Dog-Friendly Attractions & Activities in Saint-Tropez

The working Vieux Port is the open-air heart of Saint-Tropez: a U-shape of red-roofed ochre houses framing a quay where superyachts moor stern-to alongside traditional pointu fishing boats. The whole quay is pedestrian and leashed dogs are welcome throughout, including around the Tour du Portalet at the eastern corner. Behind the port, the original fishermen's district of La Ponche keeps narrow stepped lanes opening on a tiny crescent of sand. The contrast between glittering yachts and the surviving village grain is the whole point.

The 16th-century Citadelle crowns the eastern hill of Saint-Tropez and houses the Musée d'Histoire Maritime in its keep. The ramparts and esplanade offer the best panoramic view over the gulf and Pampelonne in the distance. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the esplanade and ramparts, free of charge; the museum interior is off-limits but you can take turns with a partner if you want to visit. The climb up via Montée de la Citadelle from the port takes 15 minutes through stepped lanes.

Twice a week the plane-tree-shaded Place des Lices fills up with one of the great Provençal markets: fish, cheese, charcuterie, olive oil, soaps, linen, lavender, and a long row of stalls selling rosé from the surrounding Côtes-de-Provence estates. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the market alleys, though it gets very dense by 10:00 in July and August. The market wraps up around 13:00 and the square reverts to pétanque players in the afternoon. It is the most authentic surviving slice of village life in central Saint-Tropez.