Saint-Tropez’s event calendar is anchored by two world-class sailing regattas, one deeply traditional religious festival, and a summer of fireworks and polo. The town has been actively working to spread events across the shoulder seasons, so you’ll find compelling reasons to visit from May through October. Here are the main events, with dates, locations, and what to expect. For detailed climate data including monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea temperatures, see our Saint-Tropez weather by month guide.
Saint-Tropez Events: Les Bravades (May 16-18)
Les Bravades is Saint-Tropez’s oldest and most authentic festival, dating back to 1558 when the town was granted the right to raise a militia for self-defense. For three days around May 16-18, the town transforms with costumed locals in 19th-century military uniforms, traditional Provencal dresses, and musicians playing fifes and drums. The centerpiece is the blessing of weapons at the Eglise de Saint-Tropez, followed by musket and cannon fire in the streets and a procession carrying the bust of Saint Tropez (the town’s namesake saint) through the old town to the port. Expect loud bangs throughout the day (the muskets use blanks but they’re genuinely loud). The festival is deeply local, not a tourist production. Most restaurants are fully booked; reserve weeks ahead. Free to watch from the streets. If you’re trying to decide when to plan your trip, check our best time to visit Saint-Tropez guide for a complete season-by-season breakdown.
Saint-Tropez Events: Loro Piana Giraglia (Mid-June)
The Giraglia is one of the Mediterranean’s classic offshore sailing races, running since 1953. The fleet gathers in Saint-Tropez’s port for several days of inshore racing before the main event: a 243-nautical-mile offshore race from Saint-Tropez around the Giraglia rock off Corsica to Genoa, Italy. The pre-race atmosphere in the port is electric: over 200 yachts from classic wooden beauties to cutting-edge carbon racers line the quays, crews mingle at the bars, and the nightly parties at the Societe Nautique are legendary (ticketed). Even if you don’t sail, walking the docks and watching the starts from the citadel or the Môle Jean Revel is worth the trip. Exact dates vary but typically run June 11-17. For a complete list of attractions with opening hours and prices, see our things to do in Saint-Tropez article.
Saint-Tropez Events: Bastille Day (July 14)
France’s national day brings fireworks over the Vieux Port, preceded by a torchlight parade through the old town and a bal populaire (public dance) in Place des Lices with live music. The fireworks launch from a barge in the bay around 22:30, visible from the entire port area and the citadel hill. Arrive by 21:00 to claim a spot on the Môle Jean Revel or along the Quai de l’Epi for the best views. Restaurants with portside terraces (Senequier, Le Girelier) book up weeks ahead. The fireworks display runs about 25 minutes. Free public event. For a walk-through of every district, read our Saint-Tropez neighborhoods guide.
Saint-Tropez Events: Assumption Day Fireworks (August 15)
The August 15 fireworks over the port are Saint-Tropez’s biggest single-night spectacle of the summer. The display is typically longer and more elaborate than the Bastille Day show, launching from multiple barges. The religious feast day also brings a morning procession from the church to the port. The port and surrounding streets close to vehicle traffic from 19:00. Restaurants with terrace views charge premium set menus (100-200 EUR per person). Free to watch from any public vantage point along the port. Expect crowds of 10,000+ people. Find the right hotel and area with our where to stay in Saint-Tropez guide.
Saint-Tropez Events: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (Late September to Early October)
Les Voiles is the crown jewel of Saint-Tropez’s sailing calendar. Over 300 yachts, split between classic wooden boats and modern racing machines, compete in daily races in the Gulf. The event runs for about 10 days from late September into early October. The port transforms into a floating museum: you can walk the docks and get within meters of immaculately restored J-Class yachts, schooners from the 1920s, and maxi racers worth tens of millions. The village des Voiles along the port offers exhibitor tents, bars, and evening concerts. Racing is visible from the citadel, the Môle, and the coastal path. Free to spectate. Book hotels months ahead as the event draws an international sailing crowd. For practical advice on airports, transport, and costs, read our Saint-Tropez travel tips.
Saint-Tropez Events: Polo Masters (August)
The Polo Masters Saint-Tropez runs throughout August at the Polo Club de Saint-Tropez in nearby Gassin (10-minute drive). The tournament draws international players and teams competing at a high level. Matches are typically in the late afternoon (17:00-19:00) when the heat eases. Entry is free for spectators, with a paying VIP tent option (around 150 EUR including champagne and catering). The club has a restaurant and bar open to non-members during tournament days. Smart casual dress code. Check the club’s website for the exact match schedule as it varies year to year. For an overview of the town and all our guides, visit our Saint-Tropez travel guide.
Saint-Tropez Events: Christmas Market (December)
The Christmas market in Place des Lices runs from early December through the first week of January. About 30 wooden chalets sell Provencal crafts, santons (traditional hand-painted clay nativity figurines), regional foods, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts. An ice skating rink sets up in the square (around 8 EUR including skate rental). The town decorates the port with lights and there’s a small ferris wheel. It’s a low-key, local affair compared to the summer madness. Most of the year-round restaurants stay open. A good time to experience Saint-Tropez as a Provencal town rather than an international party destination.
Saint-Tropez Events: Les Voiles d’Automne (Early November)
A smaller, more low-key regatta for classic yachts, Les Voiles d’Automne runs over a weekend in early November. About 40-50 classic boats participate in relaxed racing in the Gulf. The event is designed to extend the sailing season and give classic boat owners one last gathering before winter storage. Spectating is free and the docks are open to walk. A good weekend for sailing enthusiasts who prefer a quieter atmosphere. Dates are typically the second weekend of November, confirmed about two months ahead on the Societe Nautique de Saint-Tropez website.
