From superyachts to sunset magic: Inside Saint-Tropez's allure

If the number of super cruisers and luxury yachts bobbing in the crystal blue water are anything to go by, I am sailing towards a movie set. While I've read about the glitz and glamour of Saint-Tropez, nothing prepares me for the sheer beauty of the arrival into the popular coastal town.

Picture-perfect deep blue ocean, stunning white beaches, hundreds of gleaming boats in Port Saint-Tropez and the sounds of revving luxury cars greet my arrival.

I'm clearly not the only one impressed. It's peak tourist season and obviously this place is on a lot of bucket lists.

The first view I have of Saint-Tropez's famed Pampelonne Beach is like looking at a panoramic postcard.

Pure white sand stretches as far as the eye can see, hugging the deep blue ocean that ebbs and flows gently in the scorching heat.

Holiday-makers are spread out across the whole expanse under umbrellas, while some have forked out to rent a private deck chair for an exorbitant price.

I walk along the beach just enjoying the hot weather and the feel of sand between my toes as I find a good place for a dip.

As I discover, the best thing about travelling in the hot summer months in France is the first moment you enter the sea - an initial sting of cold and then pure refreshing bliss.

Later I go for a wander down the expanse of sand and catch a glimpse of the famed glamour of this part of the French Riviera; young men in polo shirts ferry beautiful people in buggies from their hotel to the beach, and valet attendants park the lamborghinis and porsches of those attending the ritzy beach bars.

While Saint-Tropez is well known as a draw for celebrities and those who like parties until dawn, it's also clearly a popular family holiday destination based on the huge number of visitors I see on its streets.

Some spend time along the main marina checking out the rather impressive super-yachts and cruisers, others delight in shopping for luxury brands (Gucci, Prada and Dior to name a few) or step into a classy bar to enjoy a cocktail.

The place simply heaves with people, and I throw myself into the chaos as I explore one of the liveliest places along the French Riviera.

I spot a line-up in front of a trendy bakery and upon closer inspection realise people are walking away clutching what looks like slabs of cake; this calls for an investigation.

It is the famed delicacy Tarte Tropezienne, which consists of two orange blossom-flavoured sponges crammed together with cream, with a sprinkling of big sugar grains on top. I opt for a mini tarte and, trust me, it tastes as good as it sounds.

Eventually I need a break from the crowds and find myself taking a breather in the central square, Place des Lices. Couples and families relax on park benches in the shade of centuries-old plane trees, and the vibe is certainly calmer than the frantic shopping going on around it.

I hear clinks and shouts from further along from where I sit, which is the sound of a group of (older) men playing petanque. This location is famed for this pastime and also the popular food and souvenir market which runs twice a week.

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Then, still aiming to avoid the crowds, I head towards the town's citadel and walk up a steep path to reach it. The Citadel of Saint-Tropez has crowned the town for 400 years. While initially constructed as a defence tower, it was purchased by the city in 1993 and now houses a museum that tells the story of Tropezian history. Unfortunately I have not timed my visit well, landing there 15 minutes after closing time, but I still walk around it and enjoy the views, the best vantage point over the region.

A site many flock to is the bronze statue of Saint-Tropez' most famous resident Brigitte Bardot, which is located in front of the Musee de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema. As the story goes, her role in the 1965 film And God Created Woman both put the town on the world stage and cemented her status as a sex symbol, actress and model. She still resides in the town today.

As the heat begins to finally recede for the day as time shifts towards evening, I walk back along the marina eyeing the full-to-bursting restaurants and cafes.

Eventually I choose a place where I can sit and watch the crowds strolling along as I consume a huge plate of mussels and fries. This is the perfect meal because while delicious, it also takes ages to eat so I can keep the table and continue to enjoy the view of the marina as the sun begins to set. I decide to splurge on dessert and order a lemon sorbet, which deserves to be savoured but can't be because it melts too quickly.

It is a magical moment; the sun slowly sets over the ocean and casts an orange glow over the buildings surrounding the gleaming luxury boats in the marina.

This popular town sure has the glitz and glamour, but there is a touch of magic to be found here as well.

Getting there: Saint-Tropez is a 1.5-hour drive from the Toulon-Hyeres airport. Seasonal boats sail from Saint-Raphael, Sainte-Maxime, Cannes and Nice to the port.

Staying there: The writer stayed the night on the Star Flyer cruise ship but a variety of luxury accommodation is available in the town.

Explore more: sainttropeztourisme.com/en

Pictures: Shutterstock; Getty Images

The writer travelled courtesy of Star Clippers.