Combining the glitz of the Monaco Grand Prix with the laid-back glamour of Saint Tropez creates one of the most exhilarating long weekends the French Riviera has to offer.
Every May, the world turns its attention to the Cote d’Azur as Formula 1’s most prestigious race roars through the streets of Monte Carlo. While Monaco itself becomes a frenzy of VIP parties, yacht deck spectating, and gridlocked traffic, a growing number of savvy travellers base themselves in Saint Tropez instead. Just a scenic drive down the coast, Saint Tropez offers a calmer base with easy access to the race action, plus its own unique brand of Riviera magic. Here is how to make the most of this unforgettable combination.
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Getting from Saint Tropez to Monaco on Race Weekend
Planning your transport is the single most important part of this trip. The distance between Saint Tropez and Monaco is roughly 100 kilometres, but on Grand Prix weekend the roads are notorious. The most reliable option is the train from Saint-Raphael to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, with a regular service that takes around 90 minutes. Alternatively, helicopter transfers from Saint Tropez to Monaco Heliport take just twenty minutes and cost approximately £250 to £400 per person each way as of 2026. Many visitors also use the ferry services that operate between Saint Tropez and Nice, then continue by train. Whichever method you choose, book everything months in advance as availability vanishes quickly once race weekend approaches.
Where to Stay in Saint Tropez for the Grand Prix
Saint Tropez offers a broader range of accommodation than Monaco itself, where even mid-range hotels command astronomical prices during race week. In Saint Tropez, you can find charming boutique hotels in the old town, seaside villas in Ramatuelle, or resort-style stays along the Pampelonne beach strip. The Hotel Byblos is the most famous choice, but smaller properties like the Hotel La Ponche or the Chateau de la Messardiere offer exceptional service without the full celebrity price tag. Budget-conscious travellers can consider apartments in nearby Cogolin or Port Grimaud, which are a short drive or cycle from Saint Tropez town centre. Expect to pay from £200 to £800 per night depending on your choice.
The Best Saint Tropez Beaches to Relax Between Races
After the sensory overload of race day, Saint Tropez provides the perfect antidote with its world-class beaches. Pampelonne Beach is the most famous, stretching for five kilometres with a string of beach clubs including Club 55, Nikki Beach, and Bagatelle. These clubs offer sun loungers, fine dining, and a glamorous atmosphere that rivals anything in Monaco. For a quieter experience, head to the coves of Cap Taillat or the beach at Plage de l’Escalet, where the water is crystal clear and the crowds thin out. A beach day in Saint Tropez is the essential reset that makes the Grand Prix weekend feel like a true holiday rather than a frantic event schedule.
Dining and Nightlife in Saint Tropez During GP Weekend
Saint Tropez truly comes alive at night during Grand Prix weekend. The harbour area is lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood and Provencal cuisine, with outdoor terraces overlooking the glittering yachts. Le Girelier and La Table du Marche are excellent choices for dinner, while the famous Cave des Rois offers a lively bar scene that often attracts celebrity guests. Nightclubs such as Les Caves du Roy at the Byblos Hotel host legendary parties that run until dawn. Booking dinner reservations at least three weeks in advance is essential, as the town fills with international visitors. The atmosphere is electric but more relaxed than Monaco’s high-pressure social circuit.
Exploring the Saint Tropez Peninsula Beyond the Race
Make time to explore the beautiful peninsula that surrounds Saint Tropez. The hilltop village of Ramatuelle offers panoramic views of the coast and a peaceful Provencal atmosphere. The walking trails along the Sentier du Littoral provide stunning coastal scenery, passing through pine forests and rocky inlets. Wine lovers can visit the vineyards of the Cotes de Provence appellation, where rosé tasting is a delightful afternoon activity. Saint Tropez itself has excellent museums, including the Museum of the Annunciation with its collection of modern art and the Citadelle, a 17th-century fortress that now houses a maritime museum. These quieter experiences provide balance to the adrenaline of Grand Prix weekend.
Would you base yourself in Saint Tropez for the Monaco Grand Prix, or would you prefer to stay right in the heart of Monte Carlo?
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What a fantastic write-up. We followed your itinerary for Saint Tropez almost to the letter and it was one of the best travel experiences we have ever had. The balance of famous sights and hidden corners was perfect.