It goes without saying that the houses right next to the beaches have their devotees, even though they often find themselves in the midst of the hustle and bustle during peak season (you can’t have it all!). This is why many people considering a holiday in this area opt for a townhouse – with or without a garden – enabling them to do their shopping or go for a coffee in the old narrow streets of Gassin or Le Plan-de-La-Tour on foot! Alternatively, they may choose one of the stunning gated estates (Guerrevieille, Beauvallon or La Nartelle to name just a few) with fully equipped club houses offering tennis courts, swimming pools and restaurants. Capping them all is the legendary, ultra-exclusive Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez, a secluded haven at the south-eastern tip of the gulf. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez, located to the north of the eponymous peninsula, between Pointe des Sardinaux to the north and Cap Saint-Pierre to the south, was actually called the Gulf of Grimaud until the early twentieth century. But Saint-Tropez harbour gradually gained in size and stature, and eventually gave its name to the waters around it! Today the Gulf comprises twelve villages dotted along a breathtakingly beautiful coast, some of them living in the limelight, while others retain their typical discreet Provençal charm. 
And yet there is more to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez than the postcard image it projects. Its harbours have been busy hubs for fishing and pleasure boating for generations, making them key drivers of the local economy well beyond the tourist season. The Gulf is also home to a number of leading shipyards, including Monaco Marine in Cogolin and Medyacht and Simons in Grimaud. These shipyards do much to enhance the appeal of the Gulf all year round, making it a pleasure to stroll along the quaysides in winter to watch the fishing boats, sailing boats and yachts being refitted. Off-season rentals offer the promise of tranquillity, far from the hustle and bustle of summer, in an atmosphere and light reminiscent of the time when the Gulf seduced the Impressionist painters. 

Anticipating seasonal rentals

When it comes to summer rentals, the ‘back’ of the gulf also boasts marinas such as Les Marines de Cogolin, Les Marines de Gassin, Port Cogolin and the famous seaside town of Port Grimaud. This neo-Provençal-style town, which covers 90 hectares (220 acres) of former marshland and built with some 2,000 houses, is a major architectural achievement of the twentieth century, designed by François Spoerry. This visionary architect from Alsace acquired the land in 1964 to build what every sailor dreams of: “a house with a boat moored at the bottom of the garden”. It goes without saying that 60 years on, Port Grimaud, with its 7 kilometres (4.4 miles) of canals and 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) of quays providing 2,350 moorings, is a property market in its own right, with its own specific characteristics and devotees. Seasonal rentals are highly coveted, and must be planned well in advance! 
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez also has plenty of attractions inland, largely thanks to its proximity to the Massif des Maures mountain range, covering 160,000 hectares (just under 400,000 acres) of hills, valleys, rivers, maquis (scrubland) and lakes within the Var département, between Saint-Tropez and Hyères. Managed for its cork oak and chestnut trees, it is one of the most beautiful forests in Provence and arguably even in the south of France. Closer to the coast, the public forest of Sainte-Maxime and the maquis that can be explored from Cavalaire appeal to those looking for an alternative to water sports. In short, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is a perfect pick for families or groups of friends planning an active holiday. 
So what about prices? It all depends on the type of property and its location, of course. And on the season, too, with the peak summer period from mid-June to mid-September putting a hefty price tag on the area’s charms. A villa in Cavalaire or Cogolin will be listed at €2,000 to €3,000 per week, but rents can be as high as several tens of thousands of euros for a luxury property in Saint-Tropez. The choice is vast, but the lifestyle is guaranteed!
 

For those seeking an exclusive escape on the French Riviera, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez offers refined rental opportunities. From the discreet elegance of Grimaud to the sun-soaked beaches of Sainte-Maxime, our portfolio includes exceptional villas designed for comfort, privacy, and panoramic views.