelle
03:07 Grimaud
03:52 La Garde-Freinet
05:19 Plan-de-la-Tour
06:00 Bormes-les-Mimosas
06:42 Cotignac
07:29 Tourtour
08:17 Seillans
08:50 Aiguines
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Discover 30 handpicked hotels – mostly in Nice, plus a few standout spots dotted along the French Riviera: from brand-new openings and charming boutique stays to stunning seafront addresses. With booking links, insider tips, and direct links to our videos. 78 pages.
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🎥 ========== Featured in This Video ========== 🎥
🌟 Destination: DEPARTEMENT VAR 🌟
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJkcWTsMhzgMLXCV9
#1 🏞️ Saint-Tropez 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/SoZx97HNiEk7jVuMA
Market at Place des Lices: every Tuesday and Saturday morning
#2 🏞️ Ramatuelle 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/rEhzw2aK64YMdkE59
“Jazz à Ramatuelle”: https://jazzaramatuelle.com/
Pampelonne Beach: “Club 55” – https://www.club55.fr/
#3 🏞️ Grimaud 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/WQD3WDX1vwCkzgXs6
Pont des Fées (Fairies’ Bridge):
https://provence-alpes-cotedazur.com/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/places/fairies-bridge-grimaud-en-2885786/
# 4 🏞️ La Garde-Freinet 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/mkKMZxtgwpkeKc6Z6
Hike to cross and Fort Freinet:
https://www.golfe-saint-tropez-information.com/en/leisure-activities/sport/la-garde-freinet/la-garde-freinet-la-croix-et-le-fort-freinet-4599409
# 5 🏞️ Le Plan-de-la-Tour 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/yRXqV9AVKa8eXYL97
☕ “Le Bon Coin”: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Muw4LL6TCQ3Y2bxJ9
# 6 🏞️ Bormes-les-Mimosas 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/5uBs1rp4q9K3PqAF8
Mimosa Festival every February
# 7 🏞️ Cotignac 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/qSPExDp3n8wFUnfD7
# 8 🏞️ Tourtour 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/KL5FmBjnKeVsVfG7A
# 9 🏞️ Seillans 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/1EXFtoFUfCyuanpz6
Waldberg House – Max Ernst Donation: https://www.seillans.fr
# 10 🏞️ Aiguines 🏞️
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/hhPSJHA8uC5nseQo6
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie:
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/M9TKwFHqforHi8XAA
Castellane:
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/BgBsbDDxGgxvkEwm9
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7 Comments
"Hope everyone is enjoying summer so far! ☀Where are you watching from?
Merci ❤
Watching from South Africa and will be in Nice next month 23rd… Can't wait
Superbe vidéo ! Je ne sais pas si j'irai dans le sud de la France en voiture depuis la Belgique, ou si je prendrai un avion jusque Marseille ou Nice et puis louer une voiture !
On verra, en attendant je regarde vos vidéos. Merci !
How is the french Rivièra in summer ? Is there too many touristes, is it too expensive during summer time ? A lot of rich people from all Europe and outside Europe spend their summer's holidays there. If i'm not mistaken, it's cheaper, less hectic and cooler for you to spend your summer vacation in your home country Germany but after more than 20 years in France, your are also french. Maintenant, vous êtes aussi une VRAIE FRANÇAISE, bisous.
We love your videos. They are helping us to build our plans for the visit to the area next year. ❤
Very Beautiful Villages.