Are you a fan of Louis de Funès’ hilarious adventures in The Gendarmes of Saint-Tropez ? When visiting the Côte d’Azur, don’t miss a visit to the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma in Saint-Tropez. This recent venue, inaugurated in 2016, combines originality and heritage, celebrating both local history and cinematic heritage. A real journey back in time, in the heart of a mythical building that will delight young and old alike, and that Tour Azur can organize for you.
Why visit the Musée de la Gendarmerie in Saint-Tropez?
Simply because it’s a unique museum.
This atypical venue will enchant movie buffs with its immersive exhibits. The reconstitution of a cinema dedicated to the Gendarmes series is particularly successful.
Beyond the saga itself, the museum highlights the town of Saint-Tropez, which has become a cultural and cinematographic mecca.
Finally, the museum is interactive and accessible to all. Playful areas allow visitors to immerse themselves in 60s settings, use a typewriter, sit on a gendarme’s motorcycle or handle retro accessories.
💡Good to know: It’s the perfect place for families, with free admission for children under 12.
The history and origins of the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma
The museum offers 2 trails, one dedicated to the real history of this gendarmerie and the other to the history of cinema in Saint-Tropez.
From barracks to museum
The building that now houses the Museum was for many years the actual barracks of the Saint-Tropez gendarmerie brigade, from 1879 until 2003.
What’s more, it has left its mark on the history of cinema, becoming a filming location for the famous Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez saga.
The idea of transforming this former barracks into a museum was born in 2012, with a view to preserving and celebrating its dual historical and cinematic heritage. A first exhibition was held there in summer 2014.
This event, which notably welcomed three of the famous “gendarmettes”, Babeth, Catherine Serre and Nicaise Jean-Louis, laid the foundations for what was to become a must-see museum, which finally opened in June 2016.
The role of cinema in the museum's popularity
It was during the inter-war years that film directors began to set up their cameras in Saint-Tropez on a regular basis. Works such as Jean Choux’s La Servante in 1930 and Jean Godard’s Pour un soir in 1931 bear witness to this period, when Saint-Tropez was gradually emerging as a place of inspiration for the cinema.
The real turning point came in 1964 with Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez, directed by Jean Girault. This film, the first of a saga of six unforgettable comedies, catapulted the town and its former gendarmerie into the limelight. The Gendarmes series consolidated the image of Saint-Tropez as a place of lightness and humor.
What can you see at the Musée de la Gendarmerie in Saint-Tropez?
Access varied and original collections.
Permanent exhibitions
The tour takes place on three levels.
On the first floor are the reception area, the store and the temporary exhibition hall.
Then, on the second floor, there are four distinct areas:
- The first is dedicated to the history of the gendarmerie corps in Saint-Tropez;
- The second is an introduction to the history of cinema in Saint-Tropez and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region;
- The third is a reconstruction of a movie theater and is dedicated to the Gendarmes saga;
- The fourth presents the different professions involved in the film industry.
Then, on the second floor, you’ll find a number of different areas:
- The first area is themed “Saint-Tropez, a vacation resort”, with a recreation of a stretch of the legendary Route Nationale 7;
- The second is devoted to the cultural and festive approach to cinema in Saint-Tropez;
- The third space looks at Saint-Tropez as a fashion destination;
- The fourth and final space faithfully reproduces the actresses’ dressing rooms. Romy Schneider and Brigitte Bardot take center stage.
💡Did you know? To mark Brigitte Bardot’s 83rd birthday, a bronze statue over 2 metres high was installed in the museum square, one year after the opening.
The Gendarmes de Saint-Tropez film room
This is undoubtedly the museum’s most emblematic area, where a retro cinema room has been recreated, entirely dedicated to the Gendarmes saga and its hero, Louis de Funès.
The six films are featured, as well as the screenplay for the seventh film, which was never shot: The Gendarme and the Emperor.
💡Did you know? You can buy this script, written by Robert Balducci and illustrated with a storyboard, at the museum store.
Emblematic objects and gendarmerie costumes
You’ll discover a replica of a gendarme’s office from the 60s, and can even type on a typewriter. Admire the famous costume worn by actress Nicaise Jean-Louis in the film Le gendarme et les gendarmettes. You can also ride a gendarme’s motorcycle or pick up a typical telephone of the era, where you’ll hear a well-known line.
Memories of cinema and the history of Saint-Tropez
At the museum, you’ll also benefit from a much broader perspective on cinema on the Côte d’Azur.
Discover over 70 cult films shot in and around Saint-Tropez, including Et Dieu… créa la femme, L’année des méduses and La Piscine.
The museum’s permanent exhibition features exclusive interviews with actors and witnesses from films shot in Saint-Tropez.
And what could be more immersive than driving along Route Nationale 7, the symbol of vacations and paid leave?
💡Did you know? The museum’s famous Simca Aronde car was restored in 2023, in partnership with the Serbin’s fashion house in Saint-Tropez.
Practical information for your visit
We answer your most frequently asked questions here.
Opening hours
The museum is located at 2, Place Blanqui, Saint-Tropez. It is open 7 days a week.
Timetables vary according to the season:
- November-February: 10am – 5pm
- March-June and September-October: 10 am – 6 pm :
- July-August: 10am – 7pm, with late-night opening on Thursdays until 9pm.
The next closures are scheduled for December 25, 2024, January 1, 2025, and between January 13 and 14, 2025.
Prices and ticketing options
The museum is inexpensive: a full-price ticket costs just €5.
The reduced rate is €3 (young people aged 12 to 18, students under 26, police officers and jobseekers with proof of employment).
Finally, the museum is free for children under 12, during the European Heritage Days, the European Museum Night and for ICOM members on presentation of their card.
Access and transport to the museum
To reach the museum by car, several parking lots are available nearby. You can park at Parking du Nouveau Port, Parking du Nouveau Port I or Parking Hôtel de Paris, which are the closest to the museum.
By bus, the nearest stops are “Gare Routière”, served by routes 873, 876, 877, 878 and 879. The “Square Allard” stop is served by line L2.
Our tips for making the most of your visit to the Musée de la Gendarmerie
Make the most of it.
The best times to visit
The museum is an ideal destination at any time of year, thanks to its reasonable attendance levels, which allow visitors to fully enjoy the exhibitions in a quiet, pleasant setting.
Unlike other popular sites, we don’t offer online booking, which is a testament to ease of access and availability. You’re more than welcome to drop in on your own as you stroll through Saint-Tropez.
Activities and places to visit nearby
Just a few metres from the museum, here are some of the most noteworthy attractions:
- Citadelle de Saint-Tropez: this 17thᵉ century fortress houses a museum dedicated to the maritime history of Saint-Tropez. Here, visitors can discover the daily lives of the sailors who have shaped the town over the centuries.
- Tour du Portalet: erected in the 15th century, this stone defensive tower stands at the entrance to the port’s main jetty. Accessible all year round, it offers a glimpse of Saint-Tropez’s fortified past.
- Musée de l’Annonciade: housed in a former 16thᵉ century chapel, this museum presents a collection of modern art, with works by painters who stayed in Saint-Tropez, such as Signac, Matisse or Bonnard.
- Maison des Papillons – Musée Dany Lartigue: this museum exhibits an impressive collection of over 35,000 butterflies from around the world, assembled by the painter Dany Lartigue.
If you are interested in visiting Saint-Tropez and its surroundingsTour Azur offers a private tour departing from Nice or Cannes. Embark at the port of Sainte Maxime to reach Saint-Tropez by sea. Then drive along the famous roads of Pampelonne and enjoy a panoramic view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from Gassin. Finally, round off your Tropezian day with a wine tasting at Château Minuty.
How long will the tour take?
A visit to the Museum takes around 45 minutes. This timing is perfect for exploring its captivating exhibits, discovering its rich cinematic heritage and reliving the unique atmosphere of famous films shot in the region.
Can I take photos inside the museum?
Yes, you can take photos inside the museum, but you mustn’t use a flash to preserve the works of art and the scenery. However, it is forbidden to take videos.
Are guided tours or audio guides available?
Visits are free, so that visitors can discover the museum at their own pace and according to their own preferences.
Audioguides are available to help you understand the exhibits and anecdotes related to the museum.
Special events and exhibitions at the Musée de la Gendarmerie
In addition to the permanent collections, the museum teams offer special events throughout the year.
Film screenings in tribute to the Gendarmes
The museum occasionally organizes film screenings. For example, on July 27, 2018, an open-air screening of the restored version of the film Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez took place on Place Blanqui, opposite the museum.
💡Tip: you can follow the museum’s Facebook account, where all the latest news is posted.
Seasonal events and temporary exhibitions
The museum offers a rich program of events throughout the year.
DuringHalloween, the museum organizes special events for the whole family.
Every year, European Museum Night is an exceptional opportunity to discover the museum in a different light. On this occasion, guided tours are organized, accompanied by interactive treasure hunts that add a fun and educational dimension to the experience.
For younger visitors, creative workshops are offered on Sundays, specially designed for children aged 6 to 10.
And of course, the museum also organizes year-long temporary exhibitions. For the 2023-2024 period, the exhibition entitled “Sous le Soleil” pays tribute to the famous French TV series filmed in Saint-Tropez. Then, in 2024-2025, “Garde à vous!” celebrates the 60th anniversary of the first Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez film.
💡Did you know? The temporary exhibition 2024-2025 is open until March 9, 2025.
Tour Azur offers guided tours of the Musée de la Gendarmerie and Saint-Tropez Cinema
Tour Azur offers a private tour that includes the Saint-Tropez area, the “Saint-Tropez and Surroundings” tour. You are free to modify the tour as you wish.
Do you like to get off the beaten track, as evidenced by your interest in the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma in Saint-Tropez? We can also recommend our “Nice insolite” private tour.
💡The advantage of a private tour is that it’s a fully personalized guided tour, with a luxury vehicle reserved for you (maximum 8 people), and a private driver-guide who accompanies you to each site.
Saint Tropez and surroundings
Embark at the port of Sainte Maxime to reach Saint-Tropez by sea. Follow the roads to Pampelonne and 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.
If you prefer a shared tourthe tour is planned in advance and cannot be changed. The vehicle is shared with other travelers. The driver takes you through all the stages of the tour, but does not act as a guide.
Here are some shared tours that might interest you:
Riviera Panorama
Reach the medieval village of Èze. Head down 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.
The Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma de Saint-Tropez is much more than a cultural visit: it’s an immersion in history and cinema that will appeal to the whole family. To complete your experience, book an excursion with Tour Azur and discover Saint-Tropez in a whole new way. Make your stay unforgettable!
