Sainte-Maxime

Visit Sainte-Maxime, Provence

The popular resort of Sainte-Maxime is on the Mediterranean coast on the north coast of the Gulf of Saint Tropez, which it faces across the water, and 15km from Frejus.

The south-facing town is backed by hills, so has almost the perfect Mediterranean climate - sunny and also sheltered from northerly winds.

Explore Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime itself has few things of great interest although the small old town is pretty, and the church and a small museum in the Tour Carré opposite celebrating folk traditions in the area will pass a pleasant hour or so.

The tower was at one time key to the region's defences as cannon fire from this tower and also cannon fire from the top of ‘Portalet’ in Saint Tropez on the opposite side of the bay acted as warnings for attacks by pirates the St Tropez bay area.

Having said that it is a pleasant town and makes an enjoyable break from the beach - because people don't visit Sainte-Maxime for the town...they come for the coast and sunshine!

The beach at Sainte-Maxime is nice and sandy and quality certified and there are lots of water sports to keep you amused. Close to the beach there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to relax in and the walk around the port is very attractive.

If you are staying in the area Sainte Maxime is the largest of the towns on the bay of Saint Tropez and has a reasonable selection of bars, restaurants and hotels, as well as other shops and businesses. There is even an 18 hole golf-course complete with sea-views close by.

Those of you with youth and stamina will have no problem finding clubs and bars that will keep you amused until very late into the early hours, while for children Sainte-Maxime is home to Aqualand, a large water park with swimming pools and slides.

The town does boast a Botanic Garden although really it is just a park area - but it is just across the road from part of the beach and is a good shady spot to shelter from the sun.

Market day in Sainte-Maxime is Thursday morning and there is a covered market on Fernand Bessy Street every morning.

Attractions nearby

The resort of Saint Tropez and the harbour town at Port Grimaud are pleasant places to explore, while one the hills behind Sainte-Maxime a visit to the picturesque villages at Gassin and Ramatuelle are highly recommended.

Photos of Sainte-Maxime (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Sainte-Maxime: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Sainte-Maxime, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Grimaud 10km; La Croix-Valmer 12km; Roquebrune-sur-Argens 14km; Frejus 16km; Saint-Raphael 17km; Cavalaire-sur-Mer 18km; Les-Arcs-sur-Argens 22km; Agay 22km; Cap Esterel 23km; Massif de l'Esterel 26km; Bagnols-en-Foret 26km; Draguignan 30km; Bormes-les-Mimosas 30km; Lorgues 31km; Flayosc 32km; Theoule-sur-Mer 33km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Sainte-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin Germaine l’Hardy-Denonain - remarkable garden (10km) : Cathédrale Saint Léonce (Frejus) - religious monument (16km) : Eglise de St Raphaël (Saint-Raphael) - religious monument (17km) : Domaine du Rayol - remarkable garden (21km) : Abbaye du Thoronet (Le Thoronet) - religious monument (31km) : Parc du château de la Napoule - remarkable garden (34km) : Jardin d’oiseaux tropicaux - remarkable garden (38km) : Abbaye de Lerins (Cannes) - religious monument (40km) :

French version: see Sainte-Maxime (Francais)