Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2026: The Complete Visitor's Guide

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (picture courtesy of Charter World)

Event: 26 September – 4 October 2026 · Saint-Tropez, Var, French Riviera

Everything you need to know to experience the most iconic sailing regatta on the Mediterranean: history, transport, hotels, restaurants, parking, and insider tips — from budget to superyacht luxury.

IN THIS GUIDE

1. The story behind Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
2. How to take part — tickets & prices
3. Getting to Saint-Tropez
4. Where to park
5. Where to sleep — 9 hotels for every budget
6. Where to eat — 5 restaurants picked for you
7. What to do & see
8. What NOT to do

Every autumn, when the first cool winds ripple across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the summer crowds begin to fade, something extraordinary happens in this small Provençal port. More than 250 sailboats (some over a century old, others built with cutting-edge carbon fibre) glide into the bay for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the Mediterranean’s most prestigious sailing regatta and arguably one of the great sporting spectacles on the French Riviera.

Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast, a curious traveller, or simply looking for a reason to visit Saint-Tropez in the most beautiful season of the year, this guide has you covered. From the historic origins of the race to the best cheap pizza in town, read on.

The Story Behind Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

It all started, as the best stories do, with a bar bet. In September 1981, Patrice de Colmont (the owner of the legendary Club 55 beach club) challenged two skippers anchored in the old port to settle an argument the only way sailors know how: on the water. The two boats were Pride, a Swan 44, and Ikra, a 12-metre JI, and the course ran from the village out to the Nioulargo buoy and back to Pampelonne Beach. The winner? A free long lunch at Club 55, with plenty of Provence rosé. Ikra won. The loser came back the following year for a rematch and brought friends.

From those spontaneous duels, the Nioulargue regatta was born. Through the 1980s, it grew rapidly: categories were added, maxis were invited in 1983, and by 1984 it was a full-scale event with parades, dancing girls known as “girelles”, and water games. International sailors began making the trip from around the world.

Tragedy struck in 1995 when a collision during the race caused a boat to sink and a crew member to lose their life. The event was suspended pending legal proceedings. When the courts handed down their verdict, the regatta returned in 1999 under a new name and a new spirit: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, organised by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez (one of France’s oldest yacht clubs, founded in 1862). Gone were the theatrical displays; in their place, a focus on sporting excellence and maritime heritage.

Today the regatta is the leading sailing event on the Mediterranean coast. The 2026 edition (running from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 4 October) will welcome around 250 boats across three fleets: the Traditions (classic wooden yachts, some over 100 years old), the Modernes (state-of-the-art racing yachts), and the Maxis (behemoths of up to 60+ metres). The prestigious Rolex Trophy is awarded each year to a standout classic yacht, while the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy and the BMW Trophy celebrate the Maxis and the Modernes respectively.

The event’s motto: “Les plus belles régates sur l’eau et la meilleure ambiance à terre” (“the most beautiful racing on the water and the best atmosphere on land”).

Each evening, the fleet returns to the old port for live music at the Village des Voiles, crew gatherings, prize ceremonies, and parties that go well into the small hours.

How to Take Part — Tickets & Prices

Spectators: free entry. The races take place on the water, and watching from the quays, the Mole Jean Réveille, the Citadelle, or the Chapelle Sainte-Anne costs nothing. The Village des Voiles is open daily from 9h to 21h, free to all. Bring binoculars.

Want to be ON the water? Several operators offer spectator boat charters. Expect to pay €60–120/person for a half-day excursion on a shared boat. Check Taxi Bateau Saint-Tropez for guided commentary cruises aboard the Brigantin II.

Sailing as crew on a competing yacht is the most immersive option. The official regatta partner VogAvecMoi.com is a free crew exchange platform. Register early.

Premium all-inclusive packages aboard charter yachts are available through operators such as Noblesse Yachts: Premium Regatta Bundle from €8,990/person (6 sailing days); Day tickets from €1,650/person. Details at noblesse.yachts and Sail Racing Academy.

For official regatta registration (if you own or charter a boat and wish to race), visit lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr.

Getting to Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez has no motorway, no train station, and no airport. This geographical isolation is part of its charm but requires planning, especially during regatta week when traffic on the D559 coastal road can be punishing.

By road — distances & travel times

FROM	DISTANCE	BY CAR (OFF-PEAK)	BY CAR (REGATTA WEEK)	BEST STRATEGY
Marseille	~120 km	1h30	2h30–3h30	Park at Sainte-Maxime, take ferry
Lyon	~450 km	4h30	5h30–6h30	Train to Saint-Raphaël + ferry
Menton	~170 km	2h00	3h–4h	Train to Saint-Raphaël + ferry

By commercial airline

The nearest major airport is Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE), about 100 km away. From Nice airport: take the TER train to Saint-Raphaël (about 1h15, hourly), then the ferry to Saint-Tropez. Total journey: roughly 2h30. Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN) is closer (~55 km); a taxi or rental car takes about 1 hour.

By private jet

The closest private aviation facility is La Môle – Saint-Tropez Airport (LTT), just 15 km from the port. Alternatively, Cannes Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) is about 70 km away. Helicopter transfers from Nice or Cannes (15–20 minutes, from €400/person) are popular during regatta week.

By train

The closest SNCF station is Saint-Raphaël–Valescure, served by: TGV from Paris Lyon (about 4h); TER from Nice (about 1h, ~€13); TER from Marseille (about 1h30, ~€22); TER from Menton/Monaco (about 1h45, change at Nice). From the station, the ferry dock (Les Bateaux Bleus) is a 5-minute walk.

By ferry (the scenic option)

Les Bateaux Bleus operates the Saint-Raphaël ↔ Saint-Tropez sea shuttle from mid-April to end of October. Journey time ~1 hour. One-way €27/adult, return (same day) €42, free under 4. Book at lesbateauxbleus.com.

Les Bateaux Verts run a short crossing from Sainte-Maxime (just 15 minutes, ~€8 return). Timetables at bateaux-verts.com.

Local tip: Drive to Sainte-Maxime, park in the port car park (far cheaper than Saint-Tropez), then take the 15-minute Bateaux Verts ferry across the gulf. This is how the locals do it.

Where to Park in Saint-Tropez

If you insist on driving in, the official regatta FAQ lists these paid car parks: Parking du Nouveau Port (closest to the race village), Parking des Lices, Parking de la Place du XVe Corps, Parking Foch, plus some metered on-street parking.

Important: During regatta week, parking can cost up to €30/day and spaces fill up by 9am. The D559 jams badly from 8am. Strongly consider the Sainte-Maxime park-and-ferry strategy above.

Where to Sleep — 9 Hotels for Every Budget

Accommodation fills up fast. Book at least 3–4 months in advance. Prices are approximate for late September 2026.

Luxury — treat yourself

Hôtel Byblos Saint-Tropez — Luxury, in Saint-Tropez. The mythic palace in the heart of the village. Art-filled suites, a legendary pool, the Cucina restaurant onsite. From ~€800/night.

Airelles Château de la Messardière — Luxury, 1 km from centre. A fairy-tale 19th-century château with panoramic terraces and a world-class spa. From ~€900/night.

Mid-range — stylish without the superyacht bill

La Ponche — Mid-range, in Saint-Tropez. A boutique gem in the old La Ponche fishing quarter, with 18 charming rooms and sea views. From ~€280/night.

Le Yaca — Mid-range, in Saint-Tropez. Elegant Provençal townhouse with a pool courtyard and an acclaimed Italian restaurant. From ~€250/night.

Budget-friendly — spend more on rosé

ibis Fréjus Saint Raphaël Centre — Budget, Fréjus (20 km). Reliable, clean, no-frills. From ~€60/night.

Hotel options in Saint-Raphaël — Budget, Saint-Raphaël (1h ferry). Wide range of 2- and 3-star hotels from €70/night, with the Bateaux Bleus ferry connecting directly to Saint-Tropez. TGV stops here too.

Where to Eat — 5 Restaurants for Every Appetite

€€€€ La Vague d’Or — Résidence de la Pinède. Three Michelin stars, chef Arnaud Donckele, a terrace overlooking the bay. Tasting menu €280–€380/person. Avenue Paul-Signac.

€€ Le Girelier — the port. An institution on the old port. Excellent fish and bouillabaisse (mains €22–€35). Lively, unpretentious. Quai Jean Jaurès.

€€ Brasserie des Arts — Place des Lices. Front-row people-watching. Solid French brasserie fare (€18–€28 mains), music until 2am.

€ Le Sporting — Rue de la Citadelle. An unpretentious local café-brasserie popular with crews. Daily specials €12–€16.

€ La Pomme de Pin — Route des Plages (near Ramatuelle). An authentic Italian restaurant under pine trees, wood-fired pizzas and pasta €10–€16.

What to Do & See

Before the regatta (arrive a day or two early)

• La Ponche quarter: wander the narrow alleys of the old fishing village at sunrise.
• Musée de l’Annonciade: a world-class collection of Post-Impressionist art (Signac, Matisse, Derain).
• Place des Lices: the famous tree-shaded pétanque square; markets Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
• Pampelonne Beach: the 5-km stretch of legendary sand, home to Club 55, the birthplace of the regatta’s challenge tradition.
• Wine tasting at Château Minuty: one of the finest Côte de Provence rosé estates, 5 km away. Book at minuty.com.

During the regatta

• Watch the race starts from the Mole Jean Réveille or the Citadelle.
• Charter a spectator boat for the ultimate on-water experience.
• Visit the Village des Voiles (9h–21h) with exhibitions and the official Rolex Trophy display.
• Pétanque des Voiles: a boules competition on Place des Lices each Thursday.
• Live music at the Village: every evening 18h30–21h, free.
• Challenge Day (Thursday): one-on-one duels between iconic yachts — the most theatrical racing of the week.

After the regatta (stay an extra day)

• Citadelle de Saint-Tropez: 17th-century fortress with a maritime museum and spectacular gulf views.
• Chapelle Sainte-Anne: a hilltop chapel with 360° panoramic views, a 20-minute walk from the port.
• Coastal path (Sentier du Littoral): hike from the port to Cap Camarat, one of the most beautiful walks on the Riviera.
• Village of Gassin: a medieval hill village 7 km away, among the most beautiful villages in France.

What NOT to Do

DO: book hotels 3+ months ahead · take the ferry from Sainte-Maxime · arrive at race starts by 10h30 · bring binoculars · reserve restaurants before arriving · walk or cycle within Saint-Tropez · join the free evening events.

DON’T: drive into Saint-Tropez after 9am during the regatta · assume parking will be available · wait until September to book · try to see everything in a single day · ignore the weather forecast · miss Challenge Day (Thursday) · only eat at the overpriced port restaurants.

One more thing: don’t overdress. Saint-Tropez in late September has the most beautiful light of the year, temperatures of 20–24°C, and a relaxed, end-of-season mood. Linen, sandals, and a windproof layer for the evenings.

Ready to Set Sail?

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is more than a regatta. It’s a week-long celebration of everything that makes the French Riviera so endlessly seductive: beautiful boats, golden light, great food, effortless style. Mark the dates: 26 September – 4 October 2026. Official information at lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr.