Films that Have Illuminated Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez on Screen: A Cinematic Journey through the Pearl of the French Riviera

Saint-Tropez, the pearl of the French Riviera, has always attracted filmmakers from around the world in search of a sunny and glamorous backdrop for their films. This picturesque town has been the setting for numerous feature films that have helped shape its dream destination image. In this article, we invite you to dive into the cinematic universe of Saint-Tropez, reviewing some of the films that have left their mark on this iconic city of the French Riviera.

Saint-Tropez on Screen: When Cinema Shines on the French Riviera

The Year of the Jellyfish

This 1984 erotic thriller directed by Christopher Frank features Valérie Kaprisky as a intriguing young woman. The film explores seduction games and dangerous liaisons unfolding in Saint-Tropez during the summer. The enchanting atmosphere of the city, combined with intricate plots, gives rise to a cinematic cocktail as dark as it is sensual.

The Christmas Tree

Terence Young directed this 1969 drama that tells the story of a father (played by William Holden) trying to save his kidnapped son. Saint-Tropez serves as the backdrop for part of the plot, offering magnificent landscapes that contrast with the dramatic tension of the narrative.

The Does

Directed by Claude Chabrol in 1968, this psychological drama features Stéphane Audran and Jacqueline Sassard in a complex love triangle. Part of the film is set in Saint-Tropez, where the characters find themselves immersed in a game of manipulation and passion. The picturesque streets and coastal landscapes of Saint-Tropez provide an idyllic backdrop to this unsettling story.

Blanche

Bernie Bonvoisin directed this 2002 film, a modern adaptation of the Snow White fairy tale. The action takes place largely in Saint-Tropez, where a young woman (played by Lou Doillon) faces a jealous stepmother and rivalries. The film offers a contemporary view of Saint-Tropez, blending the city's traditional beauty with darker and more fantastical elements.

Bonjour Tristesse

Directed by Otto Preminger in 1958, this drama stars Jean Seberg, David Niven, and Deborah Kerr. The story is set in a villa in Saint-Tropez and explores the complex relationships between a father, his daughter, and an alluring young woman. The film captures both the sunny charm of Saint-Tropez and the underlying melancholy hidden behind appearances.

La Cage aux Folles

This iconic comedy, directed by Édouard Molinaro in 1978, is an adaptation of the successful play of the same name. The action takes place mainly in Saint-Tropez, where a gay couple (played by Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault) manages an eccentric cabaret. The film celebrates love and freedom while highlighting the tolerant and festive atmosphere of Saint-Tropez.

La Chamade

Adapted from Françoise Sagan's novel, this 1968 film directed by Alain Cavalier stars Catherine Deneuve as a young woman torn between two men. Saint-Tropez is the perfect setting for this passionate story, where the lightness of summer relationships clashes with the depth of emotions.

Chronicle of a Summer

This 1961 documentary film, directed by Jean Rouch and Edgar Morin, is considered a pioneer of cinéma vérité. It explores people's reactions as part of a sociological study of daily life. Saint-Tropez is one of the places where the directors collect testimonials, capturing the atmosphere of the city at that time.

The Collector

This 1967 New Wave film, directed by Éric Rohmer, follows the romantic adventures of a summer love triangle. The plot unfolds in Saint-Tropez, where a young man gets entangled in the seduction games of a mysterious woman. The film makes use of Saint-Tropez's natural settings to create an enchanting and sensual atmosphere.

The Umbrella Coup

This 1980 crime comedy, directed by Gérard Oury, stars Pierre Richard as a clumsy theater actor caught up in a murder story in Saint-Tropez. Hilarious situations unfold, offering comedic scenes and sunny landscapes that make Saint-Tropez an ideal backdrop for this farcical comedy.

In the Heat of Saint-Tropez

Gérard Kikoïne directed this erotic film in 1981, immersing us in the sultry adventures of two couples in search of thrills. Saint-Tropez, with its sandy beaches and lively nights, becomes the stage for the passions and erotic games of these characters. The film highlights the sensual and intoxicating atmosphere of the city.

People Who Kiss

Directed by Danièle Thompson in 2013, this film depicts a large family reunion in Saint-Tropez. The story follows the reunions of brothers and sisters, their love stories, and their secrets. Saint-Tropez, with its summer atmosphere and Mediterranean charm, serves as a warm backdrop to this touching comedy-drama.

On the Coast's Side

This 1958 documentary film, directed by Agnès Varda, explores the daily lives of residents and visitors of the French Riviera, focusing on Saint-Tropez. Agnès Varda, a figure of the New Wave, captures the essence of the city through poetic images and authentic encounters.

And God Created Woman

This iconic 1956 film by Roger Vadim propelled Brigitte Bardot to international sex symbol status. The story unfolds in Saint-Tropez, where Bardot portrays a carefree and sensual young woman, arousing desire and jealousy in the men she encounters. Saint-Tropez thus becomes the mythical backdrop of this work that marked cinema history.

The Postman from Saint-Tropez

Directed by Richard Balducci in 1985, this comedy features Michel Galabru as an eccentric postman. The story takes place in Saint-Tropez, where the postman finds himself in various comical situations and encounters colorful characters. The film offers a humorous take on daily life in the sunny city.

The Gendarme in New York

This comedy from the "Gendarme" series, directed by Jean Girault in 1965, transports the famous gendarmes from Saint-Tropez to New York. The escapades of Gendarme Cruchot (played by Louis de Funès) and his colleagues provide hilarious and offbeat scenes, both in Saint-Tropez and through the lively streets of the Big Apple.

The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez

This first installment of the "Gendarme" saga, directed by Jean Girault in 1964, presents the zany adventures of the gendarmes of Saint-Tropez. Louis de Funès plays the famous Gendarme Cruchot, who tries to maintain order in the city while facing comical situations. This film helped popularize Saint-Tropez and turn it into a symbol of French comedic cinema.

The Gendarme's Outing

The third installment of the "Gendarme" series, directed by Jean Girault in 1970, takes us on an outing with the gendarmes of Saint-Tropez. The escapades multiply as the gendarmes encounter thieves and engage in comical situations on the sunny streets of the city.

The Gendarme and the Extra-Terrestrials

In this fourth adventure of the Saint-Tropez gendarmes, directed by Jean Girault in 1979, our heroes encounter extraterrestrials who have landed on the beaches of Saint-Tropez. This zany comedy offers an offbeat view of the city and the gendarmes who patrol it.

The Gendarme and the Gendarmettes

The fifth and final installment of the "Gendarme" series, directed by Jean Girault in 1982, concludes the adventures of the gendarmes of Saint-Tropez. This time, the gendarmes are in training with female counterparts, leading to hilarious situations and convoluted misunderstandings.

The Fops

Directed by Claude Chabrol in 1961, this film follows the romantic misadventures of a young man in Saint-Tropez. The story explores themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal in a sunny atmosphere. Chabrol captures the essence of Saint-Tropez and its inhabitants, while delivering a critical view of bourgeois society.

Innocents with Dirty Hands

This adaptation of Richard Neely's detective novel, directed by Claude Chabrol in 1975, stars Romy Schneider and Rod Steiger. Part of the film is set in Saint-Tropez, where the twists and turns of a passionate and dangerous relationship are revealed. Chabrol skillfully uses the sunny landscapes of the city to enhance the oppressive atmosphere of the story.

Mafia of Pleasure

Directed by Jean-Pierre Bouyxou in 1975, this film explores the underworld of prostitution in Saint-Tropez. The story follows the adventures of a young woman trying to escape this sordid world. The film depicts a darker facet of the city's nightlife, contrasting with the glamorous and sunny image usually associated with Saint-Tropez.

Money

Directed by Steven Hilliard Stern in 1991, this thriller stars Christopher Plummer as a wanted jewel thief. Part of the action takes place in Saint-Tropez, where the story intensifies in a whirlwind of luxury and betrayal. The idyllic landscapes of Saint-Tropez serve as the backdrop to this thrilling tale.

Mystery in Saint-Tropez

This crime film directed by Christian Clavier in 2021, with Christian Clavier also in the lead role, immerses us in a tumultuous investigation in Saint-Tropez. The story follows the adventures of a famous police commissioner who must solve a mysterious murder in the sunny city. The film offers a contemporary view of Saint-Tropez while playing with the conventions of the crime genre.

The Swimming Pool

Directed by Jacques Deray in 1969, this dramatic thriller stars Alain Delon and Romy Schneider in the lead roles. The story is set in a villa in Saint-Tropez, where relationships between the characters become complex and lead to an unexpected tragedy. The Swimming Pool offers an enchanting vision of luxury life and romantic intrigues in the Mediterranean city.

The Hikers in Saint-Tropez

This film directed by Philippe Harel in 2008 is the sequel to "The Hikers" released in 1997. The main characters find themselves in Saint-Tropez this time for eventful vacations. The film blends comedy and introspective moments, while exploring the friendship and personal questioning of its protagonists.

The Corinth Road

This espionage film directed by Claude Chabrol in 1967 is partly set in Saint-Tropez. The story follows a secret agent (played by Jean Seberg) trying to thwart an international conspiracy. Chabrol uses the picturesque settings of the city to create an atmosphere of tension and intrigue.

Saint-Tropez Blues

Directed by Marcel Moussy in 1961, this film features intersecting stories of different characters in Saint-Tropez. The lighthearted comedy explores romantic encounters, misunderstandings, and mix-ups in the sunny city.

Saint-Tropez Forbidden

This erotic film directed by Jean-Marie Pallardy in 1985 delves into the world of prostitution in Saint-Tropez. The story follows a young woman confronted with dangerous and sensual situations. The film offers a raw and provocative view of the city's nightlife.

Saint-Tropez, Duty of Holidays

Directed by Nicolas Benamou in 2017, this comedy follows the adventures of four friends on vacation in Saint-Tropez. Their idyllic stay turns into a series of wacky and hilarious misadventures. The film offers a quirky and entertaining view of summer life in the famous seaside resort.

Saint-Tropez, Saint-Tropez

Directed by Marcel Moussy in 1962, this film stars Jean Marais as a racing car driver who becomes entangled in a jewelry theft case in Saint-Tropez. The detective plot unfolds in the lively streets of the city, offering thrilling chases and captivating twists.

Minimum Wage, Maximum Smack, Maximum Sock

Directed by Claude Lelouch in 1971, this film follows the romantic escapades of three young girls in Saint-Tropez. The story explores their friendship, romantic encounters, and aspirations in the sunny city. Claude Lelouch captures the essence of youth and freedom in this romantic comedy.

The Underachievers on Vacation

Directed by Claude Zidi in 1982, this film is the sequel to "The Underachievers" released in 1980. The characters find themselves on vacation in Saint-Tropez this time, where gags and comical situations abound. The film offers a humorous and zany view of summer life in the famous resort.

The Transporter

Directed by Louis Leterrier and Corey Yuen in 2002, this action film stars Jason Statham as a professional transporter. Part of the action takes place in Saint-Tropez, where the protagonist must complete a dangerous mission. The film features spectacular action scenes in the picturesque streets of the city.

A Girl for the Summer

Directed by Édouard Molinaro in 1960, this film follows the romantic adventures of a young man in Saint-Tropez. The story explores encounters, misunderstandings, and romantic disillusionments in the Mediterranean city. The film offers a sunny and romantic view of Saint-Tropez.

The Viager

Directed by Pierre Tchernia in 1972, this film stars Michel Serrault and Michel Galabru in the lead roles. The story follows a man who buys a house in Saint-Tropez with the idea of benefiting from the "viager" arrangement. The film provides a hilarious and satirical comedy about human relationships and financial aspects of life.

Two for the Road

Directed by Stanley Donen in 1967, this film follows a couple in crisis who decide to take a trip to Saint-Tropez to try to save their marriage. The enchanting landscapes of the city serve as the backdrop to this romantic comedy, offering moments of emotion and reflection on love and relationships.

These films, shot in Saint-Tropez, have contributed to the fame of this Mediterranean city, propelling it to the forefront of the cinematic stage and making it an essential location in French and international cinema. Whether through lighthearted comedies, captivating thrillers, or passionate dramas, Saint-Tropez has inspired filmmakers and provided an enchanting backdrop to numerous stories on the big screen.