France is a country that’s blessed with so many unforgettable cities and towns. And of all the places it has to offer, Sainte-Maxime is one of the ones that deserved to be revered more.
Sainte-Maxime is fortunate to be strategically and very beautifully located on the French Riviera. This means that the town is surrounded by almost 11 kilometers (7 miles) of Mediterranean waters. Additionally, you can find countless elegant resorts, hotels, and charming vacation rentals on the French Riviera. In other words, Sainte-Maxime and the French Riviera are must-visit destinations.
Long story short, there’s so much to see and explore in this lovely commune, so you might want to rent an Airbnb in Sainte-Maxime and stay for a while. Wondering what activities you can do here? Here’s a list of the best things to do in Sainte-Maxime, France.
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1. Walk through the old town
If you were to make a “what to do in Sainte-Maxime” list, it would be a long list, and you will end up feeling overwhelmed on what to do first. If you really can’t decide, then you might as well start by walking through the old town. After all, it’s simple and productive because you can see so many hidden gems in this place.
Be sure to walk through the old town when in the seaside resort of Sainte-Maxime and look out for the architectural gems which have a rich history. For instance, the entrance of the old town is marked by a majestic tower, La Tour Carrée, which was built in the 18th century by monks to prevent invaders from entering the area. The network of cobble-stoned walkways and the lines of cafes and restaurants will give you a sense of the authenticity of the old town.
La Tour Carrée
Address: Place Mireille de Germond, 83120 Sainte-Maxime, France
Website: La Tour Carrée - in French)
2. Beaches for some sun, sand and sea
The coastal stretch of the French Riviera from Les Issambres to Sainte-Maxime boasts a number of fine sandy beaches. Each of these beaches has a personality and name of its own. Some of the popular beaches are Plage de La Nartelle and Plague du Centre Ville.
These beaches offer beach lovers a complete experience, with fine sand to lay picnic mats on and yummy ice cream stalls which line the beach strips. The beaches obviously fill up during summertime, therefore it is necessary to head to the beaches early in order to pick a good spot.
Plage de La Nartelle
Address: Avenue Général Touzet du Vigier, 83120 Sainte-Maxime, France
Plage du Centre Ville
Address: 1 Avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, 83120 Sainte-Maxime, France
3. Soak in the market culture
Sainte-Maxime is a bustling town that attracts throngs of visitors during the summer from all over the world. The town center and the surrounding areas host several types of Provençal markets, selling different varieties of goods and foods. A popular market is the Marche Couvert which is a covered market selling different types of fruits, fish, and vegetables, along with a variety of flowers.
Held in Rue Fernand Bessy, the market is open every morning. A food and crafts market is also held in the vicinity of place du Marché every Friday morning. Sainte-Maxime is synonymous with numerous markets and is a great experience for visitors.
Marche Couvert
Address: 1 Montée de l'Epagneul, 83120 Sainte-Maxime, France
Website: Marche Couvert - in French)
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4. Experience a special event
Whether you are staying in Sainte-Maxime for long or just passing through, you are bound to find an event which will suit your interest. The events are varied and highly attractive and animated. Some of the popular events include the Sainte-Maxime Free Flight World Masters, the mimosa floral parade and the Christmas festivities. There are also several music events which will enthrall both young and old.
Sainte-Maxime Free Flight World Masters
Dates: Beginning of October, annual event
Website: Sainte-Maxime Free Flight World Masters - in French)
5. Gastronomy around Sainte-Maxime
Food and drink are something that must not be missed when in the pretty town. Being a coastal town, it is no doubt that seafood can be found in abundance. Fresh off the sea, the seafood is of top quality and served in French style at many restaurants in the town.
Sainte-Maxime is known to have a huge number of restaurants that serve delectable international fare along with local specialties. Even if you are only looking to unwind with drinks, there are several waterfront bars where you can chill out at. And definitely check out L'Academy, one of the best restaurants in town!
L'Academy
Address: 8 Avenue du General Leclerc, 83120 Sainte-Maxime, France
Website: L'Academy
6. Soak in the fun with the whole family
If you are in Sainte-Maxime and looking to have a day out with the entire family, young and old, then one place you should not miss out on is the Aqualand Water Park. This is probably the best known family-oriented attraction in Cote d'Azur. There are several slides for all ages and a wide range of food and drinks if you are feeling peckish.
Yummy ice cream awaits kids and shopping enthusiasts can also indulge in some shopping. Children are guaranteed a day of fun with the dedicated play area for kids, rapids, lazy pool and so on. There are thrills and spills for even the older children. So take a break from sightseeing and head out with the kids for a day of fun in the water.
Aqualand Water Park
Address: Route du Plan de la Tour, 83120 Sainte-Maxime, France
Website: Aqualand Water Park - in French)
7. Take a boat trip from Sainte-Maxime
If you are done with exploring the city, then consider boat trips that will take you along gorgeous St. Tropez as you breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air. One of the most popular attractions of Sainte-Maxime is the boat trips conducted by the boat service, Les Bateaux Verts. For instance, you can take the boat ride which will cross the bay to St. Tropez and end at Cannes.
These boat trips are ideal during the summer so that you can avoid the summer peak on the road and enjoy some sea breeze instead. From St. Tropez, you can go further and visit towns like Cavalaire-Sur-Mer and Le Lavandou. With these trips, you can easily spend a day at leisure while soaking in the sun, sea and fresh air of the French Mediterranean.
Boat trip from Sainte-Maxime to Sainte-Marguerite and Cannes
Website: Boat trip from Sainte-Maxime to Sainte-Marguerite and Cannes
Travel to Sainte-Maxime and experience St. Tropez
Sainte-Maxime will definitely provide you with a relaxing getaway from your regular routine and rejuvenate your mind and soul. There is so much to do out there and so much to enjoy that you will not feel like going back. The warm Mediterranean waters will calm your mind and take all your stresses away. So go ahead and start planning your next vacation to Sainte-Maxime.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Sainte-Maxime, France
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