Saint-Tropez by Boat from Nice: An Iconic French Riviera Day Trip

One of the loveliest ways to get to Saint Tropez from Nice is by sea.
A seasonal boat service takes you directly from the Port of Nice, giving you around five hours to explore the village of Saint Tropez, before sailing back to Nice in the evening.

Saint-Tropez harbour on the French Riviera, a day trip from Nice by boat

Why visit Saint-Tropez?

Saint-Tropez is famous around the world for its glamorous image, yachts, boutiques and legendary visitors. But beyond all that, it remains a beautiful old Provençal port with colourful façades, narrow streets, little squares and a fascinating history.
It also has a remarkable artistic heritage.
Painter Paul Signac arrived in Saint-Tropez in 1892 and was so captivated by the light and landscape that he settled here. Other artists followed, including Matisse, Derain and Marquet. Today, their connection with Saint-Tropez can be discovered at the wonderful Musée de l’Annonciade, just beside the harbour.
And then, of course, came cinema, Brigitte Bardot and the transformation of this little Mediterranean port into one of the most famous villages in the world.
Yet the old Saint-Tropez is still there if you take the time to look for it.

Nice to Saint-Tropez by boat

The journey is operated by Trans Côte d’Azur. Boats leave from the port of Nice, called Port Lympia.
The ticket office and boarding point are both located at Quai Lunel.
Morning departure from Nice: 9:00 AM    ⟶    Arrival in Saint-Tropez: 11:30 AM
Return afternoon departure from Saint-Tropez: 4:30 PM    ⟶   Arrival back in Nice: 7:00 PM
This gives you approximately five hours in Saint-Tropez.
Price is 84€/person.

Tickets can be booked online here, but you will be able to pay at the counter and just before the only the trip.
I recommend reserving your tickets in advance and arriving at the Port of Nice with plenty of time before departure.

Google Maps — Quai Lunel ticket office & boarding point

Operating days (in 2026)

From 12 May to 30 June: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
From 1 July to 31 August: every day except Monday
From 1 to 30 September: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
From 1 to 20 October: Tuesday & Saturday

Schedules can change and boats may be affected by weather conditions, so always check the official website when planning your day.

What to do in Saint-Tropez

It is possible to discover Saint-Tropez with a local guide, and I happen to know an exceptional one whom I am very happy to recommend: my friend Frédérique from Les Petits Voyages d’Azur.
A true local, Frédérique knows Saint-Tropez intimately and shares her passion for its history, art, traditions and everyday life with great warmth and enthusiasm. She can help you discover a more authentic side of the village, beyond its glamorous image.
→ Info about Frédérique’s guided tours of Saint-Tropez

If you prefer to explore on your own, here are a few places not to miss:

  • The Old Port — the colourful heart of Saint-Tropez, lined with cafés, traditional boats and yachts.
  • La Ponche — the charming old fishermen’s quarter, with narrow streets and a wonderful Mediterranean atmosphere.
  • Place des Lices — one of the liveliest squares in town, especially on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, when the Provençal market takes place.
  • The Citadelle — worth the walk for its beautiful views over Saint-Tropez and the Gulf.
  • The Musée de l’Annonciade — a lovely museum celebrating artists inspired by Saint-Tropez and its extraordinary light, including Signac, Matisse and Derain.
  • Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church — with its distinctive ochre and yellow bell tower, one of the symbols of Saint-Tropez.
  • The little streets of the old town — perfect for wandering, browsing boutiques and simply enjoying the atmosphere.

My advice: Try not to rush. Saint-Tropez is one of those places where part of the pleasure lies in sitting down for a coffee or lunch, wandering through the little streets and simply enjoying the atmosphere.

Returning to Nice

The boat leaves Saint-Tropez at 4:30 PM and arrives back in Nice at approximately 7:00 PM.
Make sure you return to the departure quay with a little time to spare before boarding.
The journey back gives you another chance to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline before arriving directly at the Port of Nice.

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