St. Tropez in September? Car, villages, suggestions?

[jka]

Hi - We'll have 8 hours in St. Tropez in September and we don't typically do ship excursions. It seems like renting a car is common to go exploring in St. Tropez - can anyone tell me how close the car rental places are to the port? Approximate costs? Rental suggestions? Any horror stories of car rental? Is a taxi an option for the day? What villages or sites would you suggest seeing? Thanks!!

[Hlitner]

There are several rental car agencies with offices in town (Hertz and Thrifty are two) and we like to shop around on the internet for the best deals whenever we rent in Europe. St Tropez is not our favorite port location because its a bit too far West for places like St Paul de Vence and a bit too far east for many of our favorite spots in Provence. But parts of Provence are certainly reachable although you might find yourself driving further they you might like. Another option from that port would be the very picturesque area of Verdon National Park which is one part of the region still on our personal "do to list."

 

Hank

[marazul]

The Hertz agency is a couple of short blocks from the port. Easy driving to Grimaud, Cogolin, Gassin, Ramatuelle, etc. Worth seeing the beaches West of town.

 

Do some "fake" car booking (that is, stop before entering credit card) in the internet to get a map of where the rental agencies are. A problem might be opening hours if you go on a Sunday.

[Mrs Miggins]

Other alternative is take the local bus. Port Grimaud is easy and for a longer trip we took the bus to Saint Raphael. Pretty town, good restaurants. Bus took about an hour and the route goes along the coast road so great views.

I believe that there is also a boat trip available to Sainte Maxime.

Also we really like St Tropez itself (we will be there in late September for Les Voilles de St Tropez regatta on Star Flyer) It's a great place to people watch, look in the windows of all the designer shops, climb up to the castle for wonderful views, and look at the wonderful boats in the harbour.