Sainte-Maxime, Golfe de Saint Tropez

Sainte-Maxime's history dates back to the early Middle Ages and a monastery with its name that has now disappeared. There are very few signs in town of an early history, though close to the port the Tour Carrée des Dames stands prominently. It was constructed as a defensive tower in the late Middle Ages by the monks of the islands of Lérins. Now, it functions as the museum of local tradition and history.

A very pleasant town, with a vibrant beach resort, a busy port, daily markets and a few lovely old buildings in the small historic centre. The pedestrian street is lined with bars, restaurants and boutiques, and it comes alive on summer evenings with music and a good mix of tourists and locals. Admittedly, there's not a tremendous amount to see when it comes to history or architecture, but Sainte-Maxime is above all a town to relax in, spending long days at the beach, eating at nice restaurants, wandering around the pretty port or having a cocktail at sunset looking over the Gulf of Saint Tropez.

Sainte-Maxime is more of a beach resort than a history-buff's destination, but there are a few traces of the town's medieval past, including the beautiful 15th century town hall (mairie). The Tour Carrée was built in the 16th century by monks to fend off invaders,often maruading pirates from Saint Tropez across the bay. There's also a small folk museum in the Tour Carée, as well as a battery of cannons facing the Gulf de Saint Tropez.

Sainte-Maxime has lovely wide, white-sand beaches stretching in both directions, with lots of public space as well as private beach clubs with restaurants. The beaches of Sainte Maxime offer every watersport you could hope for, including parasailing, jet skiing, sailing and water skiing.

Sainte-Maxime is well known for its diving, with sunken submarines, yachts and torpedo boats to explore, as well as some rocky underwater topography and marine life. There are also fishing excursions off the coast.

For me, the main attraction in Sainte-Maxime is the covered market that opens daily in summer and only mornings (except Monday) in winter. There you find excellent quality in local produce and products, fishmongers, bakers and flower shops. On Thursday morning there is also an open-air market.

While Saint Maxime is primarily a beach resort, there are plenty of other activities on offer. The surrounding hills are wonderful for walking, mountain-biking and horse-riding, and you can pick up the long-range hiking trail 'The Balcony of the Côte d'Azur' just 10kms north of town. There's also a coastal path for bike-riding (see our Riviera biking guide here.) Those looking for sporting activities could use the nearby tennis or golf facilities, or head to the clay pigeon shooting range just outside town.

Sainte-Maxime is also home to Aqualand, the Riviera's largest waterpark; and there's also a pleasant Botanical Garden for walking and picnics.

This area is good golfing country, and those visiting Sainte-Maxime have several golf courses to choose between. The 18-hole, par 72 course at Golf de Sainte-Maxime has wonderful views across the coast and mountains from above the town and a quite challenging, hilly course. The excellent Golfe de Beauvallon is two miles out of Sainte-Maxime very close to the sea, offering a moderate to hard 70 par, 18-hole game with stunning views of the Gulf of Saint Tropez. There is also the Golfe Club Saint Tropez a bit further afield at Gassin, a fairly exclusive place with a par 71, 18-hole course set in countryside of hills, forest, vineyards and sea. For more information, see our Golfing Pages.

This seaside resort has plenty of bars, a sports pub, and a few late-opening clubs in the summer, although those looking for the really glamorous clubs should head down the coast to Saint Tropez to mingle with the champagne and caviar set.

Enjoy the summer vibe in a bar in the pedestrianised street in town, have a cocktail in a beach club or hit the Casino de Barriere for a game of blackjack, roulette or poker. On summer nights there are also free music concerts in the outdoor theatre, as well as fireworks shows.

There are buses connecting Sainte Maxime with Saint Raphael, Saint Tropez and other major towns in the Var.

The closest train station is at Saint-Raphael where you can connect with the major rail line that runs along the Riviera to Italy.

Those travelling from Nice airport can take the Line 20 bus from the airport and change for Sainte-Maxime at nearby Frejus. You can also take a boat between Saint Maxime and Cannes, or Sainte Maxime and Saint Tropez.