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The beach is not a place to work; to read, write or to think.” — Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“To escape and sit quietly on the beach — that’s my idea of paradise.” — Emilia Wickstead

“The beach is not just a place, it’s a feeling.”

“The beach is where our souls meet the sea.”

“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment.”

3/30/2023

Sainte-Maxime Travel Guide: Explore Everything in Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime Travel Guide by Travelling Hopper - Let's Explore The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations

Sainte-Maxime is a charming coastal town located on the French Riviera, on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque port, and scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Sainte-Maxime is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

"The South of France is a region where everything is possible, where life is good, and where the sun shines all year round." - Simone de Beauvoir

History of Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. It was first settled by the Ligurians, an ancient civilization that inhabited the region around 1,000 BC. Over the centuries, the town was ruled by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Saracens. During the Middle Ages, Sainte-Maxime became an important center for trade and commerce, and it played a significant role in the region's economic and cultural development.

"The South of France is the perfect place to find peace and inspiration."
- Vincent van Gogh

Why Famous Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime is famous for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and warm Mediterranean climate. It is also known for its picturesque port, which is a popular destination for yacht owners and sailors. In addition to its natural beauty, Sainte-Maxime is also famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts and music scene.

10 places to Explore in Sainte-Maxime

  1. Promenade Aymeric Simon Loriere - A scenic promenade that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

  2. MusΓ©e de la Tour CarrΓ©e - A museum that showcases the history and culture of Sainte-Maxime and the surrounding region.

  3. ChΓ’teau des Tourelles - A historic castle that dates back to the 19th century and is now used as a cultural center.

  4. Jardin Botanique des Myrtes - A beautiful botanical garden that features a wide variety of plants and flowers.

  5. Les Issambres - A picturesque seaside village that is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views.

  6. Plage de la Nartelle - A popular beach that is known for its clear blue waters and pristine sand.

  7. La Croisette - A bustling promenade that is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

  8. Γ‰glise Sainte-Maxime - A historic church that dates back to the 18th century and features beautiful Gothic architecture.

  9. Parc des Aiguières - A scenic park that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

  10. Port de Sainte-Maxime - A picturesque port that is a popular destination for yacht owners and sailors.

10 Beaches to Visit in Sainte-Maxime

  1. Plage de la Madrague - A beautiful beach that is known for its crystal clear waters and golden sand.

  2. Plage de la Nartelle - A popular beach that is known for its pristine sand and stunning views.

  3. Plage des ElΓ©phants - A secluded beach that is surrounded by rocky cliffs and is accessible only by boat.

  4. Plage de la Garonnette - A quiet beach that is popular with families and is known for its calm waters.

  5. Plage des Sardinaux - A beautiful beach that is surrounded by lush greenery and is known for its clear blue waters.

  6. Plage de la Croisette - A bustling beach that is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

  7. Plage de la Ponche - A small and secluded beach that is perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.

  8. Plage de la Plage des Oursinières - A beautiful beach that is known for its clear blue waters and picturesque setting

  9. Plage de la Pointe des Sardinaux - A scenic beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

  10. Plage de la Gaillarde - A peaceful and quiet beach surrounded by green hills, with crystal clear waters.


10 Villages to Visit Near Sainte-Maxime

Here are 10 charming villages to visit near Sainte-Maxime.

  1. Grimaud - A beautiful medieval village located just a few kilometers from Sainte-Maxime. It is known for its stunning castle, narrow streets, and picturesque squares.

  2. Ramatuelle - A charming hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and traditional Provençal architecture.

  3. Gassin - A picturesque village perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It is known for its narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares.

  4. Saint-Tropez - A famous and glamorous village located just a few kilometers from Sainte-Maxime. It is known for its luxury yachts, high-end shops, and bustling nightlife.

  5. Bormes-les-Mimosas - A beautiful village located on the French Riviera, known for its stunning botanical gardens and colorful flowers.

  6. Collobrières - A charming medieval village nestled in the hills of the Massif des Maures. It is known for its chestnut forests, traditional crafts, and delicious local cuisine.

  7. Fayence - A beautiful village located in the hills of the Var region, known for its stunning views, traditional architecture, and excellent restaurants.

  8. Lorgues - A charming village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. It is known for its beautiful 18th-century buildings, traditional markets, and delicious wines.

  9. Tourtour - A picturesque village located on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is known for its beautiful Provençal architecture, traditional crafts, and charming squares.

  10. Les Arcs-sur-Argens - A beautiful medieval village located in the heart of the Var region. It is known for its stunning castle, narrow streets, and beautiful fountains.


10 Cities to Visit Near Sainte-Maxime

Here are 10 cities to visit near Sainte-Maxime.

  1. Cannes - Cannes is famous coastal city known for its luxurious hotels, high-end shops, and glamorous festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival.

  2. Nice - A beautiful city located on the French Riviera, Nice is known for its stunning beaches, elegant architecture, and vibrant culture.

  3. Aix-en-Provence - A charming city located in the heart of Provence, known for its beautiful fountains, picturesque streets, and delicious cuisine.

  4. Marseille - A vibrant port city known for its ancient history, stunning architecture, and delicious seafood.

  5. Avignon - A beautiful city located on the banks of the RhΓ΄ne River, known for its stunning Papal Palace, beautiful gardens, and charming streets.

  6. Toulon - A historic city located on the Mediterranean coast, known for its stunning harbor, beautiful beaches, and impressive museums.

  7. Saint-Tropez - A glamorous coastal city known for its luxury yachts, high-end shops, and bustling nightlife.

  8. Antibes - Antibes is a charming city located between Cannes and Nice, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning old town, and impressive museums.

  9. Saint-Paul-de-Vence - A picturesque medieval city located on a hilltop, known for its stunning views, beautiful architecture, and charming art galleries.

  10. Menton - A beautiful coastal city located on the French-Italian border, known for its stunning gardens, colorful architecture, and delicious cuisine.

"The South of France is a paradise on Earth."
- Henri Matisse

 

Celebrities Visited in Sainte-Maxime

Over the years, many famous people have visited or lived in Sainte-Maxime, including:

  1. Brigitte Bardot - The iconic French actress and singer, Brigitte Bardot, is one of the most famous people associated with Sainte-Maxime. She owned a villa in the town and often visited in the 1960s and 1970s.

  2. Louis de Funès - The beloved French actor, Louis de Funès, also owned a villa in Sainte-Maxime. He was known for his comic roles in French cinema and is still remembered as one of the greatest actors in French history.

  3. Roger Moore - The late British actor, Roger Moore, best known for playing James Bond in several films, also visited Sainte-Maxime. He was a fan of the town's beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

  4. Jean-Marie Le Pen - The controversial French politician, Jean-Marie Le Pen, is another famous figure associated with Sainte-Maxime. He owned a villa in the town and was a frequent visitor during his political career.

  5. RenΓ© Goscinny - The French comic book writer, RenΓ© Goscinny, was a resident of Sainte-Maxime. He is best known for creating the comic book series Asterix and Lucky Luke, which are still popular in France and around the world.

  6. Edith Piaf - The legendary French singer, Edith Piaf, also visited Sainte-Maxime during her lifetime. She was known for her emotive and passionate performances and is still considered one of the greatest singers of all time.

Film Shot in Sainte-Maxime

Some of the films that were created in Sainte-Maxime include

  1. The French Detective (1975) - This crime drama film, directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre and starring Jean-Louis Trintignant and Jean-Pierre Marielle, was partially filmed in Sainte-Maxime. The film follows a detective as he investigates a murder case in the French Riviera.

  2. The Unfaithful Wife (1969) - This drama film, directed by Claude Chabrol and starring StΓ©phane Audran and Michel Bouquet, was filmed in various locations in the French Riviera, including Sainte-Maxime. The film tells the story of a woman who cheats on her husband with his best friend.

  3. Et Dieu… crΓ©a la femme (1956) - This iconic French film, directed by Roger Vadim and starring Brigitte Bardot, was filmed in various locations in Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime. The film follows the story of a young woman who causes a stir in a small fishing village with her beauty and free-spirited nature.

  4. The Troops of St. Tropez (1964) - This comedy film, directed by Jean Girault and starring Louis de Funès, was filmed in various locations in the French Riviera, including Sainte-Maxime. The film follows a police officer as he tries to maintain law and order during the busy summer season in Saint-Tropez.

  5. Γ€ nous les petites Anglaises (1976) - This romantic comedy film, directed by Michel Lang and starring Sophie Barjac and Vincent Nemeth, was filmed in various locations in the French Riviera, including Sainte-Maxime. The film follows two young men as they try to impress two English girls during their summer holiday in France.


"The South of France is like a dream that you never want to wake up from."  
- Pablo Picasso


Sainte-Maxime is a beautiful coastal town that offers visitors a perfect mix of relaxation, natural beauty, and French charm. From its beautiful beaches to its charming Old Town, there is plenty to see and do in Sainte-Maxime. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore historic landmarks, or enjoy delicious French cuisine, this town has something for everyone. With its ideal location on the French Riviera, visitors can also easily explore nearby villages, cities, and attractions. So, if you're looking for a beautiful destination in the south of France, Sainte-Maxime is definitely worth a visit.