Saint-Tropez: The Thin Veneer of Luxury

Saint-Tropez—a name that exudes luxury. Yachts, champagne, beachfront villas. And yes, you’ll find all of that here. In the harbor, boats bigger than some houses rest on polished decks, staffed by discreetly invisible crew members. Out on the water, the shoreline is dotted with the estates of the rich and famous—sprawling gardens, infinity pools, privacy with an ocean view.

In the Old Port, artists sit at their easels, painting the iconic waterfront that reflects in the gentle ripples. Their canvases are packed tightly together, each capturing the same familiar scene—colorful facades, boats in the foreground, Mediterranean light. Most are selling quick souvenirs to passing tourists, but a few work with quiet focus, creating something beyond mere postcard-perfect harbor romance.

A few streets away, the scenery changes. The alleys grow narrower, the buildings older, the atmosphere more rustic. The old town is a maze of winding streets and pastel-colored facades, their edges worn by time. Here, the polished glamour of Saint-Tropez is just a thin veneer—underneath, the old fishing village still lingers.