SAINTE-MAXIME
DYNAMIC CITY

Sainte-Maxime is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and offers magnificent sandy beaches, as well as numerous water sports activities.
Sainte-Maxime is also known for its historical and cultural heritage, with many monuments and museums to visit.

Sainte-Maxime is located on the seaside.
Take advantage of its numerous beaches with an exceptional view of the Estérel massif, the Maures massif and the gulf of Saint-Tropez.
For a moment of relaxation and nature, discover the botanical garden of Myrtes or the path of Deffend.
Discover the city in a different way on board the little train in the streets of the old town or walk along the paths of the Deffend trail for an afternoon with your family. Sainte Maxime is animated by festivities all year long, take part in the folklore of the Var and Provence.
Share a moment with your family or friends at the Aqualand water park.


Family activities


Its particular relief makes Sainte Maxime a place favorable to family activities. Several parks welcome you like Aventure Famille, Aqualand or the treasure hunt of the city.


The Deffend trail


Enjoy a hike in the middle of nature, between land and sea, on the heights of Sainte-Maxime.
Discover a panoramic view of the Estérel massif, the Maures massif and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Its wild nature will take you on an olfactory and visual journey, in search of the regional botanical beauties.
Hiking shoes or sneakers are recommended.

Characteristics of the trail
Difficulty: medium
Duration: 3h
Level: 280m
Course of 7 km


The botanical garden of Myrtles


Contemplate more than sixty botanical species with exotic plants and shrubs such as the dwarf palm or the Chilean coconut tree.
It is also an opportunity to admire the Var plant varieties such as the arbutus, the myrtle, the rockrose, the umbrella pine...
An ideal place for a family walk, a playground for children is set up.
The garden has a signpost to guide you during your visit.

Opening hours
January 01 to March 31:
Daily, 8am to 5pm.
April 01 to September 30:
Daily, 8am to 8pm.
October 01 to December 31:
Daily, 8am to 5pm.
Admission
Free admission


Festivals and celebrations


Sainte-Maxime is punctuated by celebrations throughout the year. Take part in the city's festive events such as the Mimosa Route, the Votive Festival, St. John's Day and St. Peter's Day.


The Mimosa Route


On the program: musical performances, confetti battles, and a costume parade of adults and children...

From Bornes-les-mimosas to Grasse, the mimosa route is a festival route celebrating the return of winter with the colors azure and sunny yellow as emblems. The festival takes place on the first weekend of February and announces other festivals on the French Riviera such as the Nice Carnival or the Menton Lemon Festival. It is composed of twelve floats decorated with mimosas and regional flowers. Designed by local artisans, the floats parade along the roads maximoises.


The Votive Festival


On the program: mass, procession of bravado, firing of cannons, decoration of the saint by the children...

On May 14 and 15, young and old gather to celebrate the patron saint who gives her name to the town. Around 650, the daughter of the Count of Grasse and Lord of Antibes, Sainte-Maxime decided to give up her privileges to devote herself to God at the monastery of Saint-Cassien. After a life of religious teaching, she was consecrated and celebrated in the chapel of the Priory of Sainte-Maxime. During these two days, the city is decorated in blue and white.


St. John's Day


Enjoy a seaside folk dance followed by a fireworks display.
On June 24, the festival of St. John of Summer pays tribute to the light of summer. Of pagan origin, this christianized festival gathers traditional musical groups.


The Saint-Pierre


The fishermen's festival, celebrated on June 29, highlights the Patron Saint of fishermen. On the program: blessing of the boats, traditional dances, sardinade,...


The Little Train of Sainte-Maxime

 

Embark on the little train of Sainte-Maxime, discover the old town and its breathtaking view on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The ride lasts 45 minutes.

Discover the history of the city and anecdotes about the Semaphore or the Gaumont castle with a tourist guide.

This activity is ideal for a discovery and entertaining visit with the family.

Prices
No reservation, buy your ticket directly on site
Adults (12 years and over): €8
Children (3-11 years): €5
Free for children under 3.
Opening hours
Open daily
From early February to mid-November

 


Visit olive groves


The Massif des Maures is an ideal land for olive growing.
Visit the Domaine de la Pierre Plantée or Les Oliveraies du Cadé et des Ribes, and discover a traditional know-how.


The domain of the Pierre Plantée


Visit the largest plantation of the Var with its 3,600 olive trees.
The Pierre Plantée estate cultivates 14 varieties of olive trees.
The olive oil produced by the family, is recognizable by its taste of green tomato, raw artichoke and peppery aroma.


Olive oil tasting

The Olivier family opens its doors to you for a tasting in the store.
From olive oil to cosmetics, you will find all the inter-generational know-how.
Located on the heights of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, admire the panoramic view of the whole region. Free tasting

Opening of the store
From January to March : only on Tuesday from 2.30 pm to 5 pm
From April to September : Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 12 am - 2.30 pm to 6 pm


Guided tours of the estate


The Domaine de Pierre Plantée offers guided tours with Thierry and Stéphanie, passionate olive growers.
During your tour, discover the secrets of olive oil: from the harvest to the final product.


Visit of the olive grove

Opening hours
April-May-June-September: Fridays at 10 a.m.
July-August: Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.
Contact
04 94 96 65 65
06 71 15 32 36
contact@domainelapierreplantee.com


The olive groves of Cadé and Ribes


Producer of natural extra virgin olive oil, without pesticides, Lydie Caranta, welcomes you in her olive grove.
Taste the four varieties of olive oil flagship of the Var:
Pardiguier: a sweet oil with fruity aromas.
Cayon: a sweet oil with tomato, apple and almond aromas.
Petit Ribier: an intense oil with fruity aromas.
Cayet Roux: a sweet oil with apple, green and hay aromas.

Opening hours and information
Open daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Closed Sundays.
Contact
04 94 43 79 03
contact@lydiecaranta-immobilier.com

 

Markets, Brocante

Sainte-Maxime has many markets. Find local products from traditional know-how: fresh and seasonal products, provincial textiles...

The fishermen's stall

Every morning of the year, the fishermen bring the day's catch to the stalls in the port of Sainte Maxime.

Come and discover the great variety of fish species.

Opening hours
Every morning of the year

 

Wednesday Brocante

Every Wednesday from 8 am to 6 pm, the second-hand dealers present you their finds.

Find used furniture, collectibles and unique items of all kinds.

Opening hours
Every Wednesday from 8am to 6pm

 

The market of regional products

In the pedestrian street, find fresh and local products: fruits, vegetables, cheeses, honey, jams and Provencal specialities...

The market proposes products of the region, there is for all the tastes, spicy, salty, sweet.

Schedule
Every Thursday morning.

The market of Sainte Maxime

Stroll through the stands of the big market of Sainte-Maxime.

Find textiles, jewelry, Provencal fabrics, and handmade and regional products!

Schedule
Every Friday morning.

 

The covered market

You will find more than 20 stands: a bakery-pastry shop, a greengrocer, a fishmonger, a butcher's shop, a dairy, a delicatessen, and a florist!

The covered market offers you all kinds of local products from the Provencal know-how of the craftsmen and producers of the region.

Opening hours

From January 01 to March 31:
Open Tuesday to Sunday, in the morning.

From April 01 to mid-July:
Open every day in the morning.

From mid-July to August 31:
Open every day except Sunday, from 7am to 2pm and from 5pm to 7:30pm

From September 01 to September 30:
Open every day in the morning.

From October 01 to December 31:
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, in the morning.

 

The Patio Fleuri market

The market offers local and artisanal products.

You will find fruits and vegetables as well as clothes, utensils, furniture, toys...

Patio Fleuri market schedule

Open all year round, every Monday morning.

From April 01 to September 30 :

Open every Monday and Friday morning.

Family adventure, accrobranche

Suspended up to eight meters high, go through the trees like an acrobat.

A completely safe route is available for children.

In the middle of a pine forest of more than two hectares, the accrobranche park offers you a multitude of modules.

With its 70 workshops spread over the 8 courses you have something for all levels:

  • 4 adult courses from 9 years old
  • 4 children's courses accessible to children between 3 and 8 years old

Safety level: the courses are supervised by expert personnel.

Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Aventure Famille provides :

  • a wifi zone,
  • shaded picnic areas
  • a petanque court
  • snacks
  • free parking

Contact

04 94 45 71 12
06 75 46 54 48

info@aventurefamille.com
philippe.legal@aventurefamille.com

Prices

Price starting at 15 €.

 

Aqualand Sainte Maxime

 

Swim in a wave pool, slide down giant slides, test the flying board and the giant X-trem Bowl spinning top!

The Aqualand water park is the ideal place to enjoy a family day

Enjoy a savory break at the snack bar or a sweet break at the creperie, in the park's food centers.

 

The treasure hunt

 

In the center of the old town, discover the folklore of Maximois through a treasure hunt.

The animals Léon the fish, Lulu the sea turtle, Roland the seagull and Lilou the baby

turtle embark on a colorful adventure. With the help of a treasure map, find the letters hidden on each place you cross to find Lilou.

The treasure map

To find the treasure map, click here.

https://www.sainte-maxime.com/download/Chasse%20aux%20tr%C3%A9sor%20FR.pdf

The beaches

Enjoy the mild air of the region and its beaches with turquoise waters.

Beach of the Croisette

Located west of the city, it is composed of sand or pebbles depending on the location.

It offers an inescapable view on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime.

Luc Provensal Beach

Located in the center of the city, admire Saint-Tropez and its bell tower. You can easily reach it by foot and lie down in the shade of its pine trees. Enjoy the terraces of the surrounding restaurants.

Beach of the Madrague

Typical landscape of the South of France, take advantage of its numerous creeks to discover the marine fauna of the region. Several activities are proposed such as the rental of boats, pedal boats, canoes and paddle boats.

Beach of Nartelle :

Located east of the city, it is the ideal place for a day at the beach with the family.

This sandy beach also offers several activities: rental of boats, pedal boats, canoes, paddle boats,...

The beach is also known to be a popular spot for windsurfing, surfing and bodyboarding.

There are several fast food outlets.

Pointe des Sardinaux

The Pointe des Sardinaux, nicknamed "Little Corsica", is a natural peninsula that has retained its wild charm.

Come with your fins and snorkels to discover the large fauna and marine flora.

Have lunch in the shade of its pine forest.

In the heart of this wilderness, a World War II bunker and a fishpond from Roman antiquity are to be seen.

Elephant Beach

A part of the beach is private. The beach restaurant provides you with deckchairs and parasols. Don't forget to reserve your table at 04.94.49.11.49.

Small anecdote:

This beach inspired the author Jean de Brunhoff of the King of the Elephants in one of his comics "Le Voyage de Babar".

Beach of the Garonnette

Located east of the peninsula of Saint-Tropez, it is composed of fine sand.

Its turquoise water has nothing to envy the Caribbean beaches.

Discover its marine biodiversity and fish for a successful family day.