The beginning of June in the South of France isn’t just red carpets and rosé-fuelled parties. The French cities of glam — Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and everything sun-drenched in between — have a secret softer side.
One of the traditions, slow pleasures, and a certain kind of quiet luxury that only the French can master. Stroll through Cannes and Saint-Tropez with us as we uncover the effortlessly elegant French life behind the glamour.
Local secrets: What most tourists miss
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When to Go: Early June or September, when the water’s warm and the crowds haven’t arrived.
The Beach Beyond Pampelonne:
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In Saint-Tropez and Cannes, locals embrace the art of seaside picnicking. It’s simple, sun-soaked, and chic: fresh chèvre, olives, fruit, and a chilled rosé tucked into a basket. They skip the crowds, head to hidden coves, and unwind with good food, good company, and salt-kissed air — effortless luxury, the French Riviera way.
Locals whisper about Plage de l’Escalet: a popular beach 10km from Saint Tropez, known for its beautiful coves, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to Cap Taillat. It's a good spot for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the coast on foot or by kayak.
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Just 14km from Cannes, there’s La Garoupe: a popular spot with locals due to its beautiful, white sand and clear, turquoise waters. It's a mix of private and public beach areas, with a focus on calm, shallow waters, making it family-friendly.
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How to picnic like a local: Grab olives and tapenade, a hunk of fresh chèvre, seasonal fruits, a chilled bottle of rosé, and a baguette from the farmer's market. Done.
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What the locals wear
To the French, fashion is second nature — an expression of ease, elegance, and identity. In Cannes and Saint-Tropez, local style speaks volumes without ever trying too hard.
Cannes: Think understated elegance. Local women favour linen tailoring, backless dresses, and designer sunglasses (minus the logos). It's less "look at me," more "effortless sophistication."
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Saint-Tropez: There’s a more playful and quiet luxury tone here—basket bags tossed casually over the shoulder, flat sandals, bold colours or vintage-inspired prints, and classic nautical stripes.
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Beyond the yacht: Real-life rituals of locals
While visitors crowd the beach clubs, the locals wake up with the sun, at the port, not the bar. They wander the market, take slow swims in tucked-away coves, and leave their makeup kits at home. Here, beauty is as uncomplicated as the lifestyle.
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After a refreshing morning swim, a few spritzes of Thalgo - Reviving Marine Mist will rehydrate and soothe the skin.
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Moisturise the body after sun exposure with the French-cult favourite: Biafine—a barrier-repairing hero ideal for post-beach sessions.
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Nourish the body with a subtle golden glow from Nuxe - Huile Prodigieuse Gold Shimmer Dry Oil.
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Then revitalise and hydrate post-swim hair with Leonor Greyl - Tonique Hydratant Leave in Mist for effortless and untouched hair.
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Dining out as locals:
In Cannes, local residents love a morning stop at Marché Forville, the bustling covered market where you’ll find fresh socca (a chickpea pancake from nearby Nice), freshly-baked fougasse bread, and baskets of Provençal olives.
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For a casual sit-down, Da Laura, tucked just off Rue d’Antibes, is a favourite for its unpretentious yet exquisite Italian-Mediterranean dishes—because not every local meal is a three-hour affair.
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If you're craving delicious traditional French dishes, then Le Pastis is the go-to spot for a quintessential French bistro experience.
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In Saint-Tropez, locals know to skip the port’s pricy hotspots and head to the charming Le Café on Place des Lices for a laid-back apéro.
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There’s also La Ramade, a family-run gem hidden in the backstreets, serving fresh fish and Provençal classics like ratatouille and tian.
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And of course, no local’s summer is complete without a slice of Tarte Tropézienne, best enjoyed from the original bakery La Tarte Tropézienne—with a side of gossip and sunshine.
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Local recipe: Tomates Farcies
A classic dish often made during tomato season in the South of France. Savoury, juicy and full of umami, this is a crowd-favourite in France.
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Serving: 6
Ingredients:
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6 medium, round tomatoes
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2-3 slices stale bread, cut into small cubes
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¾ cup milk
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1 tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
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450g ground beef
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
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2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
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1 medium onion, peeled and diced
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1 large egg, at room temperature
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2-3 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
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1 tbsp of Herbs de Provence
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2 tbsp (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp (30ml) extra Virgin Olive Oil
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300 to 500g cooked rice (2 to 3 cups)
Method:
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Prep the Tomatoes: Slice off the tops and scoop out the flesh. Reserve both flesh and tops. Salt the hollowed tomatoes and place them upside down on a paper towel for 1 hour to drain.
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Soak the Bread: Soak bread cubes in milk for 20 minutes.
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Cook the Filling: Coarsely chop the tomato flesh. Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil, then add tomato flesh and cook until thick and reduced.
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Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, mix ground beef, soaked bread, tomato mixture, herbs, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish, layer rice about 2cm thick on the bottom. Stuff tomatoes, top with their lids, and place upright on rice. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs.
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Bake: Cook for 1.5 hours or until the tops are wrinkled and the filling is browned. Let rest in the oven (turned off) for 30 minutes before serving.
Cannes and Saint-Tropez are more than just destinations—they’re a way of life. Beneath the spotlight lies a rhythm of elegance and ease, where beauty is natural, meals are savoured, and style is lived-in, not layered on.
Next time you’re in Cannes and Saint Tropez, try exploring these towns like a local, in order to fully embrace the art of slowing down, of dressing with intention, and of carrying just enough—be it in your tote or your day—to let the South of France work its quiet magic.
A bientôt in the next edition!