© Will Ross
Running in Saint-Tropez
Discover the top Saint-Tropez trails and races
Updated
The beautiful port side town of Saint Tropez is better appreciated at a slow meander rather than sprinting pace. The cobbled streets are potentially lethal for ankles and the general attire that you would wear to enjoy a coffee at the port is not exactly conducive to jogging...
Having said that, however, there are still plenty of choices if you feel the need to get out and about and enjoy the scenery of the surrounding areas whilst getting some exercise. Of course the spring and autumn months are better for that, no one wants to sweat it out in the height of summer!
If you prefer to get your exercise without the need to leave the hotel then there are plenty of luxury and spa hotels in and around Saint Tropez that have good gym facilities.
Walking trails & routes
For admiring the scenery and feeling the sea breeze on your face there is nothing nicer than taking to one of the many coastal paths - marked as “sentiers littoral” they are clearly signposted and generally very easy to follow - you'll find some of them listed on our Hiking Routes in Saint-Tropez page.
However if you are willing to mix a bit of road running, coastal path and trail then you could always enjoy a run from the town out towards the Plage de Pampelonne. That way you can end with a cooling dip in the sea, join friends at one of the many beach clubs and, hopefully, grab a lift back to town with them!
Races & events
The one big race each year in town is the glitzy Saint Tropez Classic. Hosted each year in October to avoid the summer heat. If you travel further along the Cote d'Azur towards Nice then you will find more races, including of course the Riviera Marathon and even a few snowy winter races if you go a bit further inland to the ski resorts of the Alpes-Maritime.
Safety advice
- The Saint-Tropez coastal paths are very accessible and not hugely challenging but you do need to check the weather before you head out - in high tide and during storms the waves can crash over the paths and become very dangerous. Also, pay attention to your feet - a fall on to the rocks could be nasty.
- When running in more mountainous areas you need to take the same precautions that you would in any remote area - take water/snacks, a small first aid kit, a phone with a full battery, and check the route before you go to minimise the chances of getting lost. If you’re running alone make sure you tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. The weather can change very quickly so extra clothes are a good idea - consider squeezing a thermal layer and a waterproof jacket into your backpack just in case.
- Don’t forget the suncream! The sea breeze can make your skin feel cooler than it actually is and you can end up blistering in no time.
- Likewise, you can become dehydrated a lot quicker than you realise so remember to drink plenty of fluids.
