Saint Tropez

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In ancient times,

Saint-Tropez was colonized by the Greeks who had settled in Marseille. They created anchor stations along the Mediterranean to facilitate navigation between their trading posts. Among them one can find that of Athénopolis, perhaps located on the site of the present city of Saint-Tropez. After the Romans invaded, the city took the name of "Héracléa."

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In 68

The Torpès Knight, steward of the house of Néron, had converted his religion by the influence of Saint-Paul who he promised to protect. He openly proclaimed his Christian faith during the celebtration of Diane in Pisa. The Emporer had him tortured and beheaded for it. His body was placed on a small boat with a rooster and a dog which was released on the Arno river. The ligures currents carried the boat towards the shore of Saint-Tropez where he became the patron saint.

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In 1441

It was the Baron of Grimaud, Jean de Cossa, who realized that the region's weak point was the bay of Saint-Tropez and he needed to protect it. He confided this to an Italian nobleman, Raphael the Garezzio, who brought 21 Genoese families to the area to rebuild and fortify the city. Some of the protective walls still surround the old city today. In exchange for the defense and protection of the city, they did not have to pay taxes and fees.

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In 1672

all these privileges were revoked by Louis XIV during the construction of a royal garrison at the Citadel which currently houses a naval museum.
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The nineteenth century

saw significant development to navy related activities. In 1860 the "Queen of Angels" was built in Saint-Tropez; a 740 tonne ship with three masts that became the flagship of the Merchant Marine. Saint-Tropez grew and prospered.
In 1866, the statue of Bailli de Suffren was erected at the port.
In 1913, Emile Ollivier, Minister of Napoléon III, was buried in a tomb that he had built on the rocks overlooking the sea at Salins, just opposite his Castle Moutte.

Every year

one can find some of the most beautiful events in Saint-Tropez's history, like Les Bravades. La Bravade is a celebration which happens in the month of May, where people gather to celebrate and pay respect to the patron saint.
Today, Saint-Tropez is a lively city and full of stars. It has not lost its charm or character which attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Main attractions: The old town - the musée de l'Annonciade - the beaches of Pampelone