Place des Lices: The Heart of Saint-Tropez
Experience the charm of Saint-Tropez at Place des Lices: a historic square with vibrant markets, boules games, and timeless appeal.
Place des Lices is a famous square in the heart of Saint-Tropez, embodying the town's rich history and vibrant atmosphere. The square's origins trace back to the 9th and 10th centuries when it served as a jousting ground; the word 'Lices' means 'jousting ground'. In the early 1800s, the area was transformed into a public square with the planting of twelve plane trees. Today, these mature trees provide shade and character to the open space. Every Tuesday and Saturday morning, Place des Lices hosts a traditional Provençal market. This market offers a wide array of goods, including fresh produce, flowers, clothing, antiques, and local handicrafts. The market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a taste of the region's culture and flavors. Beyond the market, Place des Lices is a social hub where locals gather to play pétanque, a traditional boules game. The square also hosts pétanque tournaments, especially during the summer months. Several cafes line the square, providing places to relax and soak in the ambiance. The square has attracted many artists, including Paul Signac, Henri Matisse and Charles Camoin, who have captured its essence in their paintings.
Local tips
- Visit the Place des Lices market on Tuesday or Saturday mornings for a wide variety of local products.
- Arrive early at the market to avoid crowds and secure the freshest produce.
- Watch or join a game of pétanque, a traditional boules game popular among locals.
- Enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the cafes lining the square.
- Take a stroll under the shade of the plane trees and soak in the atmosphere.
A brief summary to Place des Lices
- Trav. des Lices, Saint-Tropez, 83990, FR
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
Place des Lices is centrally located in Saint-Tropez, south of the Vieux Port (Old Port). From the port area, walk south along Avenue Foch or Boulevard Vasserot. The square is easily accessible on foot from most locations within the town center.
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Public Transport
Saint-Tropez has a local bus system. Several bus lines stop near Place des Lices. Check the Varlib website for schedules and routes. From the Saint-Tropez bus station, it's a short walk to Place des Lices. A free shuttle minibus runs from Place des Lices to the town beaches. A single bus ticket costs around €3.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Saint-Tropez. A short taxi ride from the outskirts of town to Place des Lices will typically cost between €15-€25.
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Parking
Parking near Place des Lices can be challenging, especially during market days. Several parking lots are available, including Parking des Lices. Expect to pay hourly rates, typically around €3-€5 per hour. Consider using the private parking area 100m from Place des Lices.
