The whole Gulf of Saint-Tropez
within easy reach
From La Garde-Freinet, reach the most iconic villages, ports and beaches of the Côte d’Azur in just minutes.
20 min — Saint-Tropez
The legendary port, the citadel, the colourful streets and the art galleries of the Riviera’s most famous village.
25 min — Pampelonne beaches
Five kilometres of fine sand in Ramatuelle, its legendary private beaches and crystal-clear waters.
15 min — Sainte-Maxime
A family-friendly seaside resort, with its seafront promenade, market and water sports.
12 min — Grimaud & Port-Grimaud
The “lakeside village,” the Provençal Venice, and its hilltop medieval village with flower-lined streets.
15 min — Cogolin & Gassin
Renowned vineyards, traditional pipe craftsmanship, and one of the most beautiful villages in France perched on its hill.
0 min — Massif des Maures
Cork oak and chestnut forests, hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints.
The location of La Garde-Freinet makes it one of the best places to stay for visiting the Gulf of Saint-Tropez without the traffic jams and the saturated coastline in summer. Staying with us, you easily reach Saint-Tropez and its beaches, but also all the riches of the peninsula: the AOP Côtes de Provence vineyards, the wild coves of Cap Lardier, the hilltop villages of Gassin and Ramatuelle, and the Provençal markets that animate every village.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the Massif des Maures, the region’s true green lung, crossed by hiking trails and cycle paths. Families will appreciate the proximity of Sainte-Maxime and its supervised beaches, while food and wine lovers will revel in the wine estates and fine tables dotted around the gulf.
Whatever your wish, our residence is the ideal base camp for exploring the entire Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Var backcountry.
It’s also worth highlighting the strategic advantage of staying in the backcountry rather than on the coast in peak season. From June to September, the coastal roads to Saint-Tropez are regularly congested and parking becomes a real headache. From La Garde-Freinet, you choose your own schedule, set off early in the morning for the Pampelonne beaches, and return in the evening to the cool of the village, over 350 metres above sea level. This difference in temperature, particularly welcome on summer nights, is one of the reasons why accommodation in La Garde-Freinet appeals to more and more savvy travellers.
What to do
A wealth of experiences all year round
Beaches, hikes, vineyards, markets and heritage: the region can be discovered in every season.
Beaches & relaxation
The beaches of Pampelonne, from La Nartelle in Sainte-Maxime to the discreet coves of Cap Taillat, are calling. Fine sand, turquoise waters and beach clubs: the Gulf of Saint-Tropez offers one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean, less than thirty minutes away.
Hiking in the Maures
Right from the village, countless trails wind through cork oak and chestnut forests. La Roche Aiguille, Fort Freinet or the isolated chapels offer superb panoramas over the gulf and the Maures plain.
Vineyards & gastronomy
The region is the birthplace of Côtes de Provence. Visit the wine estates for tastings of renowned rosés, and savour Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurants of the village and the coast.
Markets & heritage
The Provençal market of La Garde-Freinet, the medieval villages of Grimaud and Gassin, the museums of Saint-Tropez and traditional festivals fill the calendar. An authentic immersion in Provençal culture.
Getting here
How to reach La Garde-Freinet
Located in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, La Garde-Freinet is easily accessible by any means of transport. By car, the village is reached via the A8 motorway (Le Luc or Le Cannet-des-Maures exit), then by the departmental road that crosses the preserved landscapes of the Massif des Maures — a scenic journey in itself. Allow about 1h15 from Nice, 1h30 from Marseille and just 20 minutes to Saint-Tropez.
By train, the TGV stations of Les Arcs-Draguignan and Saint-Raphaël-Valescure drop you about thirty minutes from the residence; shuttle services and car rental are available there. By plane, Toulon-Hyères airport is about 50 minutes away, and Nice-Côte d’Azur a little over an hour. Once here, the village is best enjoyed on foot: all the shops, restaurants and the market are accessible from our apartments, and you only take the car again to explore the beaches and villages of the gulf.
We provide a detailed itinerary and all parking information when confirming your reservation in La Garde-Freinet, so your arrival in Provence is completely stress-free.
Through the year
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez in every season
Each season reveals a different face of the region — and just as many good reasons to come.
Spring
From March to June, the Massif des Maures takes on a thousand colours. The mimosa, then the broom and the chestnut trees in bloom perfume the trails. It’s the ideal season for hiking, exploring the villages and the first swims, far from the summer crowds. The rates for our accommodation in La Garde-Freinet are also gentler then.
Summer
From July to August, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is in full swing: Pampelonne beaches, night markets, festivals and lively evenings. The cool of the hilltop village is a welcome refuge after days at the beach, and our terraces become the perfect place for open-air dinners.
Autumn
September and October are among the most beautiful months: still-warm sea, golden light and the villages reclaimed. It’s also the season of La Garde-Freinet’s famous chestnut festival and the harvests at the Côtes de Provence estates — a special time for lovers of local produce.
Winter
The Provençal winter is mild and bright. The village returns to its peaceful rhythm, the trails of the Massif des Maures can be walked in complete tranquillity, and it’s the perfect time for a quiet stay in a cosy apartment, a stone’s throw from the sea.
but also ...
Discover other activities on the Golfe de Saint-Tropez tourist office website