How about immersing yourself in the heart of Tropezian history and culture at the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez? With its military architecture, maritime history museum and exceptional panoramic views, this visit promises to delight history buffs and sea lovers alike. Tour Azur invites you to discover all the secrets of this magnificent site.
Why visit the Citadelle of Saint-Tropez?
There are many reasons to discover this must-see monument. Here, in our opinion, are the three most important.
An emblematic 17th-century monument
History buffs will be delighted to visit the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, a masterpiece of early 17th-century military architecture. It belongs to the so-called ” pre-Vauban ” period, named after the famous military engineer who left his mark on the era. Its function was to protect the town against sea invasions.
The citadel’s keep, an imposing hexagonal structure, has been a listed historic monument since 1921. The ramparts and enclosure, which bear witness to remarkable defensive ingenuity, have been listed since 1995.
A captivating maritime history museum
Then, of course, visitors with a passion for culture will appreciate the Musée d’histoire maritime, housed in the heart of the dungeon, which offers a journey into Saint-Tropez’s past as a port and land of sailors. Completely refurbished in 2013, the museum’s scenography highlights the golden age of Tropezian sailors.
In addition, the museum displays precious objects, travel accounts and testimonials recounting the adventures of Tropezians, from fishermen to great explorers.
One of the museum’s curiosities is the room dedicated to the sailboat named “Le Virtuelle”, imagined by the famous designer Philippe Starck.
An exceptional panoramic view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Finally, for those of you who appreciate beautiful scenery, the Citadelle offers one of the finest panoramic views in the region. From the ramparts, visitors can admire a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the Massif des Maures mountains.
🎨 Did you know? The breathtaking views of Saint-Tropez have inspired countless artists and photographers over the years, including Paul Signac, André Derain and Albert Marquet.
Now that you know why the Citadelle is a must-see destination, let’s see what you’ll discover.
What can you discover on your visit?
Architecture and ramparts
The hexagonal keep is a must-see. Fortifications of this shape were rare in the Mediterranean region at the time of its construction. The design is a testament to the ingenuity of Raymond de Bonnefons.
The keep, the monument’s centerpiece, is linked to an entrance flanked by curtain walls and surrounded by bastions. An enclosure with moats and counterscarps was added a few years later.
🎤 Good to know: a guided open-air tour of the fortifications is available, subject to booking and the availability of a guide on the desired day. The open-air section inside the ramparts can be visited at the same times as the museum. A single entrance gives access to the entire site.
The maritime history museum and its collections
Located in the heart of the dungeon, the maritime history museum takes you on a journey through three levels of exhibits.
On the first floor, discover the legends of the sea and their impact on the local economy. Exhibitions highlight the central role of the port of Saint-Tropez and shipyards in the town’s prosperity.
On the second floor, you can meet some of the famous people from the tropics who have left their mark on the history of the seas: Bailli de Suffren, famous for his role in the French navy; General Allard, explorer and soldier; Hippolyte Bouchard, hero in Argentina. This section also explores maritime trade.
The second and top floor, dedicated to yachting and regattas, focuses on modern nautical passion. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from the terrace.
💡 Good to know: the museum can be visited independently, without a guide or audioguide. A flyer with a map of the site and museum is given to each visitor. All explanations are given on panels and object labels. However, some of the museum’s rooms feature interactive elements with sound, video and the use of headphones.
Outdoor spaces
Don’t miss a stroll through the Citadelle’s outdoor spaces, an invitation to relax and contemplate.
They are home to a surprising array of wildlife, including the Citadelle’s famous peacocks. Some thirty of these majestic birds roam freely throughout the year.
What’s more, La Citadelle is committed to an ecological approach: donkeys are occasionally brought into the outdoor natural areas in late spring to clear the undergrowth naturally.
Let’s move on to the practical side of things.
Practical information for visiting the Citadelle
Admission times and prices
La Citadelle de Saint-Tropez welcomes you all year round, with opening times to suit every season:
- April to September: daily, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- October to March: daily, 10am to 5:30pm.
Exceptional closures take place on January 1, May 1, November 11 and December 25.
A ticket costs just €4 full price. Admission to the museum is free for children under 12 and ICOM card holders.
Access by car and parking nearby
To reach the Citadelle from downtown, you’ll have to be in good shape – you’ll have to climb!
Three pay parking lots are located close to the town center: Parc des Lices, Parking du 15e Corps and Parking Foch.
For walkers, free parking is available near La Bouillabaisse Plage, about 30 minutes’ walk from the port.
🚗 Good to know: one parking space is specifically reserved for people with reduced mobility, near the entrance to the Citadelle. If several people with reduced mobility need to access the site, other parking spaces can be made available on request.
How long does the tour last?
A self-guided tour of the fortress and its museum takes an average of 45 minutes to 1 hour. That’s plenty of time to enjoy the panorama and discover the treasures of this historic site.
Tour Azur takes you on a tour of the Citadelle
You can visit the Citadelle of Saint-Tropez, but also any other place on the Côte d’Azur, with the services of Tour Azur. Here’s what we have to offer.
First of all, if you need to get around in style and comfort, our chauffeured vehicle is there for you. It’s particularly suited to our customers who can’t or don’t want to walk from the city center to the Citadelle. Rather than hiring a cab or VTC, you can rent a chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle for the day. You decide the program, we’ll take care of the rest!
And arriving or departing from the port of Saint-Tropez has never been easier! Tour Azur offers private transfers to and from the region’s main airports, train stations and destinations. No queues, no stress: just a smooth journey tailored to your needs.
Finally, if you’d like to explore the region’s wonders, we recommend our excursions, which are available in two forms.
With a private tour, you travel in a luxury vehicle just for you (up to 8 people) and a private driver-guide enriches your discovery with captivating anecdotes and explanations. You can choose a predefined tour, or personalize it to suit your own wishes. You name it, we’ve got it!
Saint-Tropez and surroundings
Embark at the port of Sainte Maxime to reach Saint-Tropez by sea. Then drive along the roads of Pampelonne to admire the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from Gassin. Finally, enjoy a wine tasting at Château Minuty.
Unusual Nice
Let us tell you the stories and legends of Nice. Get off the beaten track and discover the must-sees.
Do you prefer a convivial experience? The shared tour will appeal to you. Follow a fixed itinerary in a premium vehicle shared with other travelers. Your driver-guide will be with you every step of the way, with concentrated guidance along the way to maximize your exploration.
Riviera panorama
Reach the medieval village of Èze. Descend to Monaco to discover the old town, its princely palace and cathedral. From the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, drive to Monte-Carlo.
Then discover the star-studded setting of Cannes, before relaxing in Antibes.
Provence hinterland
Stroll along the Croisette boulevard in Cannes, then escape to Grasse, world capital of perfume. Join Gourdon, the “Balcony of the Côte d’Azur”, before discovering Saint Paul de Vence, a favorite spot for artists since the 1920s.
To simplify your visit or explore other treasures of the Côte d’Azur, rely on Tour Azur. With our tailor-made services, every journey becomes a pleasure, and every discovery a memorable adventure. So, what are you waiting for to experience this exceptional getaway? Don’t hesitate to extend your visit to other emblematic sites, such as the magnificent Monaco Palace or the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse.
