St-Tropez Citadel (Citadelle de Saint-Tropez)

The basics

The Citadel of St-Tropez and the Maritime History Museum operate today as a joint attraction, with a low admission fee covering both sites' entry. For just a few euros, visitors can learn about St-Tropez’s former life as a strategic 17th-century port town and how the citadel defended the coast against Spain. Information through the museum and citadel is presented in both English and French.

Many private tours of St-Tropez and shore excursions put a visit to the citadel on their itineraries, as it’s a great way to learn about the town's history that’s often overlooked. Independent visitors will also find it easy to visit, being a short distance from the Old Port.

Things to know before you go

• The site is reasonably priced, so it is ideal for travelers on a budget.

• Plan for around two hours to browse the museum and soak up the views.

• Kids who need to burn off energy will find ample space in the grounds, plus shade from the trees. Entry is also free for children under 12, making it a good option for families.

• While the walk to the entrance is short, it’s also steep. Leave the beach shoes behind and wear trainers instead.

• Once there, the site is considered wheelchair-accessible, although there may be uneven areas on the grounds. Those with reduced mobility issues should contact the site in advance.

How to get there

It’s easy to find the St-Tropez Citadel on foot. From the Old Port, head up the hill lined with restaurants until you reach the park. From here, it’s a steep but short ascent up some steps to reach the citadel entrance. The whole stretch takes only around 10 minutes.

When to get there

The St-Tropez Citadel and Maritime History Museum are open daily to visitors throughout the year, from mid-morning until early evening. Be aware that there are closures on French public holidays (May 1, May 17, Nov. 11, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1), and the site is busier in the peak summer months.

Photography at the St-Tropez Citadel

Bring a decent camera up to the citadel if you’re looking for a great Cote d’Azur vantage point for photos. Head to the upper terrace of the museum from where the vistas stretch out over the St-Tropez Bay. Looking over the sea, the views sweep toward Sainte Maxime, taking in super yachts and rocky stretches of coast, while the views inland reach over to the Estérel mountains.