SAINT-TROPEZ - Beautiful cruise into harbor with hundreds of big yachts and sailboats. Anchored off Estacade Quay; 15-minute tender ride to Quai de l'Epi Pier; about 10-min walk to town.

HILLSIDE VILLAGES Ship Excursion 9-1  Loop around the peninsula by tour bus with a walking tour of three of the most beautiful villages in southern France.

GRIMAUD - Provençal village nestled in the Maures Mountains with narrow streets and ruins of an old medieval castle.

Beautiful Cemetery and Saint-Roch Windmill built in the 17th century. Walked along the winding, tiled lanes with beautiful bougainvillea and oleander lining the arched facades of the stone houses with the traditional terracotta tiled roofs (the more tiles the richer the family).

Stone Church of St Michael (Roman style built end of 12th century). Belltower added in 16th century. Interior has lovely vaulted ceilings and traces of medieval frescoes.

Up to the ancient Grimaud Walled Castle (started in 11th century, enhanced in 17th). Then back through the village with beautiful spots at every turn.

This was our favorite of the three villages. Very pretty drive to the next village with the unique umbrella pines and the winding road to top. 

 GASSIN means high rock with the village perched above Saint-Tropez Bay and surrounding hills; magnificent views! Lovely view from the car park overlooking the surrounding vineyards and hills.

Went first to oldest part of village to the church created by Templars. 

Wonderful ancient streets with flowers everywhere were a delight to explore. Even an old well. L'Androuno--narrowest street in world. Had to try to squeeze through--turned sideways with stomach sucked in; made it thank goodness.

RAMATUELLE  - another hilltop village with wonderful views of the sea with narrow streets and clusters of ancient, fortified houses.

Just outside the stone entrance gateway with a Monument to the Resistance.

Elm Square (Place de l’ormeau) is main square. The mica in the stone streets sparkled in the sun. 

Against the protective ramparts is the main historic sight, L'eglise Notre-Dame church (16th century). Bell-tower is the remains of a 14th century watchtower. Even enough time for a gelato.
 

Great tour with only a short bus ride of 10-20 minutes between each village. Walking through the villages with our excellent guide, a very nice French lady, sure helped with the maze of lanes in order to see the highlights and learn about the history of each village.

Back to SAINT TROPEZ PORT with 2.5 hours before ship leaves.   Such an enjoyable walk to town along the pretty Old Port lined with tall, colorful hourses that were restored after WWII. First time being on the French Riviera with so many huge yachts.

Randy's tennis shoes are falling apart so looking for some glue. Grocery store but no glue. Walked to another store that was like a drugstore upstairs that had glue. Always interesting to shop at the local stores. 
Across street is square with bronze statue of Brigitte Bardot in a seashell. Her movie "And God Created Woman" helped Saint Tropez become a place for jetsetters.

Walked to Place des Lices to get the famous tart from Tarte Tropezienne Bakery.  Since it costs double to eat at a table  inside, we took it to a park across the street. Yummy! 
Fabulous views leaving port of the Old Town and the Citadelle on the hill!

Ended a great day with another colorful sunset.