Travel Destinations
Saint Tropez review on French Riviera. 
Friday, May 18, 2007, 11:13 AM - France
Saint Tropez review on French Riviera. A travel destination article featured by Resources For Attorneys, a legal resources and lifestyle information portal.St.Tropez is a small town in southern France, in the Var departement and is a part of well known and famous French Riviera. According to the legend "Saint Tropez" is named a martyr St.Torpes, - beheaded for refusionof giving up his faith. His body was thrown in a boat, which was drifted to st.tropez to a place which is today called : the Golfe de (Gulf of) Saint Tropez. Between 1470 to 1672, city of St.Tropez was ruled by captains as independent republic. Each captain had right to raise an army, which was actually used in 1637 to drove away Spanish galleons. This local area was free of French government taxes. However, King Louis XIV brought the city under control of France.

St.Tropez started to grow and attract international stars from 1920, but its international recognition came after 1950, also thanks to the famous star Brigitte Bardot and also due to famous movie series of Le gendarme de Saint Tropez.

During WWII, the allied forces had their central site on the city beach in the Operation Dragoon.

Today the city is popular thanks to its azure waters, luxurious yachts in harbor, famous hotels, cafes and clubs on the beaches. There are many tourists there and many luxury sports cars. Night life is fantastic and you can often see VIP guest arriving by helicopters. A lot of tourists come during summer with hope to meet some stars.

Baie de Pampelonne - part of the coast with best beaches 5 km long. Each beach has own hut, is about 30 metres wide and with public and private tanning area. Most popular activities are windsurfing, canoeing and sailing, other people prefer motorized water sports, like power boats, water skiing or jet bikes. Other beaches are quite, with cafes and restaurants on the water edge. There is a regatta with many great classic yachts (some 50 m long) held each October in the Saint Tropez bay.

By: Marian Hlinka
Marian Hlinka..owner and webmaster of Saint Tropez website.

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French Riviera Vacation Guide - Walking Tour of St. Maximim. 
Friday, May 11, 2007, 11:24 AM - France
Royal Convent in Saint Maxim. A travel destination article featured by Resourcesforattorneys.com, a legal resources and lifestyle information portal.Saint-Maximim is 35km from Aix en Provence, 67 km from Marseille and about 71 km from Toulon. If you're on the A8 motorway, take exit "34 Saint-Maximim". If you're taking the train, then you can get there from Aix en Provence and Marseille Saint Charles.

Saint-Maximim is surrounded by vineyards and protected by the Mont Aurelien, Mont Sainte Victoire and the Sante Baume mountain ranges.

Legend says that after Jesus' death, Mary Magdalene and some of the other disciples continued preaching in Jerusalem - but eventually the authorities felt threatened, and the group was tried and sentenced and put into a boat (that had no sails and no oars) and set adrift.

The boat landed at Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer. Lazaurus, Mary Magdalaine, her sister Martha and the other people separated and began preaching and evangelizing in the surrounding area.

Eventually Mary decided she wanted solitude and so she shut herself away in a cave in the Saint Victoire mountains, where it is said that she stayed for 30 years until her death. Her relics were put in a crypt and then buried in 710 to protect them from being looted by the Sarrasisns. But as time passed, people forgot where she was buried and she remained lost until 1279.

When her relics were discovered again in 1279, Charles II of Anjou, the Duc de Provence, (the nephew of Saint Louis of France and who was later crowned Kind of Sicily), ordered that a Basilica worthy of being a reliquary for Sainte Marie Madeleine be built, because of the growing number of pilgrims who travelled to the village. Pope Boniface VIII gave his blessings to the plan.

The construction of the Basilica was begun in 1295 along with the convent next to it. The relics were put under the protection of the Dominican Monks who settled in the convent.

The convent was abandoned during the French Revolution, but otherwise Monks lived in the convent until 1957. (Interestingly, it became a fortress during the war against the Protestants.) After the monks left, the property was managed by the state, and became a cultural center. And then in 1999, it was sold and became the hotel and restaurant.

The village of Saint-Maximim is a wonderful place to visit during your visit to the French Riviera. You can park your car and spend several hours wandering around on your own, or the Tourist Board offers daily tours. Here is a list of the attractions you won't want to miss see during your walking tour:

1. The Town Hall - (La Marie) It was built in 1750 using the blueprints of court architect Jean-Baptiste Franque. He designed it to accommodate the royal visitors who came to Saint-Maximim to marvel at the remains of Saint Mary Magdalene. During the French Revolution it was sold as a national monument and then later bought back by the town. It is located in the Place Jan Salusse.

2. The Royal Convent (Le Couvent Royal) - The religious community of the Dominican Monks settled in Saint-Maximim in 1295 and building began on th Basilica and the Convent itself. The construction work was done in stages (because all the stones were hand cut and carved).

One of the most interesting facts about this particular order of monks is that they did not have to survive on alms (donations from townspeople) as was usual of other orders in the day. Instead, they lived in relative comfort and security on an income that the King of France provided them.

Once the two main wings of the convent were finished (the east wing was finished at th end of the 13th century and the north wind during the 14th century), the monks moved in. Their community continued to grow - so much so that they had to add another floor! The monks left in 1957. Take your time strolling through the gardens and visit the library. These days, the former austere cells of the monks have been remodeled into very comfortable bedrooms, and the Convent serves as the hotel/restaurant, and also hosts numerous musical and cultural events throughout the year.

If you're eating at the restaurant, you can park inside the heavy stone walls of the convent - just look for the big blue metal gates and buzz the intercom to get in. Otherwise, you can find parking around the Place de l'Hotel d Villa or the Town Hall square.

3 . The Basilica (La Basilique) - The Basilica is the largest Gothic building in the southeast of France. It is 73 meters long, 37 meters wide and 29 meters high.) Take the stone steps down underneath the main part of the church to the sacred crypt to see Mary's original sarcophagus, carved from fine-grained marble which came from the Imperial quarries of the Marmara Sea, near Constantinople. There is also an impressively gilded bronze reliquary that was designed by Revoil in the 19th century. The reliquary holds her skull, and below that, in the center of the reliquary is a glass tube, which holds a fragment of her skin, said to be the "noli me tangere" (the place on her forehead where Christ touched her with his finger, the morning of his resurrection).

The crypt is also home to the sarcophagi of Saint Maximin, Saint Sidoin, Saint Marcelle and Sainte Suzanne, who were all about the same age of Mary Magdelaine, and all dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries as well.

Make sure to take the time to look at the rather remarkable altarpiece of painted wood done by Antoine Ronzen (1517). It stands just north of the nave and represents scenes from the Passion.

Above the door is the world-renowned double-chested organ that was built in 1773 by the Dominican Friar Jean Esprit Isnard. It is composed of four keyboards and 2960 pipes! Only the quick thinking of Napoleon's brother, Lucien Bonaparte saved it from destruction during the French Revolution because he commanded that the "Marseillaise" was to be played on it to herald the arrival of Baras as he entered the building.

4. The Medieval Quarter - Just a short walk south of the Basilica takes you to the 13th century Medieval Quarter of Saint Maximim. Notice the fine porch that once provided shelter from the weather to the many tradesmen and merchants who set up shop there. Take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter with its classical, dark arcades and narrow streets. Facing the Jewish Quarter is the ancient cistern, which fell into disrepair during the 14th century, and was later transformed into a prison. It is now the Louis Rostan Museum.

5. Artist's shops and stores -You'll find a wonderful selection of "Santons" the little carved wooden figures that are set around the crêche during Christmas. They show the different types of peasants, farmers and merchants from the Middle Ages -and make for a unique display as they come to witness and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

There are festivals, fairs and concerts in Saint Maximim throughout the year:
The Feast of Saint Vincent - last weekend of January
Organ recitals in the Basilica every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. - April to September
Music Festival in the Basilica - July/August
Harvest Festival - third weekend in July
Feast of Mary Magdalene End of July
Boules Grand Prix - Last weekend in August
The Santons Fair - Third weekend in November
Amateur Painters' Exhibition - Second weekend in December

The Tourist Office is across the cobblestone square from the Basilica, and they offer information about the area in English, as well as guided tours. Saint Maximim is a short drive from the French Riviera, and well-worth adding to your vacation itinerary.

By: Cheryl Antier
Learn all about where to go and what to do in the French Riviera from an American who lives there! Discover the best places to eat, stay and shop. Why settle for an ordinary vacation, when you can create an extraordinary one? French Riviera Vacation Guide.

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The Lure of France 
Saturday, May 5, 2007, 11:47 AM - France
Eiffel Tower. A travel destination article featured by Resourcesforattorneys.com, a legal resources and lifestyle information portal.France, located in Western Europe, shares its borders with Belgium and Luxembourg in the northeast, Germany and Switzerland in the east, Italy in the southeast and Spain in the southwest. The Pyrenees Mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea touch France while the Atlantic Ocean coastline defines its western border. In the north lies the English Channel, this connects France to England.

France is seen as the world's most popular tourist destination with 77.6 million visitors arriving here in 2003. It boasts of major tourist attractions, like Paris, Côte d'Azur or the French Riviera, Atlantic beaches, winter sports in the Alps, Castles of Loire Valley, etc. But two of the really famous French things are wine and cheese.

PLACES TO SEE

The greatest landmark of France is the Eiffel Tower but that is not the only landmark. From the vineyards to the Chapels, France has a variety of landscapes, museums, and historical artifacts to offer. France with its enigmatic appeal and unparalleled beauty will hold you back. French architectural heritage is nothing less than extraordinary, and Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Sacré Coeur, butte Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, Latin quarter and Saint-Germain de Prés, Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle, Ile Saint-Louis, Pont Neuf and Le Louvre Museum, Bordeaux Vineyards, Arcachon and Cap Ferret, Dordogne and Perigord, Chateau de Chenonceau and Mount Saint Michael are a few among these.

FESTIVALS

Techno parade: During mid-September DJs and (usually young) fans from across Europe, converge on Paris for five or six days of dancing etc. culminating in a parade whose route traces roughly from Pl. de Bastille to the Sorbonne.

Bastille Parade: Bastille Day falls on July 14 and celebrates the beginning of the French revolution. The day in particular falls on the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison by Parisians. Paris hosts several spectacular events on the day. The parade begins on the Champs-Élysées at 10:00 AM.

The Cannes Film Festival: One of the most respected festival in the movie world.

TRAVEL TO FRANCE

France is well connected to the rest of the world through airports like the CDG or Charles De Gaulle. There are other major airports in Paris like the Orly International Airport. Some of the airports within France include Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Toulouse, and the Bâle-Mulhouse, which is shared by France and Switzerland.

The other mode of transport is railway and the French rail company, SNCF, provides direct services from most European countries. There is the Eurostar service, which uses high-speed to connect Lille and Paris with London via the Calais-Dover channel tunnel. The Thalys service, another rail service in France uses high-speed TGV trains to connect Paris to Brussels, Netherlands and Germany. If you are not too comfortable traveling by train, then you can opt for the bus services. Euroline Buses connect over 500 destinations, covering Europe and Morocco. But most certainly one of the best ways to enjoy France is by driving through it by car as France has a well-developed system of highways. France is also a good and safe country for hitchhiking.

STAY

Although there are plenty of good hotels and Bed & breakfast accommodation available in France, camping still remains the most popular option. Most campsites are generally a little away from the city centre and offer basic facilities like Shower/toilet blocks, bars, and restaurants, self-service laundries, swimming pools or bicycle hire.

By: Brian Zinn
I'm Brian Zinn and ZinnTravel.com is my Travel Booking Engine . I'm Specializing in Travel Articles for ZinnTravel.com on subjects such as, Romania, Bucharest, Constanta, Berlin, London, England, Miami, Ibiza, Clubbing, Sightseeing, travel tips and things to do.

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Amiens, France - A City Full of History. 
Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 05:03 PM - France
Cathédrale Notre Dame. Travel destination article featured by Resources For Attorneys, a legal and lifestyle resources directory.

A city with a strong historical tradition, Amiens is one place in France where many tourists congregate, to experience its ancient cathedral. This is one of the reasons that Amiens is on the map.

Located about 120 kilometers from Paris, Amiens is the prefecture of Somnes department. The city was pounded mercilessly during World War II, and the pockmarks on the buildings still tell the tale to people passing through the city. The traffic is heavy, and most of the city is like any other city today. The landmarks from history are what make Amiens worth going to.

Sights at Amiens – The Cathedral

There is a lot to be seen and experienced from the days of yore at Amiens. The most famous landmark and a must-see for anyone visiting the country is the cathedral in the city. The cathedral at Amiens, called the Cathédrale Notre Dame, has been declared a World Heritage Site. Under the supervision of architect Robert de Luzarches, it was built in the classical Gothical mould way back in the 13th century, and remains the biggest structure of its kind in all of France.

The earlier cathedral was consumed by a fire in 1220, and a new one was constructed in its place. The new cathedral was ready in 1247. Full of architectural beauty, the first thing that you will notice is the triple-tiered elevation in the interior. The principal façade is lined with intricately detailed gothic sculptures. Keep your eyes out during your tour through the cathedral, and you’ll notice the sculptures turning up in other parts such as the labyrinth, and the south transept.

There have been many comments about the Amiens Cathedral, the most apt being that it is known as the ‘Parthenon among all Gothic architecture.’

Other Sights at Amiens

Another sight worth visiting is quartier St-Leu. This is a network of canals as well as cottages. Constructed in the Flemish mould, this area once served as the central hub for the textile industry.

The hortillonages also draw tourists in and let people glimpse into centuries past. The hortillonages are Market gardens that have been created on little islands on the marshlands at the edge of the city, along the river Somne. They are connected to each other by a well-knit maze of artificial canals. More about Amiens

Besides the architectural and cultural aspects to Amiens, there are other tidbits of information about the city that make for interesting reading. For instance, Clovis Trouille (1888-1975) was born in Amiens. Amiens has played place of origin to some famous personalities, including the famous resistance leader from World War II Odette Sansom (19112-1995) and also Peter the Hermit. Another thing to know is that Jules Verne was in fact member of Amiens’ City Council continuously from the year 1888 till his demise in 1905. Also, during World War I, the Battle of Amiens was the phase that marked the start of the Hundred Days Offensive.

Amiens is a century-old city full of culture and behind every chipped building block, every narrow canal, there’s a story that leads back thousands of years. That’s why even today people flock to the city to find out what made people tick a thousand years ago. It’s a sharp contrast of barbarism and calculated finesse in the city of Amiens, France.

By: Gabriel J. Adams
Get more information on Amiens France at http://www.amiens.us.

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Spring In Les Baux De Provence 
Friday, March 30, 2007, 09:43 PM - France
Spring is definitely in the air and few places on Earth are as breathing taking as Provence, as the flora is beginning to bloom, the birds are nesting and new life is being born, and the sun is bringing its warm rays to the rich earth. Perhaps your soul and your romance needs to be rejuvenated as well? Then Provence will provide that needed tranquility in a mild Mediterranean climate.

Once in the heart of Provence you can drink in the natural and rugged beauty that fills the region. Within a short drive of the villages of Saint-Remy-de Provence, Arles, Les Baux and Avignon are the Massif des Alpille Mountains which stretch between the towns and are great for hiking or cycling. Once at the summit of these majestic ranges, the panoramic views of Provence are stunning. Arles is home to the famous French bull fighting, which takes place in the Roman arena. Bullfighting was first introduced in France in 1701 and has become increasingly more popular over the years. Traditional French bullfighting is a twice-a-day event that begins at Easter and with events scheduled all the way through to September…a must see event for those visiting Provence. If you love nature, you will want to take a short drive to the Camargue Wetlands, just south of Arles. The wetlands are home to over 400 species of birds, wild horses, and the famous Camaruge bulls that roam to and fro. The soil is rich delta soil, as the Camargue is located between the Mediterranean Sea and two arms of the Rhone River delta. The flora there is adapted to high saline content, and the sea lavender displays are spectacular.

For those of you who have a deep appreciation for architecture and the arts, you will want to take the time to explore ancient villages in the region. As you walk, you will be retracing the very steps that world renowned artists such as Van Gogh trod centuries ago.

The village of Les Baux de Provence is a 10th Century village, with many buildings that have been lovingly restored. It will take about 1 ½ hours to walk through the village, the ancient castle and the citadel ruins. If you visit during the month of May, there are more than a dozen neighboring estates that are open to visitors during the annual Wine Festival. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead and arrange mutually convenient times for tours.

The Palais des Papes is located in the village of Avignon, just 25 kilometers from the Auberge de la benvengudo. Built in the 1300’s, it is the largest Gothic palace in Europe and offers tours through more than two dozen rooms of the palace. Visitors can enjoy courtyard performances given by the Avignon Theatre during July; as well as the art exhibit in the Great Chapel, which is on display throughout the summer. If you are visiting during the month of July, you will enjoy the Festival d’Avignon, which features French and foreign drama, dance and stage performances throughout the village.

Another nearby cultural event that takes place during June and July in the Aix-en-Provence, which is the training grounds for hundreds of musicians. During the summer months, the European Academy of Music brings together top singers and instrumentalists from all over the world and visitors to the region are welcome to enjoy the practices and performance of the musicians. Provence offers some of the most secluded and romantic picnic areas in all of France.

After spending the early morning hours exploring the area, why not go spend the afternoon lounging on a blanket and enjoying a picnic lunch of the finest of Provence wines, cheeses, crackers and fruits? Many picnic areas are just a short stroll from the roadside. As you sip your wine and enjoy the breeze of the ancient olive trees and the whispering of the cicadas, you will again feel your soul rejuvenating in the quiet wonder of a world centuries away.

Several options are available for accommodation in the region from quaint B&B to luxury hotels. Les Baux de Provence is an idyllic village and is centrally located to all of the must see attractions in Provence. Auberge de la benvengudo is one of the best Les Baux de Provence Hotels. The décor will make you feel as though you have stepped back centuries in time, surrounded by classic antiques still in practical use todya, while the modern conveniences such as Hi speed wi-fi will allow you to stay connected to the outside world. Guests can choose from an array of accommodation options, ranging from cozy rooms in warm Provencal colors to apartments complete with a fireplace, flat screen TV and kitchen.

The Auberge de la Benvengudo restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in the Provence. The renowned chefs prepare succulent meals using only the freshest fruits and vegetables, as well as Mediterranean seafood. The authentic Provencal cuisine is served with your choice of one of the fine local or regional French wines. Provence offers cooking classes to those who truly enjoy the French cuisine and desire to learn to cook the dishes at home.

The celebrated chefs from Provence restaurants partner to provide an intimate, hands-on learning environment for students. Classes are taught in both English and French and allow the students to learn how to prepare several classic entrees and desserts. Pick up a bottle of wine on your way back to your room and enjoy a quiet evening that will hearken to those of days gone by. As you talk with that special someone late into the night, make plans for a romantic day trip to the nearby French Rivera, Nice, Cannes, or Monaco which is just over the border.

Spring is here, and it is time for new beginnings. What better way to begin than to take the time to allow your soul to be refreshed or your romance rekindled? Provence provides the perfect climate and setting for both and is located just one hour from Marseille International Airport.

By: K Paulin
Keith Paulin is an experienced global traveler and has penned many articles during his sojourns around the world; on this trip he discovers more about Provence and the the best Les Baux de Provence Hotels and the classic cuisine unique to the Les Baux de Provence restaurants.

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Discover the Real St. Tropez on Your Next Vacation to the French Riviera. 
Thursday, March 29, 2007, 04:50 PM - France
When planning your next vacation, consider a trip to the French Riviera. Although it's famous for being a playground for the jet set, its miles of white sandy beaches, and gourmet food that is as much of a treat for the eyes as it is for the palette, the French Riviera has much more to offer.

Take St. Tropez for example. Known as one of the "jewels of the French Riviera", St. Tropez is a beautiful and busy seaside village that grew up in the 50s and 60s after being discovered by Hollywood. (Roger Vadim's "And God Created Woman" was responsible for launching both Brigit Bardot's acting career and St. Tropez into a mecca for the rich and famous).

But long before St. Tropez was discovered by Hollywood, it was also a favorite place to live and work for some of the world's best known artists and sculptors. There is just something about the light here that makes it different from everywhere else along the Mediterranean Sea - it shimmers like a pearl that's been dipped in gold.

You'll feel like you've walked into a picture postcard when you take a walk along the the pier and watch the sun sinking into the azure blue waters of the Med. It paints the sky with the colors of ripe apricots, old gold and ruby red. A playful breeze pulls at the jewel-colored awnings above the sidewalk cafes, and the evening air is fragrant with jasmine and mimosa. And when you see the pastel colored houses with the red-tiled roofs, colorful flowers spilling out of window boxes and balconies, and the trim wooden sailing boats with their tall masts bobbing gently next to sleek, black and white yachts, don't be surprised if your "inner artist" wants to come out and do a little painting too.

St. Tropez is still one of the favorite vacation spots of the "tres chic." Walk through the open-air market in the Place des Lices (it's open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings), and you'll hear accents from all over the world. International stars of stage and screen come to see and be seen, and you never know who you'll catch sight of while enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine at one of the many outdoor cafes. In fact, people watching is one of the favorite pastimes here, especially during the spring and summer months, when the sidewalks and narrow winding roads are crowded with tourists and sun worshippers.

The beaches of St. Tropez are almost as famous as the village itself. Arguably the most famous is the "Plage de Pampelonne" which offers almost 5 km of glaring white sand, exotic boutiques, tiny sidewalk cafes and elegant restaurants. If you want to rub elbows with the "beautiful people," stop in at Club 55 after dark for a drink and a little dancing.

At the north end of St. Tropez, you'll find the "Plage de Tahiti" which is another well-known haunt of famous - and infamous - celebrities. It's always crowded, so go early if you want to find a place to stake a claim and lay your towel for the day.

Other beaches that offer breathtaking views, and great places to cool off in the Med are the Bouillabaisse, Baneliers and Salins beaches. Or head south past the Plage de Pampelonne to Cap Camart, and just beyond it - a little less accessible but much less crowded because of it - are the "Plage de l'Escalet" and the "Plage de la Briande." And if you're feeling adventurous and really want to get away from the crowds, go a little further south until you reach "Gigaro" - a truly beautiful beach and the village of La Croix Valmer.

All together, there are over 40 beaches in this area of the French Riviera alone, so if you want to lay in the sun, soaking up the rays during your vacation, you won't have to visit the same beach twice. But if your taste runs to the more adventurous or active, then you've still come to the right place for your French Riviera vacation! You'll can find all of these activities (and more) here: Amusement parks, biking, boating, golf, hiking, tennis, raquetball, several fitness centers, fishing, horseback riding, miniature golf, surfing, swimming, snorkleing/scuba diving, windsurfing, para-sailing, jet-skiing, sailing, etc. And hang onto your credit cards, because the shopping here is out-of-this-world! You can find a little bit of everything from the very inexpensive to the very, very expensive and luxurious.

And if you enjoy a good meal, then dining on the French Riviera is an experience to be savored. From the tiny sidewalk cafes, where the owner is just as likely to be your chef, to the fabulous three and four - star restaurants, eating has been raised to an art form. You'll find the food is always fresh, using the finest ingredients of the season, and presented so that it looks as beautiful as it tastes. (And don't even think about rushing through a meal. Here food is savored and enjoyed, and your waiter will never try to rush you.)

When you're tired of soaking up the sun, move inside and soak up a little culture instead. St. Tropez is home to some unique museums, avant guard art galleries and there are special concerts, exhibits and special events scheduled year round.

A few places that should not be missed include:

The "Musee de l'Annoncaide" (Place Georges Grammont, near the harbor). The museum is housed in the former chapel of the Annonciade. It opened in 1995 and now contains one of the best modern art collections in the entire Riviera. Many of the paintings on permanent exhibt are of St. Tropez itself, but there are also paintings by artists such as Seurat and Matisse that make it well worth the visit. Other artists who are spotlighted include Bonnard, Braque, Dufy, Utrillo, Derain and Maillol.

The Open Air Market (Place de Lices) Open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the open-air market is a fun and interesting way to spend a few hours. You'll want to sample some of the amazing fresh fruits and vegetables, haggle with the street venders and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. Bring your camera, and don't forget to keep an eye out for celebrities!

Le Quartier de la Ponche is the old part of the city. It's easy to get lost wandering around the narrow twisted streets and back alleys, although if you do, just stop and ask for directions - even people who don't speak a word of English understand the word "harbor" and will be happy to explain how you get back.) And you'll enjoy exploring the shops and houses that are solid reminders of the days before St. Tropez became "hip."

Musee Naval (Rue de la Citadelle) is a memorial to the days when St. Tropez meant more to sea captains and admirals than to the sun worshippers of today. There are scale models of cannons and ships, old photos of the town, and a wide variety of interesting little oddities. The museum is a part of the Citadel, a structure dating back to the 1500s. (And if you get hungry during your visit, the Citadelle is a great place to take a break and have a light picnic lunch as well!)

La Maison de Papillons (Rue Etienne Berry) Papillon is the French word for butterfly. The "House of Butterflies" is one of the most incredible places to visit in St. Tropez. It houses over 4,500 different species of butterflies, including some that are almost extinct.

When you're wandering around St. Tropez, don't forget the nearby hills and mountains. Two of the small medieval villages that are worth exploring are Eze and St. Paul de Vence, now populated by artisans and crafts people. Or if you prefer, plan a trip to nearby Roquebune, with its castle that goes back to the days of Charlemagne. La Turbee offersvistors a look at Roman ruins and monuments - and is a vibrant testimony to the strength and power of the Roman Empire of the past.

No matter how long you choose to stay, you'll find it difficult to tear yourself away from the beauty and excitement of St. Tropez. Even before you leave, don't be surprised if you're already planning to come back.

By: Cheryl Antier
Cheryl Antier, an American writer living in the French Riviera invites you to learn all about the best places to go and things to do if you're planning a vacation here! Why settle for an ordinary vacation, when you can make it an extraordinary one? French Riviera Vacation Guide.

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