Complete Guide to Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2026: Dates, Schedule & Tips for Planning Your Stay
Every autumn, the French Riviera comes alive with an exceptional nautical event that attracts sailing enthusiasts, luxury yacht lovers, and curious visitors from around the world. Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez represents far more than just a regatta: it’s a true maritime spectacle where century-old classic boats and cutting-edge maxi yachts come together in a unique festive atmosphere.
For the 2026 edition, nearly 300 exceptional sailboats are expected in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, accompanied by thousands of crew members from all corners of the globe 🌍. Hôtel Le Suffren, ideally located in Port-Grimaud, provides the perfect starting point to fully enjoy this unmissable event while discovering the wonders of the region.
Practical Information:
- Dates: September 26 – October 4, 2026
- Location: Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Var (83)
- Village Access: Free
- Official Website: lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
- Tourism Office: golfe-saint-tropez-information.com
What is Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez?
Origins and History of the Regatta
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez was born in 1999, succeeding the famous Nioulargue which had established itself as a major nautical gathering in the 1980s and 1990s. Organized by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, this event quickly became one of the most prestigious sailboat gatherings in the world.
What Makes This Event Unique?
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez stands out for its ability to bring together vessels with radically different profiles on the same waters ⛵:
- Classic boats sometimes over a century old, true floating works of art restored with passion
- Ultra-modern maxi yachts representing the pinnacle of nautical technology
- Competition sailboats among the most high-performing on the international circuit
This exceptional diversity creates an incomparable visual spectacle in the stunning setting of Saint-Tropez Bay. The friendly atmosphere that pervades the event, blending sporting competition with a festive spirit, also contributes to the special magic that only Les Voiles can offer.
The Voiles Village, set up in the harbor, allows the general public to fully immerse themselves in the world of luxury sailing and meet crews and boat owners in a warm atmosphere 😊.
Key Dates for the 2026 Edition
Official Period
The 2026 edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez will take place from September 26 to October 4, 2026. This period traditionally corresponds to one of the most beautiful seasons on the French Riviera: temperatures remain pleasant, the sea maintains an ideal temperature, and summer tourist crowds decrease slightly.
These nine days of racing allow different boat categories to compete under optimal conditions, with several races scheduled daily depending on weather conditions.
Typical Race Day Schedule
A day at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez generally follows this rhythm:
Morning (9am-10am): Crew briefings and boat preparation in the harbor
10am-11am: First sailboats heading out to the racing area
11am-5pm: Racing according to categories, with several possible courses in the gulf
5pm-6pm: Progressive return to harbor and mooring
6pm-8pm: Results announcements, daily prize ceremonies
Evening: Entertainment at the Voiles Village, concerts, tastings, and festivities
Spectators can follow the races from different observation points, whether from Pampelonne beaches, the Môle Jean Réveille, or aboard vessels arranged for this purpose 🚤
The 2026 Voiles Program: What to Expect?
Different Boat Categories
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2026 will feature several main divisions, each with their own races and rankings:
The Traditions: This category brings together classic and historic sailboats. Among the expected participants are legends like Atlantic, the impressive 64-meter three-masted gaff schooner launched in 1903, which will make its first participation after establishing an Atlantic crossing record that remained unbeaten for 75 years.
Other gems like Cariad (36m gaff ketch from 1896), Cambria (2010 winner), or Black Swan (40m, Camper & Nicholson, 1899) will enrich this exceptional fleet.
The Maxi Yachts: With over 70 units exceeding 20 meters, this category promises spectacular duels. The Wally Rocket 51s, true sea rockets, might even get their own start given their impressive numbers. The new Magic Carpet is also among the highly anticipated participants.
The Moderns: This IRC division welcomes an eclectic fleet ranging from ultra-high-performance TP52s to fast cruising sailboats. Competition is often fierce, with rankings decided by mere seconds after hours of sailing.
Voiles Village: Entertainment and Side Events
The Voiles Village, the true beating heart of the event, sets up each year in the Port of Saint-Tropez. Free and open to the public, it offers a total immersion into the nautical world 🎉:
- Exhibitions of nautical equipment and technological innovations
- Stands from major sailing and luxury product brands
- Dining areas offering local and international specialties
- Concerts and musical entertainment in the evenings
- Meet-and-greets with skippers and opportunities to chat with crews
- Screenings of films and documentaries about sailing
The evenings at the Village represent a highlight of the day, where the festive atmosphere takes over from sporting competition in a relaxed and friendly environment.
How to Participate or Attend the Regattas
For Spectators
Attending Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez requires no advance registration, and access to the Village is completely free. Several options are available for spectators to enjoy the show:
From Land 🏖️:
- The Môle Jean Réveille offers an outstanding view of starts and finishes
- Pampelonne beaches allow observation of boats under sail
- The Saint-Tropez Citadel provides an exceptional elevated viewpoint
- The Port of Saint-Tropez remains the best place to admire moored sailboats
From the Sea ⛵:
Several companies organize sea outings specifically during the event. These excursions allow you to follow the races up close and observe crew maneuvers under privileged conditions:
- Les Bateaux Verts: Shuttles and excursions with commentary
- La Rose des Vents: Premium outings with catering
- Vedettes Îles d’Or: Discovery tours and race following
Advance booking is strongly recommended, as these services often sell out several weeks before the event. Rates generally range from €40 to €150 depending on duration and included services.
For Competitors
Participation in Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is by invitation from the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. As the event is highly sought after, places are limited and allocated according to several criteria:
- Quality and authenticity of the boat for the Traditions category
- Sporting record and commitment to racing circuits
- Compliance with safety standards and current regulations
- Regular participation in previous editions (loyalty rewarded)
Registration generally opens in spring (April-May) for the autumn edition. The process includes:
- Submission of an application file with boat characteristics
- Validation by the selection committee
- Payment of entry fees (varies by category)
- Mandatory briefing before races begin
For all information on registration procedures, the official website lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr remains the reference.
Practical Tips for Organizing Your Stay at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
Where to Stay? Spotlight on Hôtel Le Suffren in Port-Grimaud
To fully enjoy Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2026, choosing accommodation is a crucial element. Hôtel Le Suffren, located in Port-Grimaud, represents a prime choice for several reasons 🏨:
Strategic Location:
Located just 15 minutes from Saint-Tropez by road and also accessible by water shuttle, Hôtel Le Suffren allows easy access to the Port of Saint-Tropez and the Voiles Village while escaping the constant bustle of downtown.
Comfort and Premium Services:
- Elegant rooms with views of Port-Grimaud canals or the gulf
- Outdoor pool to relax after a day of discovery
- Gourmet restaurant offering refined Mediterranean cuisine
- Concierge service to organize your sea outings or reservations
- Private parking, a precious asset in this highly frequented region
Advantages for Les Voiles:
The Hôtel Le Suffren team knows the event perfectly and can assist you in organizing your stay: booking sea outings, advice on the best times and observation points, restaurant tables despite the crowds…
Early booking is highly recommended, as establishments in the region fill up several months in advance for this period. Rates increase during the event, reflecting strong demand.
Access & Transportation
Reaching Saint-Tropez and attending Les Voiles requires good transport planning, as the peninsula is not served by train 🚗:
By Car:
- From Nice: A8 then D559, approximately 1h45 (100 km)
- From Marseille: A8 then A57 and D559, approximately 2h (130 km)
- From Paris: A6 then A7 and A8, approximately 9h (880 km)
Warning: During Les Voiles, traffic and parking in Saint-Tropez become very challenging. Choose accommodation with parking like Hôtel Le Suffren and use water shuttles or local buses for your movements.
By Plane:
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: Main regional airport (100 km), numerous international connections. Car rental or private transfer recommended.
- Toulon-Hyères Airport: Closer (50 km) but limited connections
- Saint-Tropez Heliport: For comfortable budgets, direct links from Nice (20 min)
By Boat 🛥️:
Numerous water shuttles connect the various gulf communities to Saint-Tropez:
- From Sainte-Maxime: 15-min crossing, several departures/hour
- From Port-Grimaud: Regular service during the event
- Private marina for yachtsmen (booking essential)
Best Time to Book
Organizing a stay at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez requires significant advance planning for several reasons:
Accommodation 🏨:
The best establishments fill up as early as spring (April-May) for the September-October event. To benefit from the best selection and the most advantageous rates, booking from January-February is the ideal strategy.
Sea Outings ⛵:
Excursions to follow the races also book up very early, with some companies opening reservations up to 6 months before the event. The most attractive time slots (weekends, afternoons) go first.
Restaurants 🍽️:
Renowned tables in Saint-Tropez and the gulf require booking several weeks in advance during this period. The Hôtel Le Suffren concierge service can facilitate these arrangements.
Beyond Les Voiles: Activity Ideas on the French Riviera
Discovering Saint-Tropez and the Gulf
Beyond the races, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is full of wonders to discover 🌟:
Saint-Tropez:
- Place des Lices: Authentic Provençal market (Tuesday and Saturday mornings), pétanque under the plane trees
- Citadel: Maritime museum and exceptional panorama over the gulf
- Musée de l’Annonciade: Impressive collection of modern painting (Signac, Matisse, Bonnard)
- Fishing port: Preserved authenticity steps from the marina
- Old village: Colorful alleyways, designer boutiques, art galleries
Legendary Beaches 🏖️:
- Pampelonne Beach: 5 km of fine sand, legendary beach clubs
- Les Salins Beach: Wilder and more preserved
- Escalet: Intimate coves and crystalline waters
- Tahiti Beach: Festive and jet-set atmosphere
Hilltop Villages:
- Gassin: One of France’s most beautiful villages, panoramic views
- Ramatuelle: Authentic Provençal charm, vineyards
- Grimaud: Medieval village, castle ruins
- La Garde-Freinet: Art crafts, Maures forest
Shopping and Nightlife 🛍️:
Saint-Tropez remains a luxury shopping destination with designer boutiques concentrated around the port and Rue Gambetta. Saint-Tropez nights are legendary, with establishments like VIP Room, Les Caves du Roy, or L’Opéra animating the evenings.
Excursions Around the Bay
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez offers countless excursion possibilities 🚤:
Maritime Outings:
- Îles d’Hyères: Port-Cros and Porquerolles, exceptional nature reserves
- Estérel Calanques: Red rocks plunging into Mediterranean blue
- Bay of Cannes: Lérins Islands and discovering La Croisette from the sea
- Saint-Raphaël: Elegant seaside resort, Belle Époque architecture
Wine Tourism 🍷:
The Provence vineyard produces excellent wines, particularly rosés with worldwide reputation:
- Château Minuty: Historic estate in Gassin, tours and tastings
- Domaine de la Croix: Breathtaking view, organic wines
- Château Barbeyrolles: Biodynamic vineyard
- Gulf wine route with around thirty participating estates
Nature Activities 🌲:
- Coastal path: Coastal hiking from Saint-Tropez to Cavalaire
- Massif des Maures: Mountain biking, hiking, authentic villages
- Domaine du Rayol: Remarkable Mediterranean gardens
- Water sports: Paddle, kayak, diving, jet-ski
Cultural Excursions:
- Bormes-les-Mimosas: Classified flowered village
- Thoronet Abbey: Masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art
- Fréjus: Impressive Roman remains
- Bonnard Museum in Cannet: Unique collection
Hôtel Le Suffren can organize these excursions and provide you with all practical information to optimize your discovery of the region.
FAQ: Everything You Want to Know About Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
Is Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez free?
Yes, access to the Voiles Village and observation of the races from land are completely free. Only sea outings organized by private companies are paid (€40-150 depending on services).
Can you watch the races from land?
Absolutely! Several observation points offer a beautiful view of the races: the Môle Jean Réveille, Pampelonne beaches, the Citadel, and various points along the coastline. Binoculars can enhance the experience.
Do you need to book places at sea?
Yes, sea outings to follow the races require mandatory booking. Places are limited and the best time slots fill up several weeks in advance, particularly on weekends.
What clothing should you plan for?
Opt for a smart casual outfit 👔. During the day: light trousers or bermuda shorts, polo or shirt, boat shoes or comfortable sneakers. Bring a light jacket for evenings and a windbreaker for sea outings. The climate remains pleasant in September-October but temperatures can cool down in the evening.
Are there activities for children?
The Voiles Village generally offers family entertainment: sailing initiations, marine knot workshops, nautical games. Several supervised beaches in the gulf also offer activities suitable for families.
Can you access the boats?
Access to the pontoons is generally reserved for crews and accredited persons. However, some classic boats organize guided tours at specific times, announced at the Village. Meetings with skippers mainly take place in the public areas of the Village.