NEWS

This year, once again, the village of Saint-Tropez has donned its scintillating clothes of light to celebrate Christmas and the arrival of the New Year. Illuminations, a skating rink, a market, a flea market and an antique fair await you at La Bastide de Saint-Tropez in a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

Skating under the stars

Surrounded by majestic plane trees and cosy cafés, the open-air ice rink at the Place des Lices is open every afternoon until January 2nd. Woolly hats are pulled low, gloves keep fingers warm, and anoraks are buttoned up tight. So let's go! Enjoy the superb sensation of sliding smoothly on the slick surface (try saying that quickly while spinning!). On the arm of your partner, or holding your little one's hand, or clinging desperately to your pals, you’ll glide across the ice, try the axel, salchow, toe loop, jump, pirouette... Unless the simple miracle of staying upright while on skates is an end in itself! And when night falls, and the twinkling of stars sparkles on the ice and the glow of illuminations warms the heart, you will find it impossible not to be won over by the magic of the moment.

Strolling through the markets

This year, the merchants of Saint-Tropez are determined to spoil you! The most beautiful decorations illuminate the windows of the shops, but in colourful competition with its bricks and mortar brethren, the Christmas market has small wooden chalets where you can buy handicraft items, check out gift ideas, and succumb to the allure of irresistible waffles, crêpes, chocolates and mulled wine; a tasty reward after your exertions on the ice rink. Or before a shopping spree! You will want to check out the first ever Saint-Tropez Christmas flea market, which can be found in the Place de l'Ormeau. Come and hang out! For three days on December 27th, 28th and 29th, a dozen dealers present their treasures: decorative items, furniture, old toys and rare books to dig through on the stalls, at the bottom of boxes, and under piles. Discover the missing item that will complete your collection!

Browsing around the antique fair 

Let all inveterate bargain hunters rejoice, the fun continues. From December 27th to January 3rd, the Salle Jean-Despas is the venue for the Noël des Antiquaires. Vintage vases, ancient ceramics, Louis XV tables and chairs of the 1960s; you might find any of these collectibles and more besides at this delightful antique fair. Looking for silver cutlery for your New Year's Eve? New objets d’art for your home, a lovely statuette for your mother-in-law or an Art Nouveau pendant for your beloved? Come and browse, there’s a chance the object of your desire could be here, in the heart of this paradise of discovery, where the pleasure of the quest electrifies a delightful and convivial atmosphere.

Experiencing the Christmas spirit

And that's not all! You can wander the shopping streets, cheeks rosy in winter’s chill and smile widening at the sight of beautifully decorated display windows, garlands of illuminations, and charming patisseries offering tempting chocolate logs. Feeling tired? Climb aboard the little train, which will take you throughout the village in comfort. Don’t miss the Nativity scene installed in the Chapelle de la Miséricorde, where the fisherman, the lavender-gatherer, and the vine-grower approach the barn where Mary and the baby Jesus are watched over by Joseph, the donkey and the cattle. Then head to Suffren Wharf where, from midnight to 18:00, Santa Claus’ boat will arrive in Saint-Tropez. The Musée de l'Histoire Maritime Tropézienne will reveal to you all manner of fascinating maritime traditions, while the Musée de l'Annonciade houses a superb art collection dedicated to Pointillism, the Nabis and Fauvism. And, having enjoyed the celebration of anchovy paste organised on the harbour during the afternoon of the 31st, come back at midnight to admire the fireworks that will greet 2017, a year we wish full of happiness for you!