Engel & Völkers
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Real estate in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

The Gulf of Saint-Tropez: the prestigious location between Provence and French Riviera

Built on a land prized by nature, between Provence and French Riviera, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is a land of rare beauty with many different facets. Consisting of 12 townships and 56,000 inhabitants, this geographical area stretches from north to south for 30 km, from east to west for 26 km, and plunges inland for several kilometers.

From the end of the 18th century, the well-to-do bourgeoisie and nobility came to experience a quality lifestyle and the mild Mediterranean climate. The region benefits from a spectacular natural heritage with tones of blue green and gold, revealing emblematic landscapes beautifully illuminated by exceptional amounts of sunlight. There are also pine forests and wild and green forest hills, intermingled with magnificent vineyards. The equally lavish coastline consists of a string of seaside resorts, marinas, and pristine beaches topped by impressive capes and breathtaking panoramas.

This little corner of paradise for seaside cruising is also a vibrant place to live with a host of prestigious events and leisure activities. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez belongs to the Pelagos Sanctuary and is home to underwater treasures of enchanting beauty. It has a dedicated Polo complex that is unique in France, hosting high-level international tournaments every year, and three 18-hole golf courses. It also welcomes prestigious fashion brands and events known internationally, such as the regatta Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.

The soul of Provence and the French Riviera

The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is also a very emotion-filled land, rich in remains and traces that bear witness to its history. From prehistory to the Middle Ages, passing through Gallo-Roman antiquity, there are countless legacies: dolmens, Romanesque churches and chapels, windmills, castles, wash houses, hand fountains,... and of course the famous villages carved from stone. The result is a deep attachment to tradition, folklore, and local customs, and surprisingly diverse communities that each have their own identity.

High-end real estate is very well developed, both in the backcountry and on the coast. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez has magnificent Var-style homes with top-of-the-range amenities that can be found in outstanding locations: waterfront properties or on the rocky coast, prestigious homes renovated in wooded parklands, new villas overlooking the bay of Saint-Tropez, exceptional village houses in the heart of the most popular villages or authentic fortified towns hidden in the rural landscape. A paradise on earth that will satisfy the most selective French and international buyers, who wish to buy, live, or invest in prestigious properties.

Les Issambres, the most beautiful landscapes on the French Riviera

This seaside resort, which is said to have one of the most beautiful landscapes on the French Riviera, is the seafront of Roquebrune-sur-Argens. Located 15 km from the village at the entrance to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and at the foot of the Plateau of Moors, this highly sought-after area has eight kilometers of fine sandy beaches and hemmed rock scattered with coves and inlets, sometimes accessible only be foot. It is also proudly home to a Gallo-Roman fishpond carved directly out of the bedrock.

Its geographical location is practical if looking to fully enjoy the nautical pleasures and explore the backcountry of the Var region. It is also easy to reach close destinations such as: Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez.

Gassin, a medieval village located in the heart of Provence

Nestled in the middle of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, 4 km from the Grande Bleue, Gassin is perched on the top of a steep hill at an altitude of 200 meters. Renowned for its quiet location, this medieval village belongs to the very sought-after group of the "France’s Most Beautiful Villages". It offers a superb 360-degree panorama that includes the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the ridge lines of the Plateau of Moors and the remarkable Var vineyards.

If Gassin has an old-fashioned charm similar to Épinal, this pure concentrate of Provence will also appeal to those who are looking for a little extra soul. The small cobblestone alleyways lined with bougainvilleas, the serpentine marble arches and the poetic houses nestled one beside the other give an idea of this town's magical feel.

Saint-Tropez, the world symbol of the French Riviera

Historically centered on agriculture, fishing, and small coastal trade, Saint-Tropez is a paradise islet nestled in a wonderful natural setting that offers breathtaking panoramas. The painter Paul Signac discovered the peninsula in 1892 and was captivated by its light.

This mythical place, highly appreciated by the jet-set since the middle of the 20th century, is today's most prestigious destination and offers the quintessence of luxury and glamor: sublime yachts showcased in the port, designer brands, hotels, etc. and the equally famous bay of Pampelonne located south of Saint-Tropez and lined with 7km of fine sandy beaches. This famed village has retained its authenticity and remains a city of art and culture, with the traditions, flavors, and the aromas of Provence.

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Sainte-Maxime, an authentic provencal centre of attraction

Sainte-Maxime, the most populated and lively city in the Gulf, is renowned for the elegance and beauty of its landscape, with its exceptional sunshine and its Provençal authenticity. Facing Saint-Tropez, it extends to the east of the Gulf and is anchored to the tree-lined hills of the Plateau of Moors, where it benefits from an abundance of lush vegetation.

Also leaning alongside its marina, this haven of peace welcomes the Mediterranean seaside that comes from 11 kilometers of shoreline and 6 km of fine sandy beaches that gently stretch out. The city offers stunning panoramic views and hosts several  "20th century heritage" buildings, an 18-hole golf course overlooking the bay, a casino, and one of the Var's largest olive groves.

Ramatuelle, nature’s haven

Perched on a hillside between the Côte d'Azur and Provence, the village of Ramatuelle faces the bay of Pampelonne. It is nestled in the heart of a pristine landscape, including the farmlands that border the coastal beaches and the Cap Taillat nature reserve, a natural jewel with a remarkable sandy isthmus and magnificent lush vegetation.

The setting is undisturbed, pleasant, green and flowery with a majestic panoramic view. Its village centre features typical village houses with an irresistible charm, surrounded by arcades, stairways, cobblestone alleys and small squares. Its coastline has a wide variety of beaches and coves with crystal clear water.

Grimaud, a historic village on the French Riviera

Built on a hillside, on the edge of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Grimaud is one of the oldest villages in the Moors. Located inland and classified as one of the "most beautiful corners of France", it has a rich medieval and architectural heritage. The village is filled with historic stone houses that showcase their mullioned windows, ancient doors surrounded by black or serpentine marble, and their perfumed facades with bougainvillea and jasmine.

All around, we can see other great treasures: Provençal hamlets, thousand-year-old paths, religious monuments and famous vineyards. The village has no less than 8 beaches stretched along the coast and punctuated by preserved coves. At the foot of the city is Port-Grimaud, that is part of its unique commune.

Port Grimaud, the Venise of Provence

Nicknamed the Venice of Provence, this neo-Provençal jewel is an architectural work of art designed by François Spoerry in the 1960s and nestled at the bottom of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Listed as a 20th century heritage site since 2002 and designed for sailing, this sailor's dream is divided into private co-ownership and extends over 90 hectares of ex-marshlands. Port Grimaud is home to the largest concentration of  recreational boats in the Gulf.

Some 2,000 fisherman's houses with Roman tiles and multicolored facades stand along the canals straddled by a multitude of bridges. The city's picturesque and refined beauty can also be observed through the overlapping houses staggered at different heights, the streets, and the architectural details that characterize the city.

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