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Citadelle de Saint-Tropez: A Maritime History Hub

Explore Saint-Tropez's maritime history at this 17th-century fortress with panoramic views of the French Riviera.

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Perched atop a hill overlooking Saint-Tropez, the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez is a 17th-century fortress housing the Musée d'histoire maritime. It offers panoramic views of the coastline and a deep dive into the region's maritime past.

A brief summary to Citadelle de Saint-Tropez - Musée d'histoire maritime

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk up to the Citadelle can be steep.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Saint-Tropez and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Vieux Port (Old Port) in Saint-Tropez, walk east along Quai Jean Jaurès, taking in the sights of the harbor. Turn left onto Rue de la Citadelle and begin the uphill walk towards the Citadelle. The walk is a short but steep climb. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the entrance. There are no costs associated with walking to the Citadelle.

  • Public Transport

    From the Saint-Tropez bus station, located a short walk from the city center, you can take a local bus towards the Citadelle. Check local schedules for the 'Le Saint-Tropez Bus'. The bus will drop you off near the base of the hill, from where you can walk the remaining distance to the entrance. A single bus ticket costs approximately €3. A 10-trip ticket is also available for better value.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Saint-Tropez. Provide the driver with the address: 1 Mnt de la Citadelle, 83990 Saint-Tropez. The taxi will drop you off as close to the entrance as possible. The estimated cost from the city center is between €20 and €40.

  • Car

    If driving, follow signs for the Citadelle. Be aware that parking is limited near the entrance. Three pay parking lots are located close to the town center: Parc des Lices, Parking du 15e Corps and Parking Foch. Free parking is available near La Bouillabaisse Plage, about 30 minutes' walk from the port. Parking fees near the Citadelle typically range from €2 to €3 per hour.

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The Citadelle de Saint-Tropez has been crowning the town for over 400 years. Constructed in the early 17th century, from 1602 to 1608, upon the commission of Henry IV, the Citadel was built to protect the Provencal coast from Spanish invasion. The King's engineer, Raymond de Bonnefons, built the massive defensive tower on the 'hill of mills'. The Citadel's hexagonal keep is a masterpiece of early military architecture. The ramparts and enclosure showcase remarkable defensive ingenuity. The fortress lost its strategic role in 1873. Today, the Citadelle is home to the Musée d'histoire maritime, which opened in 2013 after extensive restoration. The museum tells the stories of Tropezian sailors across the world, highlighting the heritage of fishermen and merchant seamen who shaped the town. The museum displays objects, travel accounts, and stories of adventures of Tropezians. The museum has interactive exhibits with sound, video, and headphones. One curiosity is a room dedicated to the sailboat “Le Virtuelle,” designed by Philippe Starck. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from the ramparts. The views of the terracotta roofs and the azure waters are a delight for photographers.

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