Discover Ste-Maxime | A Visitor's Introduction to Ste-Maxime

Why is Sainte-Maxime Worth a Visit?

Sainte-Maxime is worth visiting for its balance of charm and convenience. It combines the authentic feel of a Provençal market town with the laid-back glamour of a seaside resort. The town is small enough to explore on foot but large enough to offer a wide range of restaurants, boutiques, cultural events, and outdoor activities.

Its location is a huge advantage—close to iconic destinations like Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud, and the Maures hills—yet peaceful enough to avoid the chaos that often hits those hotspots in high season. It’s particularly popular with families, older travellers, and couples, but you’ll also find plenty to enjoy if you're a solo adventurer or travelling with friends.

Ste-Maxime Highlights: Things to See and Do in Sainte-Maxime

Old Town and Promenade

The heart of Sainte-Maxime is its historic old town, with narrow streets, ochre-coloured buildings, and a lively central square filled with cafés and fountains. The Place Jean Mermoz is where locals gather to play pétanque, sip pastis, and catch up with neighbours.

Just across from the old town is the harbourfront promenade, lined with palm trees, benches, and stunning views across the bay to Saint-Tropez. It’s ideal for a sunset walk, a leisurely coffee, or browsing the evening craft markets in summer.

Sainte-Maxime Beaches

Sainte-Maxime has some of the best beaches in the Var, with a mix of sandy bays and more secluded stretches of coast. Highlights include:

• Plage de la Nartelle – A long sandy beach perfect for swimming and water sports, with several beach clubs and restaurants.

• Plage du Centre Ville – Right in town, close to shops and cafes, ideal for families with young children.

• Plage de la Croisette – Quieter and more relaxed, with a natural feel and easy parking.

• La Madrague and Pointe des Sardinaux – A wilder stretch of coast known as the "Little Corsica" for its rocky headlands and turquoise coves.

Whether you want a sunlounger and cocktail or a quiet swim in nature, Sainte-Maxime has a beach for you.

Sainte-Maxime Market

Held every Thursday morning, the Provençal market in the covered market hall (and surrounding streets) is a feast for the senses. Expect stalls piled high with:

• Local cheeses, honey, olives, and tapenade

• Fresh fruit and vegetables from the region

• Lavender products, Provençal tablecloths, and ceramics

• Rotisserie chicken, spices, and artisan bread

In summer, there are also night markets, art fairs, and seasonal food festivals throughout the town.

La Tour Carrée (Square Tower)

This 16th-century watchtower overlooking the old harbour is one of Sainte-Maxime’s historical landmarks. Originally built to defend the coast from pirates, it now houses a small museum and exhibition space with rotating displays about local history and culture.

From the top, you’ll enjoy a lovely view over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the old town rooftops.

Les Bateaux Verts Ferry to Saint-Tropez

One of the easiest and most scenic ways to visit Saint-Tropez is by ferry from Sainte-Maxime. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, and boats run regularly throughout the day.

It’s a great way to avoid traffic while enjoying coastal views, fresh sea air, and a photogenic arrival into one of the world’s most famous ports.

Pointe des Sardinaux

Located east of the town centre, this protected headland is a local favourite for walking, swimming, and picnicking. The rocky outcrops and pine-shaded trails offer a quieter, more natural setting than the main beaches.

It’s also a fantastic spot for snorkelling, with plenty of marine life in the shallow, clear waters.

Jardin Botanique des Myrtes

For a relaxing break from the beach, head to this botanical garden located near the beach at La Croisette. The Jardin des Myrtes features Mediterranean plants, olive trees, and flowering shrubs, with walking paths and shaded benches.

It’s peaceful, free to enter, and a lovely spot for a gentle stroll, especially in spring and early summer when everything is in bloom.

Golf and Outdoor Sports

Sainte-Maxime is home to an excellent 18-hole golf course, the Golf Bluegreen Sainte-Maxime, which offers panoramic sea views and a scenic, well-maintained course nestled in the hills above town.

Other popular activities include sailing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and hiking in the Maures mountains, which begin just inland and offer sweeping views of the coastline.

Aqualand Sainte-Maxime

Travelling with kids? Aqualand, located just a few minutes from the town centre, is a popular water park open in summer, with slides, splash zones, lazy rivers, and shaded areas for relaxing.

It’s a fun day out for families, especially when the beach gets crowded or you want a change of pace.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Sainte-Maxime is well-connected, though it does not have a train station. The main transport options are:

• By car: Easily reached via the A8 motorway, about 1 hour 15 minutes from Nice, 1 hour from Toulon, and 2 hours from Marseille.

• By train: The nearest station is in Saint-Raphaël (30–40 minutes away by car or bus). From there, take a local bus, taxi, or ferry.

• By air: Closest airports are Nice Côte d’Azur, Toulon-Hyères, and Marseille Provence.

• By ferry: Les Bateaux Verts run boats between Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez, as well as Port Grimaud and Les Issambres.

A car is helpful for exploring inland villages and less accessible beaches, but within Sainte-Maxime itself, you can walk, cycle, or use the local bus service.

Parking

There are several public car parks in and around the town centre, including:

• Parking du Port – Ideal for the old town and ferry terminal.

• Parking Jean Moulin – Central, with shaded spots and easy access to shops and the market.

• Plage de la Nartelle car park – Useful for beachgoers.

In high season, parking fills up fast, so arrive early or consider staying within walking distance of town.

Dining

Sainte-Maxime’s food scene blends Mediterranean flavours with Provençal tradition, offering everything from casual beachside snacks to refined local cuisine.

Top places to eat include:

• La Badiane – Elegant dining with seasonal, market-fresh dishes and great wine.

• Les Planches – A chic beachfront restaurant on Plage de la Nartelle with delicious seafood and rosé.

• Le WYC (Waterside Yacht Club) – Modern Mediterranean cuisine right on the water.

• La Cuisine de César – A popular, intimate bistro with excellent Provençal classics.

Don’t miss local specialities like bouillabaisse, tapenade, grilled fish, tarte tropézienne, and the excellent rosé from nearby vineyards.

Shopping

Sainte-Maxime has a lovely mix of boutiques, galleries, Provençal markets, and summer night stalls:

• In the old town, you’ll find artisan shops selling soaps, lavender products, ceramics, and local food.

• Fashion boutiques stock beachwear, linens, and Riviera-style clothing.

• Seasonal marchés nocturnes (night markets) along the seafront in July and August are great for picking up handmade jewellery and gifts.

When to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Warm, sunny weather and fewer crowds.

• Summer (July–August): Peak season, lively events, beach clubs in full swing, and hot weather.

• Autumn (September–October): Warm seas, golden light, and quieter beaches.

• Winter: A peaceful, authentic atmosphere with a mild climate and local festivals.

Sainte-Maxime enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a reliable destination almost any time.

Local Events and Festivals

Sainte-Maxime has a full calendar of cultural and seasonal events, including:

• Salon des Antiquaires (April) – A renowned antique fair attracting collectors and enthusiasts.

• Fête de la Sainte-Maxime (May) – Celebrating the town’s patron saint with parades and music.

• Festival de Jazz (August) – Live jazz performances in town squares and on the beach.

• Noël à Sainte-Maxime (December) – A beautiful Christmas market, light displays, and festive entertainment.

Exploring Beyond Sainte-Maxime

Use Sainte-Maxime as a base to explore the wider Var region:

• Saint-Tropez – Just 15 minutes away by boat; ideal for a day trip to explore the port, Citadel, and beaches.

• Port Grimaud – The "Venice of Provence", with canals and pastel houses, just a 15-minute drive or boat ride.

• Grimaud village – A medieval hilltop town with cobbled lanes and ruins, offering great views.

• Les Issambres and Roquebrune-sur-Argens – Lovely coastal drives, nature trails, and quiet beaches.

• Massif des Maures – Rugged, forested hills ideal for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives through vineyards.

Final Thoughts

Sainte-Maxime is a classic Côte d’Azur destination with a relaxed, sun-kissed soul. With its beautiful beaches, charming old town, Provençal markets, and family-friendly atmosphere, it offers everything you’d expect from a Riviera holiday—without the stress or crowds.

Whether you come for the food, the sea, the scenery, or simply to unwind in the Mediterranean sunshine, Sainte-Maxime promises an easy-going, enjoyable, and authentically French experience that you'll want to return to again and again.