Most Beautiful Coastal Drives Around Saint Tropez

For families, weekend travelers, photography buffs, or anyone who loves to move rather than stay put, a good coastal drive is a way to absorb this corner of Provence. The Mediterranean shoreline around Saint-Tropez is punctuated by hidden coves, hilltop villages, and roadside pullouts with views you can’t get on foot. And because some of the best views come at dawn or dusk, knowing when to drive is as important as where.

If you only have one day, you’ll want to prioritize a drive that gives you sea views, access to towns, and smooth roads. If you have more days, you can loop inland, visit adjacent peninsulas, or even consider a hybrid land-and-sea option. For example, Navélia luxury yacht escapes offers multi-day charters that let you sleep afloat and hop between coastal spots without fighting traffic.

In the sections that follow, I present three standout coastal drives, plus bonus detours and tips on when to go, where to stop, and how to make sure your drive is as smooth as possible.

1. The Corniche de l’Estérel and the Route du Littoral

Source: esterel-cotedazur.com

This drive doesn’t start right at Saint-Tropez, but it’s one of the most dramatic stretches of Mediterranean coast in Provence. You’ll head westward along the coast toward Cannes and Fréjus, skirting the red-rock cliffs of the Estérel Massif. The contrast of terra-cotta rock, sapphire sea, and green pine forest is striking. Because it’s a main thoroughfare, parts of it can get busy, but early morning or late afternoon help you avoid the worst of the traffic.

Suggested itinerary and stops

• Start early from Saint-Tropez and head toward Mandelieu-la-Napoule, keeping as close to the coast as possible.
• Pull off at the overlooks such as Cap Roux and Pic de l’Ours for uncrowded vantage points.
• Visit Théoule-sur-Mer for a seaside pause—its small harbor and relaxed beach feel less congested than Cannes.
• Continue toward Agay and eventually to Fréjus if you want a full-day drive.

Timing, crowds, and tips

Because this route is partly a regional connector, midday traffic can slow things especially in summer. Arriving at overlooks either right after sunrise or in the 5–7 pm window gives you better light and fewer cars. In peak season, weekday mornings are your best bet. If a section has a closed coastal lane (for maintenance), have the inland detour in mind—GPS will usually redirect you. Also watch for sections with narrow shoulders; avoid stopping where signage prohibits it.

2. The Peninsula Loop: Ramatuelle → Cap Taillat → La Croix-Valmer

This route keeps you close to the Saint-Tropez area while offering quiet stretches and lovely scenery. Unlike the busier highway stretches, this loop threads through peninsulas, vineyards, and seaside cliffs. You’ll get both village charm and coastal views in one relatively compact circuit.

Route and highlights

Begin in Ramatuelle (east or south of Saint-Tropez). From there:

1. Drive out toward Cap Taillat, hugging the coastline.
2. Pause at Plage de l’Escalet (a lovely beach with access via short walks)—a good lunch spot.
3. Continue to La Croix-Valmer, which has a relaxed seaside village atmosphere.
4. Return via the inland backroad through vineyards and small hamlets, or retrace along the coast if time allows.

Key stops worth your time

• Cap Taillat vantage point: a short path leads to a promontory with sweeping views of sea and islands.
• Plage de l’Escalet: small beach with shaded pine edges; in July and August arrive early to find parking.
• La Croix-Valmer restaurants: seaside bistros here tend to be calmer than those in central Saint-Tropez.
• Vineyard detour: on the inland return leg, you’ll pass through small vineyard roads that open to quiet hilltop viewpoints.

Notes and cautions

This loop is shorter, so it’s best done when you want a half-day drive rather than a full day of travel. In summer, the coastal path to Cap Taillat can be narrow—go slow and watch for cyclists. Parking near beaches can fill early; often the best strategy is to park at village-level lots and walk. If you’re making this drive with children, the inland return provides an alternative to steady ocean vistas, giving visual variety.

3. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez to Côte de l’Azur: The Eastward Stretch

If you want a stretch that moves away from the more familiar western side, heading east offers gentler curves, hidden bays, and less dramatic—but still lovely—coastal views. It’s also a good option if you plan to continue toward Hyères, Porquerolles, or farther along the Côte d’Azur.

Itinerary and main stops

• Depart from Saint-Tropez heading east toward Sainte-Maxime and then onto Le Lavandou or Bormes-les-Mimosas.
• Along the way, stop in small seaside hamlets like Grimaud, Port Grimaud, and Cogolin.
• Pause at viewpoints overlooking the Golden Islands (Îles d’Or) as you head past Le Lavandou.
• If time allows, detour to the Giens Peninsula and the salt flats of Hyères.

Highlights and secrets

• Point de vue between Lavandou and Bormes: several pullouts offer views of the islands and sea patterns.
• Port Grimaud canals: the little canals and pastel houses make a good quick stop for photos.
• Giens Peninsula: the coastal path here (with salt marshes and lagoons) contrasts with rocky cliffs further west.

When to go and how to manage stops

This is a longer drive if you push toward Hyères, so you’ll want to break it up. Plan for lunch in a coastal village, and factor rest periods. By late afternoon, sea side roads may be busy, so time your return or onward travel accordingly. If staying overnight in a place like Bormes-les-Mimosas, you can split the drive.

Bonus Detours and Alternatives Worth Knowing

1. D98a via Gassin: This inland coastal-adjacent road gives you sweeping views at higher elevation with fewer crowds. Stretch your legs in Gassin village—its ramparts and quiet streets are a contrast to the bustle below.
2. Cap Lardier to Hyères coastal path: more rugged and less driven, ideal if you’re okay with occasional rough road.
3. Mixing land and sea: If traffic becomes too dense or parking too tight, drop your car and take a local ferry or small boat for coastal segments—for instance, between Saint-Tropez and nearby coves. This lightens driving stress and gives a different vantage.

Did you know?
Some of the coastal roads in this area were once smuggler routes in the 19th century. As you wind through pine forests overlooking hidden bays, you’re retracing paths that linked fishermen and villages long before modern tourism.

Final Thoughts: How to Make the Most of It

Source: colcorsa.com

A beautiful coastal drive is never just about the landscape—it’s how you interact with it. Go slow where possible, stop when a viewpoint calls to you, and don’t rush the cafés or little promenades in villages. Use early or late light to your advantage. In places where parking or traffic seem overwhelming, consider shifting to sea travel—or combining both with Navélia luxury yacht escapes. They allow you to skip the busiest coastal roads while still seeing the same coastline from a different angle.

Before you head out, check local weather, drive conditions, and try to get an early start. Even in summertime, people often underestimate how long stops will take. If you approach these drives as a relaxed exploration rather than a checklist, you’ll get more out of each bend in the road.

Enjoy your drive and may each curve bring you a view worth stopping for.