When it comes to decadent clubbing, the Tropéziens set the bar, in the bar… and set it high. After all, anywhere that’s positioned at celebrities thirsty for Cristal after an arduous superyacht voyage is bound to be opulent, ostentatious and obstructively overpriced. But with tight guest lists, lengthy queues and some of the continent’s surliest, most selective bouncers, where does one get down without getting thrown out? In these places of course; our 5 IDEAL St. Tropez nightclubs.
THE IDEAL WARM UP: LE QUAI
With its gleaming white façade and iconic black sand terrace, well-positioned Le Quai is a popular pre-club bar for party animals who like their cocktails garnished with glitz; a great place to limber up for a night at Les Caves du Roy. It hots up after 9pm when the central area becomes a dance floor, if you do fancy focusing your whole night here. Get installed for sunset, grab a cocktail, take in the stunning views of the harbour and see where the night takes you. Sometimes the buzz of spontaneity is the strongest one of all.
Address: 22 Quai Jean Jaurès, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Website: www.lequaisaint-tropez.com
THE IDEAL ICON: LES CAVES DU ROY AT HOTEL BYBLOS
Don’t be put off by the lengthy queues. Fix up, look sharp and put your brightest smile on, because once you past the town’s pickiest bouncers, you’ve made it into St. Tropez’s most exclusive nightclub. The key to getting in is to be dressed up, but not overdressed; subtlety is valued here. And whatever you do, don’t look too over-excited in the queue; you do this every night of the week, right? Though it’s been around since 1967, the club’s overhaul in 2017 to celebrate its 50th anniversary has kicked things up a notch. Prepare your purse accordingly.
Address: 27 Av. Foch, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Website: www.byblos.com
THE IDEAL SHOW OFF: NIKKI BEACH ST. TROPEZ
Warning! This popular beach club is where the influencers congregate, perched territorially on the pristine white daybeds, posing around the Instagram-worthy swimming pool (almost as dreamy as that of Villa Palmieros, Saint Tropez) and necking jeroboams of champagne around the bar. Since opening in 2002, Nikki Beach has quickly became one of the best St. Tropez nightclubs. So, enjoy the vibes, have fun and prepare for a punchy bar bill.
Address: 1093 Chem. de l’EPI, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Website: saint-tropez.nikkibeach.com
THE IDEAL CELEB HANGOUT: VIP ROOM
Considered by celebrities to be the pinnacle of nightlife St. Tropez and located in the very heart of this glamorous town, the VIP Room has seen everyone from Tyga and Chris Brown to Snoop Dog grace its dance floor. If you’re into celeb spotting and champagne quaffing this is the place for you. Expect picky bouncers, podium parading, famous faces and plenty of house and techno tunage.
Address: All. du Quai de l’Epi, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
THE IDEAL NEWCOMER: GAÏO
After 55-years at the top St. Tropez has finally and fondly bid farewell to its legendary Papagayo nightclub – known for its spectacular terrace views and celeb crowd. In its place, the ‘prez’s hedonists have welcomed slick restaurant-cum-nightclub Gaïo. While of course the big Pap’ was an impossibly tough act to follow, Gaio has quickly cut its own swagger. Refreshingly, food is not an afterthought here, with quality ‘nikkei’ cuisine (FYI – that’s the Japanese-Peruvian fare which Nobu made famous) taking centre stage until the music kicks in and the restaurant transforms into a chic club, going strong until 6am.
Address: 4 Rue du 11 Novembre 1918, 83990 Saint-Tropez,
Website: gaio.club