Feel Sainte-Maxime with our top 5 sensory experiences…
See an eclectic collection of architecture, including some Art Déco gems
Hear a free evening concert at the Théâtre de la Mer, throughout the summer from June onwards
Smell the fragrant vegetation in the Massif des Maures hills behind the town
Taste a cool glass of refreshing aniseed Pastis
Touch plush Provençal fabrics at the covered market.
Overlooking the Bay of Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime is an elegant, family-friendly resort offering its visitors a wide range of leisure activities and entertainment. For those looking for sun and sea, the resort’s 6km of fine sandy beaches have been awarded a quality label, and offer a whole host of watersporting opportunities. Sailing enthusiasts are sure to find their thrills out on the water; and you can challenge the winds on a catamaran or ride the waves on water skis. To slow the pace, take a relaxing walk around the charming port or a gentle stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. Pop into the covered market to discover the many colourful Provençal specialities being sold, including olive oil, rosé wine and plush Provençal fabrics, or take a 15-minute boat ride to neighbouring Saint-Tropez for an altogether more glamorous shopping trip.
You can also head out to the Massif des Maures hills – either on foot or by bike – and listen to the evocative sound of the cicadas. Beyond the palms and umbrella pines of its shoreline, Sainte-Maxime offers a vast, protected natural environment that exudes the real Provence and is awash with beautiful colour, from the olive trees’ silver-grey to the mimosas’ powder-gold. Numerous hiking and mountain biking excursions are possible from Sainte-Maxime. The town has also been amassing a unique architectural heritage over the years, combining modern, Provençal and Art-Déco architectural styles. The best way to learn Sainte-Maxime’s history is at La Tour Carrée and the Phonograph Museum, which documents local folklore and traditions. In addition to this, you can enjoy a rich and ecletic events programme in Sainte-Maxime – much of it taking place at the Théâtre de la Mer – as well as a number of traditional festivals giving real rhythm to each season.