Things To Do
in Sainte-Maxime
Sainte-Maxime is a sun-soaked town on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez with a charming Provençal vibe. It blends a picturesque old village with a lively marina and easy beach access along a powdery blue coastline. The town comes alive in warm months with markets, cafes, and waterfront strolls, while nearby hills invite hiking and scenic drives.
Provence’s flavors—the olives, rosé, and seafood—infuse every corner, making Sainte-Maxime a welcoming base for Riviera exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying a buttery croissant and fresh coffee while taking in the beautiful coastal views. After breakfast, stroll through the vibrant streets of Sainte-Maxime, exploring quaint shops and art galleries. Don't forget to visit the historic Church of Sainte-Maxime for a glimpse of the town's rich heritage.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a delightful lunch at a beachside restaurant, sampling delicious seafood dishes that the region is renowned for. Post-lunch, spend your afternoon lounging on the sandy beaches or engage in water sports such as paddleboarding or jet skiing. You can also take a scenic walk along the coast, appreciating the stunning Mediterranean landscape.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to a romantic dinner at one of the seaside restaurants, where you can savor local wines alongside exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the warm evening breeze and lively atmosphere. Cap off your night with a visit to a local bar for a taste of regional spirits or craft cocktails.
Begin your day with a short drive to the picturesque village of Port Grimaud, often referred to as the 'Venice of Provence'. Enjoy a morning stroll along the canals and admire the charming pastel-colored buildings and quaint bridges. Stop for breakfast at one of the cafés on the waterfront, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Post breakfast, take a boat tour through the canals to discover Port Grimaud from the water, providing a unique perspective of this stunning village. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local bistro, sampling traditional French dishes. Spend your afternoon exploring the shops and boutiques, or relax by the riverbank with a good book.
As dusk approaches, return to Sainte-Maxime for dinner, where you can enjoy dishes infused with fresh herbs and local produce. After your meal, take time to explore the night market, which often features crafts, local produce, and regional delicacies. Finish your day with a glass of wine at a cozy wine bar, surrounded by the sounds of music and laughter.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍷Glass of wine at a restaurant | $6-10 |
| 🥖Baguette | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🏖Beach chair rental | $8-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming Provençal town with a welcoming vibe
- Beautiful beaches and scenic coastal walks
- Strong seafood and rosé wine culture
- Seasonal crowds and higher prices in summer
- Limited nightlife compared to Saint-Tropez itself
- Parking can be challenging during peak season
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S’il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est…?" - Where is…?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Sainte-Maxime
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively harbor with colorful boats and the blue-green backdrop of the bay, perfect for sunrise shots and candid harbor life.
Seafront promenade with palm-lined walkways and terrace dining—great for golden-hour photography.
Historic square with church architecture and views across the rooftops to the water.
Rocky outcrops, turquoise water, and long sandy patches ideal for landscape and coastal portraits.
Cliffside paths and coves along the coastline offering dramatic sea panoramas at sunset.
Food in Sainte-Maxime
Sainte-Maxime Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant seafood stew featuring multiple fish, shellfish, fennel, saffron, and rouille on crusty bread.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised beef or lamb in red wine, garlic, herbs, and aromatics, often served with pasta or mashed potatoes.
A herby olive paste typically served with bread or as a condiment for fish and meats.
A colorful vegetable stew of zucchini, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs—perfect as a vegetarian main or side.
A creamy, brioche-based dessert that’s a Riviera staple, best enjoyed with a generous coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market in central Sainte-Maxime offering olives, herbs, seafood, cheese, breads, pastries, and ready-to-eat Provencal specialties.
Seasonal stalls along the harbor offer fresh fish, shellfish, grilled sardines, socca, and other street-friendly bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say Bonjour or Bonsoir to shopkeepers and staff; use Monsieur/Madame when addressing adults.
Be polite, avoid loud conversations in quiet venues, and maintain a relaxed pace in social settings.
Smart-casual is typical in restaurants; swimwear is reserved for beaches and pool areas.
Safety
Tipping in Sainte-Maxime
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is often included (service compris). If not, a 5-10% tip for good service is customary.
Cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for small markets and some cafés. Contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, sunny days with crowded beaches and long daylight hours. Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated, and plan early for markets and waterfront dining.
Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Excellent for hiking, vineyard visits, and tranquil coastal strolls.
Mild but cooler, with some days of rain. Restaurants stay lively, but some seasonal services may reduce hours.
Blooming hills and pleasant temps; ideal for outdoor markets, golf, and scenic drives along the coast.
Sainte-Maxime at Night
Hiking in Sainte-Maxime
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal path with sea views, rocky coves, and dramatic cliffs, ideal for a half-day hike.
Forested trails with shaded sections and panoramic overlooks over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Airports
How to reach Sainte-Maxime by plane.
Major international gateway about 1.5 hours by car; frequent domestic and international flights.
Smaller regional airport with seasonal and domestic flights; shorter transfer to Sainte-Maxime.
Major hub with broad connections; about 2 hours by car or train transfer to the Riviera.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Lake-sized beaches, calm coves, and markets make Sainte-Maxime family-friendly year-round.
Romantic sunsets, harbor dining, and easy access to nearby towns attract couples and groups of friends.
Many visitors are international and European travelers who return annually for markets, beaches, and coastal drives.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A natural fit for the Riviera waters; numerous clubs offer lessons and charters.
Calm bays and sea breezes create excellent conditions for water sports.
Accessible courts and nearby courses add to a suit of Riviera sports options.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sainte-Maxime.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose grilled vegetables, ratatouille, and salads; ask for no fish stock in sauces and request olive oil-based dressings.
Rely on vegetable-forward dishes, legumes, and salads; confirm dairy-free marinades and pastry fillings with staff.
Many restaurants accommodate with gluten-free bread or pasta; confirm cross-contamination policies for shared kitchens.