NEWS

Saint-Tropez is decked in lights to celebrate the holiday season with flair and beauty - including La Bastide de Saint-Tropez, where you can enjoy an unforgettable Christmas Eve in an exceptional setting.

Christmas in Saint-Tropez is quite remarkable and offers an experience that simply can’t be found elsewhere. Although intrinsically associated with the sound of cicadas under the plane trees, warm ochre buildings and the glitter of the waves in the bay, the village is transformed into a winter wonderland of dazzling white snow that even Eddie Barclay wouldn’t have frowned upon.  As night falls, the Old Port and adjacent street are bathed in silvery radiance while the Place des Lices is illuminated with shining stars on a pristine ceiling. It is here, in this place of reunion par excellence, where local life is imbued with the magic of the holiday season, that you’ll experience a certain effervescence and joie de vivre. The charming ice rink becomes the epicentre of the village and children and adults of all ages discover the joys of skating or enjoy pancakes and hot chocolate in a setting that evokes the heart of an Alpine resort. The presence of a cable car from Megeve and local specialties served as a giant aperitif contributes to the scenery and atmosphere. In fact, the two towns had the brilliant idea of joining forces to give Tropezians the chance to enjoy a traditional snowy Christmas.

The village transformed in Terre Adélie

But those are not the only surprises that St. Tropez has in store for its inhabitants and guests. To complete the transformation, igloos and a toboggan run emerge from the trees at the new seaside resort of Terre Adélie.  However, Place du XV Corps, hasn’t forgotten its Provencal roots and Santonniers will be on hand to discuss their unique craft and its ties to the region with those who stop to admire the splendid crib. Every evening, the facades of the shops and buildings of the Quai Suffren will be illuminated in a magical visual spectacle, and the shops will of course try to outdo each other in their bid to win the contest for the most inventive Christmas decorations. Dance evenings, theatre and comedy festivals are just some of the festivities on the programme this Christmas. Plus, those with a sweet tooth should be sure to visit the Chocolate Fair! 

Santa rises from the waters

Still, the highlight of this year’s celebrations will undoubtedly be the appearance of Santa Claus from the shimmering waters of the bay on the evening of 24th December.  This ancient tradition is carried out with a contagious spirit of happiness and fun that is heightened as that white-bearded old gentleman makes his way through the streets to board his train. Enjoy moments of friendship in a joyful atmosphere as you dine on succulent anchovies at noon on 31st December. Twelve hours later, as midnight approaches, shots are fired from a barge and everyone gathers at the pier and on the slopes of the Citadel for the magnificent fireworks display that announces the arrival of the New Year. 

Slashed champagne at midnight

La Bastide de Saint-Tropez will be completely in tune with these unique moments and a stay in one of its elegant rooms for a few nights allows you to celebrate Christmas Eve and the feast of Saint Sylvester in an exceptional setting.  Enjoy the latter served in our gourmet restaurant where we will also include a champagne aperitif and musical entertainment. And if that wasn’t enough to pique your imagination, we’ll slash the cost of jeroboams of champagne at midnight. We’ll welcome you with a personalised coffret, but most of all, with that inimitable Tropezian hospitality that has made our little village one of the most celebrated places in the world.

***

Photo Credit : Ville de Saint-Tropez