Sainte-Maxime holiday home vacation: Relaxed days between the sea and the old town

A week of sunshine, Mediterranean ease, and time together—that's exactly what we wanted for our vacation in Sainte-Maxime. The four of us set off for the Côte d'Azur, full of anticipation for relaxing days spent on the beach, enjoying good food, and warm evenings under the open sky. Sainte-Maxime welcomed us with open arms—and after just a few hours, we already felt like we had arrived.

After the drive, we took it easy for a while. The holiday home was a dream – inviting, spacious, and with a beautiful private pool glistening in the sunlight. We unpacked only the essentials, opened a bottle of rosé, and sat on the terrace. The view of the garden, the warm rays of sunshine, and the gentle rustling of the palm trees – that's all it took to immediately get into the holiday spirit.

In the evening, we strolled through the old town. The flower-filled streets led us to the Bistrot de Louis, where we enjoyed our first dinner and tried out French cuisine.

The next morning began with a relaxed breakfast on the terrace: fresh croissants, fragrant coffee, and anticipation of the day.

Around midday we headed to the Plage de la Nartelle. There, we found everything our hearts desired: fine sand, turquoise water, and a beach club offering loungers and a small, delicious lunch. We spent hours basking in the sun, swimming, and simply savoring the moment.

In the late afternoon we let our gaze wander over the sea and treated ourselves to a cool drink on a harbor terrace before returning to the house satisfied and sun-drenched.

After so much sun, we were looking for even more rest on the third day. We decided to simply stay home.

The morning was dedicated to relaxing by the pool: reading, swimming, and dozing a bit. For lunch, we conjured up a light meal of regional specialties we'd bought at the market—fresh baguette, olives, goat cheese, and sweet tomatoes.

In the afternoon, we played cards, listened to music, and reveled in the fact that vacation sometimes simply means doing nothing.

On the fourth day, the urge to explore seized us again. We strolled through Sainte-Maxime, visited the small Tour Carrée, which now houses a charming museum, and enjoyed the view of the bay.

Later, we took the ferry (Les Bateaux Verts) over to Saint-Tropez. The crossing itself was an experience: the sparkling water, the view of the hills of the Côte d'Azur.

In Saint-Tropez, we simply let ourselves drift: a stroll through the market, a coffee at the old harbor, a quick glance at the magnificent yachts – a touch of luxury that we savored.

Back in Sainte-Maxime, another highlight awaited us: a relaxed dinner at Boho Sainte Maxime, as the sun set and a wonderful glass of wine.

On the fifth day we went to the water again, this time to the quieter Plage de la Croisette.

Less busy, soft light, and a shallow sea – perfect for a few relaxing hours.

We rented stand-up paddleboards and paddled leisurely across the crystal-clear water, laughing a lot and enjoying the exercise. Lunch at the nearby beach restaurant was uncomplicated and fresh, just right for a day like this.

In the evening, we returned early, had a barbecue on the terrace, and ended the evening relaxing under the stars.

Our last full day of vacation was again dedicated to the house and the pool.

By now, we had found our rhythm: long breakfasts, short excursions on foot or by bike, plenty of time to read, swim, and chat.

The vacation home offered us the perfect retreat—private, quiet, yet just minutes away from everything that makes life on the Côte d'Azur so wonderful.

On the morning of our departure, we sat on the terrace one last time, let our gaze wander, and promised ourselves: We'll be back.

Sainte-Maxime had not only given us wonderful days, but also something much more precious: the feeling of having truly arrived.