Sainte-Maxime, French Riviera

Sainte-Maxime is a French commune located in the department of Var in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. It is the most important city in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

Sainte-Maxime is a family seaside resort located on the coast of the Côte d’Azur. In 1922, the town of Sainte-Maxime was classified “Climate Municipality” and obtained, in 2011, the classification as a tourist resort. Indeed, the city has always worked in favor of a varied and quality tourist offer, which makes it an attractive destination.

Geography
The resort borders the north shore of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Protected from the mistral by the wooded hills of the Maures massif, it opens to the south. The south of the town, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, is at an altitude close to zero. Several valleys, coastal rivers crossing the municipal territory to the sea, in a north-south direction, are surrounded by the hills of the Massif des Maures. The highest point of Sainte-Maxime, the Peigros, near the Col de Gratteloup, has an altitude of 526 meters. Several coastal rivers cross the town of Sainte Maxime: the Préconil, flowing into the Mediterranean Seanear the port, as well as its tributary, the “Vallon de Bouillonnet”; the Garonnette, flowing into the Mediterranean Sea at the edge of the commune, to the east, near Les Issambres; the “Vallon du Puèro”.

History
The town faces southward on the northern shore of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. In the north the Massif des Maures mountain range protects it from the cold winds of the mistral. Sainte Maxime was founded around 1000 AD by monks from the Lérins Islands outside Cannes. They built a monastery and named the village after Saint Maxime. Fishing was the economic mainstay for the inhabitants but during the early 19th century increasing amounts of lumber, cork, olive oil, and wine were shipped to Marseilles and to Italy. The village grew and in the 20th century began to attract artists, poets, and writers who enjoyed the climate, the beautiful surroundings, and the azure blue water. In front of the old town is the characteristic tower – La Tour Carrée – built by the monks in the early 16th century to protect the village from invaders. With an addition of a battery of cannons and with the Tour du Portalet in Saint Tropez the whole bay was protected. As late as in the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon ordered a restoration of the battery while also adding cannons on the Lérins Islands. The tower is now a museum.

On August 15, 1944, the beach of Sainte Maxime was at the centre of Operation Dragoon, the invasion and liberation of southern France during World War II. “Attack Force Delta”, based around the 45th Division, landed at Sainte Maxime. After fierce house-to-house fighting the Germans were defeated and eventually surrendered. By the foot of the Harbour pier and by La Garonette beach in the far east of the commune, memorials at the respective landing places honor the US troops. At La Garonette beach, but formally in Les Issambres, (Roquebrune-sur-Argens commune), the sailing centre is named La Batterie, as it was the location of a German artillery battery.

Tourism is the largest source of revenue for Sainte Maxime nowadays, but the town remains lively all year round with 13 519 inhabitants in 2007. There is the old town with shops, markets, restaurants, bars and cafés, opposite the harbour. On the pier are marine shops and an upscale restaurant, and also fast boat transportation with Les Bateaux Verts to Les Issambres, St Tropez and Port Grimaud. There is a shoreline promenade with parks, pine trees, boulodrome Prince Bertil, the tourist office and the city beaches, as well as a casino with its own piece of white sand.

In addition to the city beaches, there are the Blue Flag-certified supervised ones. On the west side, The Croisette has a sailing school. On the east side of the town are La Nartelle, La Plage des Eléphants and La Garonette (also called Val D’Esquieres), which all provide water-skiing and jet-skiing activities. In addition, there are several smaller beaches that are unsupervised, for a total of 10 km of publicly accessible shoreline. There are eight golf courses within a 30 minute radius by car.

Places and monuments
Sainte-Maxime is a seaside town which allows everyone to enjoy the sun, the sea, the beach , but it is also and above all a small charming town which is committed to preserving all its authenticity.
The port is bordered by Place du Commandant-Bietti. This man from Sainte-Maxime participated in the liberation of the city; nearby, on the edge of the quays, we will see the first terminal of the liberating path “Sainte-Maxime- Langres ”
War memorial
The church has a beautiful marble altar of the xviii th century and a bell from 1733.
Opposite the church is the Tour Carrée. This tower now houses the Sainte-Maxime museum, on the top floor which also allows you to see a beautiful view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the port, you will find a temporary exhibition hall. It was listed on the additional inventory of historic monuments by decree ofAug 29, 1977and housed the town hall of Sainte-Maxime in the 1930s. The Square Tower of the Ladies, built in the xvi th century by monks, served later in the hearings of Justice and now houses the museum of the Square Tower: museum dedicated to the folklore and local traditions, which presents temporary exhibitions or permanent costumes and various objects relating to Provençal history, crafts and fishing.
The Sémaphore, 127 meters high (from its surroundings, the view of the coast encompasses a panorama from Cape Sardineau to Cape Saint-Pierre. From there, the view extends over the Massif des Maures and even up to the chain of the French Alps and the Lérins Islands.
The Phonograph and Mechanical Music Museum presents a unique collection in Europe of over 300 devices, from its origins to the present day.
The Château des Tourelles (also called Château Kéler -or Keller-, Château Gaumont or Château Meissonier), built in 1883 by Jules Antoine Meissonier. Léon Gaumont bought the estate in 1912. This castle served him on several occasions as a setting for filming films, notably Judex and Le Penseur. In 1930, Léon Gaumont retired there definitively and died there in 1946.
The Meinier Iron Age site, which belonged to the writer Victor Margueritte
The Bellevue House, built in 1926, it is listed as historical monuments since 2004
Vivier des Sardinaux, from the Roman era, excavated in 2002 by the Archaeological Association Aristide Fabre.
The villages of the Gulf. This gulf is made up of 12 towns and villages, each with their own charm

Natural heritage
Before any city in Provence, Sainte-Maxime is in a natural setting made up of olive trees and mimosas, on the opposite side of the vineyards. Many hiking and mountain biking trails are available in the area (Route du Mimosa, Sentier du Quilladou, Catalugno…), as well as horse riding in the Massif des Maures. Local products are to be discovered on the city markets on Monday and Thursday morning

The maximoise olive
In the lands of the Massif des Maures, a unique know-how is perpetuated around the olive tree and its fruit. Local products, sun-drenched gastronomy and the stalls of the Maxi markets contribute to the Provencal art of living, between conviviality, sharing and meetings.

The vineyards
The winegrowers of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez are waiting for you to show you their vineyard. White, rosé or red, let yourself be tempted by a tasting of their delicious Côtes de Provence wines !

The Mimosa Route
A 130 km fragrant journey from Bormes Les Mimosas to Grasse, stop in the stopover cities which offer many activities: gastronomy, excursions, hikes, flower parades, visits… A festive atmosphere and activities around the Mimosa, the flagship plant species of the region.

The islands of Hyères!
Off the town of Hyères, head towards the Giens peninsula to set off for the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros from the Fondue Tower. Two emblematic islands, both so different but so exotic and bewitching at the same time.

Myrtle Botanical Garden
Facing the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Botanical Garden is a real oxygen pocket! Discover the richness of plants and the many Mediterranean plants typical of our region by crossing the paths of the garden. Come and discover more than 60 acclimatized plants, some of them centenary like palm trees. From the dwarf palm to the coconut palm of Chile, the park offers a thousand subjects of interest for young and old

Verdon Regional Natural Park
At the mouth of the Var and Alpes de Haute Provence departments, discover the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Spend a day in this haven of peace to discover the different sites of the park. A diversity of landscapes, nature, picturesque villages.

Beaches
The 6 km of sandy beaches are ideal for “lazing around” and lounging! Port city in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, visitors can easily embark to other destinations (Île de Porquerolles, etc.), from Quai Léon Condroyer. Sainte-Maxime is also a paradise for fans of nautical activities.

Port of Sainte-Maxime
The Sainte-Maxime marina and its Harbor Master’s office welcome you all year round. Located in the heart of the city, the port accommodates 400 pleasure boats as well as five fishermen with their sales stalls, a nautical club and the association of boaters. We also have a pontoon reserved for the authorities with the port police, the nautical brigade and the customs surveillance brigade.

Culture heritage
The old village of Sainte-Maxime has cultivated for years its architectural style “Art Deco” characteristic of the 1920s. The route “Architecture of the XXth century” invites to take a new look at an unknown heritage. The Phonograph and local traditions museums (La Tour Carrée) will take you back in time. Sainte-Maxime also has its cultural scene (the Carré Léon Gaumont and its media library) as well as the Jean Portal exhibition hall and art galleries.

Provencal traditions
Proud of its customs, Sainte-Maxime cultivates like all the villages of Provence, its festivals of yesteryear. Often linked to the cycle of the seasons, these festivals were also an opportunity for the village to meet, feast and gather around traditional dances. What could appear to be folklore today is truly experienced and felt by native Provencals and it is with pleasure and emotion that they perpetuate these traditions and popular festivals.

The Votive Festival
Every year, on May 14 and 15, Sainte-Maxime gathers to pay homage to the city’s Sainte-Patronne. Legend has it that Sainte-Maxime, daughter of the Count de Grasse, lord of Antibes would have lived between the years 650 and 750. She refused wealth and glory to dedicate herself fully to God by entering the monastery of Saint-Cassien, dependent on Lérins.

The Saint-Jean
The feast of Saint-Jean d’été, is actually the feast of John the Baptist, on June 24. Originally a pagan festival linked to the worship of the sun, it was celebrated before the birth of Christ among the first Slavic peoples to bless the harvest. This holiday was then Christianized and is celebrated today around the world on June 24, a few days before the summer solstice, to celebrate, thanks to the fires of St. John, the light of summer. Each year, Sainte-Maxime celebrates Saint John with dignity with the folk group Leï Magnoti and the Fifres et Tambours.

Events and festivities

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February
Corso du mimosa: parade and big parade of flowery floats in honor of the mimosa.

March
Winegrowers and Gastronomy Fair: producers and winegrowers from all over France present exceptional products.

April
Jetcup: jetski championship.

May
Fest’Italia: large Italian market offering products directly from Italy. Crafts, gastronomy, fashion, decorations, but also shows and entertainment.
Harley Davidson Eurofestival: the brand’s official European festival.
Votive Festival: celebrates the anniversary of the death of Saint Maxime, patron saint of the city.
Family Plus Week and Children’s Recreational Days: an entire week reserved for families, ending with three days dedicated to children (shows, workshops, entertainment…).
SUP Race Cup: stand up paddle championship.

June
Feast of St. John.
Feast of St. Peter.

July August
The Gala Evenings: every summer, a program is performed at the Sea Theater, in particular with concerts by personalities such as: Serge Lama, Laurent Gerra, Camelia Jordana, Alain Souchon, Calogero, Joyce Jonathan, Garou, Matt Pokora, Noëlle Perna, Tal, Patrick Bruel…

September
Harvest Festival: the traditional harvest festival in honor of the grape harvest which begins in the region.

October
Taste Fair: a true Maxim institution, this fair offers a thousand and one recipes presented by the greatest chefs and professionals in the region.
Sainte-Maxime Free Flight World Masters: since 2000, an exceptional air show with the best aerobatic pilots in the world.

November
Rallye du Var: traditional epilogue of the French Rally Championship season.
Oil Festival: event that marks the arrival of new oil.

December
Pleasures and Chocolates Fair: many exhibitors unveil their artisanal products for pleasures sometimes sweet, sometimes salty.

Sports & Leisure:
Activities for everyone… Between sporting events (national and European competitions), fun activities or introduction to traditional pétanque, there is a wide choice for all areas of interest, alone, as a couple, with friends or family: jet ski, golf, parasailing, mechanical sports, tennis, Skate-Park, swimming pool… Large leisure parks are located nearby (Aqualand, Marineland Antibes…)

Hiking
Picnic, sunbathe, dive, discover! A magical place where young and old can discover plants, algae, shellfish and crustaceans. Place of tranquility, the Pointe des Sardinaux is a natural and wild peninsula nicknamed “La petite Corse”. A haven of peace where relaxation and fun are played.

Buy
Sainte-Maxime city center is full of shops with multiple treasures: walk the streets to discover 470 shops, artisans and professionals in the accommodation and leisure industries.

The Covered Market
The Covered Market, an experience that awakens the senses on a daily basis. When you stroll through the Sainte-Maxime covered market, it’s much more than a simple stroll that you are about to do; it’s an atmosphere, local products and producers who love their products above all, scents, meetings.

Eat
As for restaurants, the thousand and one flavors of restaurants, snacks or fast-food will satisfy the greatest appetite and make you discover the specialties of the region! Not to be missed: the famous Tarte Tropézienne by Alexandre Micka.

Drink
By the sea, with a view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez or in the city center, several bars and lounge bars allow you to relax while enjoying a cocktail in a musical atmosphere. The games casino located on the promenade has 125 slot machines and a traditional games area. A lively city throughout the year, Sainte-Maxime benefits from a rich artistic program, to be discovered in the agenda of the Tourist Office.

Getting around
The Simplicity transport network offers advantageous rates, per day ticket (unlimited number of trips for € 1 ) or by monthly subscription. The subscription is free for disabled people / holders of the European transport card, holders of the painful standing station card (blue card), holders of the disability card (orange card), veterans aged over 65 years old. The city also has several car parks free and paid parking, as well as locations for campers.

French Riviera
The French Riviera is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France. There is no official boundary, but it is usually considered to extend from Cassis, Toulon or Saint-Tropez on the west to Menton at the France–Italy border in the east, where the Italian Riviera joins. The coast is entirely within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. The Principality of Monaco is a semi-enclave within the region, surrounded on three sides by France and fronting the Mediterranean. Riviera is an Italian word that corresponds to the ancient Ligurian territory, wedged between the Var and Magra rivers.

The climate of the Côte d’Azur is temperate Mediterranean with mountain influences on the northern parts of the departments of Var and Alpes-Maritimes. It is characterized by dry summers and mild winters which help reduce the likelihood of freezing. The Côte d’Azur enjoys significant sunshine in mainland France for 300 days a year.

This coastline was one of the first modern resort areas. It began as a winter health resort for the British upper class at the end of the 18th century. With the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, it became the playground and vacation spot of British, Russian, and other aristocrats, such as Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II and King Edward VII, when he was Prince of Wales. In the summer, it also played home to many members of the Rothschild family. In the first half of the 20th century, it was frequented by artists and writers, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Francis Bacon,h Wharton, Somerset Maugham and Aldous Huxley, as well as wealthy Americans and Europeans. After World War II, it became a popular tourist destination and convention site. Many celebrities, such as Elton John and Brigitte Bardot, have homes in the region.

The eastern part (maralpine) of the Côte d’Azur has been largely transformed by the concreting of the coast linked to the tourist development of foreigners from North Europe and the French,. The Var part is better preserved from urbanization with the exception of the agglomeration of Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël affected by the demographic growth of the maralpin coast and the agglomeration of Toulon which has been marked by urban sprawl on its part West and by a spread of industrial and commercial areas (Grand Var).

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