The Riviera’s Most Dazzling Sailing Event

Each autumn, the quiet charm of Saint-Tropez transforms into a stage of international glamour as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 arrives. Between September 27 and October 5, the bay becomes a living postcard — filled with billowing sails, elegant yachts, and the excitement of one of the most celebrated French Riviera regattas. What began as a friendly race has now grown into an iconic gathering, drawing sailors, celebrities, and Riviera lovers from across the world.

For travelers, it’s more than just a race: it’s the chance to be part of a cultural celebration that blends history, prestige, and the quintessential Riviera lifestyle. From sipping champagne along the port to watching classic yachts line up against modern maxis, the energy of Saint-Tropez during regatta week is unmatched.

At Stavila Holidays, we know this isn’t just about the boats — it’s about how you experience it. The true magic lies in blending the thrill of the regatta with the comfort of returning to your own Saint-Tropez luxury holiday villa, whether perched in the hills of Ramatuelle or steps away from Pampelonne Beach. This is the kind of week that stays with you long after the sails have dropped.

 If you’re planning to extend your trip and explore beyond the races, our curated guide Saint-Tropez in 7 Days offers inspiration for beaches, restaurants, and cultural highlights that fit seamlessly into your regatta itinerary.

The Story of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

The charm of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez lies in its origins as much as in its present-day glamour. What began back in 1981 as a spontaneous challenge between two yachts — one classic, one modern — has blossomed into one of the most prestigious sailing festivals on the French Riviera. Over the decades, it has grown into a spectacular gathering where sleek modern yachts sail side by side with century-old vessels, turning the bay of Saint-Tropez into a living museum of maritime heritage.

Today, this unique mix of classic yachts French Riviera history and cutting-edge maxi racers is what gives the event its unmistakable magic. It’s a celebration of contrasts: varnished wood and billowing white sails alongside futuristic lines of carbon-fiber giants. The regatta is just as much about honoring tradition as it is about celebrating innovation.

But the festival isn’t confined to the water. Onshore, the whole village comes alive. Cafés spill onto cobblestone squares, restaurants extend their terraces late into the night, and art galleries host special exhibitions that coincide with the event. For locals and visitors alike, it feels less like a sporting competition and more like a cultural festival — a reason why Saint-Tropez events 2025 continue to draw such a global crowd.

For those who want to balance the high-energy atmosphere of the regatta with quieter escapes, the Riviera offers hidden alternatives. In fact, we’ve shared some of our favorite tranquil spots in The French Riviera’s Hidden Gems, perfect for a peaceful afternoon before diving back into the spectacle of Les Voiles.

Les Voiles 2025 Schedule: Key Moments to Know

The beauty of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 lies in its ability to offer something different each day. Spanning from September 27 to October 5, the regatta is a week-long celebration where the town, the harbor, and the bay each take turns as the star of the show. If you’re planning to attend, it helps to know the standout dates — some are ideal for first-time visitors, while others are treasured by seasoned regatta fans.

Here’s a breakdown of the Les Voiles 2025 schedule with the key moments:

  • Saturday, September 27 – Sunday, September 28
     The festivities begin with the opening of the Village des Voiles. This is when Saint-Tropez welcomes the arriving yachts, from nimble modern racers to century-old classics. Strolling along the docks at this time feels like walking through a floating museum.
  • Monday, September 29
     Racing officially kicks off for modern and maxi yachts. This is a fantastic day to see the technical side of the regatta, as cutting-edge vessels showcase their speed and precision against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
  • Thursday, October 2: Challenge Day
     The highlight of the week — featuring the Club 55 Cup, where classic yachts face off in a race steeped in tradition. It’s one of the most photographed and talked-about moments of the entire event. Watching the sails fill against the Riviera sun is unforgettable.
  • Saturday, October 4 – Sunday, October 5
     The regatta reaches its crescendo with the final races across all categories. The week concludes on Sunday with the prize-giving ceremony, a joyous celebration where crews, owners, and spectators gather to honor the best of the races.

Insider Tip: If this is your first time attending, the opening weekend and Challenge Day are the most atmospheric — you’ll get the energy of the arrivals, the buzz of the races, and the pure magic of the Club 55 Cup. For returning fans, the closing days provide a more intimate and celebratory feel as the town winds down after a thrilling week.

For those staying beyond the regatta, autumn is one of the most rewarding times to explore the Côte d’Azur. Our feature on French Riviera in Autumn: A Hidden Season of Food, Wine & Culture offers inspiration on how to extend your stay after the races.

Your Guide to Experiencing the Regatta in Style

The magic of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 is not only in the races — it’s in the way the whole town transforms. To truly live the event like an insider, you need the right blend of spectacular viewing points, authentic dining, and those Riviera rituals that make the week unforgettable.

Here’s our Stavila Holidays–curated way to experience the regatta:

Morning Coffee at Sénéquier
 Start your day at the legendary Sénéquier café, right on the port. With its iconic red chairs and perfect vantage point, it’s the best spot to watch crews prepare their yachts while enjoying a café crème and a slice of Tarte Tropézienne. This is where sailors, celebrities, and long-time visitors mingle before heading to the races.

Racing Views from the Port & Pampelonne Beach
 For those who want the action up close, the port of Saint-Tropez is the heart of the regatta. You’ll see sails unfurl, crews strategize, and the energy of competition ripple through the crowd. If you prefer a more relaxed setting, head to Pampelonne Beach, where beach clubs like Club 55 offer champagne terraces and front-row views of the regatta’s most exciting moments.

Private Boat Charter: The Ultimate View
 Nothing compares to following the yachts from the water itself. Our concierge team can arrange a private boat charter in Saint-Tropez, allowing you to sail alongside classic and maxi yachts for an unforgettable perspective. It’s the ultimate insider experience — complete with rosé chilled on deck and a Riviera sunset to end the day.

Evening Dining with a View
 After a day by the water, Saint-Tropez comes alive at night. Head to Le Girelier by the port for fresh seafood, or La Petite Plage, where dining literally happens with your feet in the sand. For something more exclusive, Club 55 on Pampelonne turns into a glamorous dinner spot as the regatta crowd shifts from sails to soirées.

Insider Tip: The regatta week is busy, and restaurants fill quickly. Book well in advance — or let us secure you a table through our concierge. Some of the best evenings happen off the beaten path: a quiet dinner in Ramatuelle village, away from the buzz, can be just as memorable as a night in Saint-Tropez port.

Want to see how these experiences fit into a full Riviera escape? Our feature Saint-Tropez in 7 Days: A Curated Itinerary offers more ideas on balancing regatta glamour with beaches, culture, and relaxation.

Where to Stay: Live the Regatta in Style

The thrill of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is best experienced when paired with the comfort of your own private villa. At Stavila Holidays, we’ve curated a selection of luxury villas Saint-Tropez and nearby Ramatuelle villas that offer the perfect base for regatta week. Imagine waking up to sea views, walking down to Pampelonne Beach for the races, and ending your day with a glass of rosé by your private pool.

Near Pampelonne Beach: Villa Estelle

Villa Estelle is one of our most elegant villas near Pampelonne Beach, perfectly located for those who want to be at the center of the action. With spacious terraces, a sparkling pool, and interiors that blend Provençal charm with modern luxury, this property allows guests to move seamlessly between regatta excitement and private relaxation.

Villa Estelle Ramatuelle – elegant poolside terrace surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, just minutes from Pampelonne.

Villa Estelle in Ramatuelle with lush landscaping and a large private pool under clear skies.

Key specs: Sleeps 10, Swimming Pool, Garden, Countryside Views, Modern Interiors
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In the Heart of Saint-Tropez: Villa Lysiane

For those who prefer to stay close to the port itself, Villa Lysiane Saint-Tropez offers a refined retreat within reach of cafés, boutiques, and the regatta buzz. This villa’s serene garden, pool, and stylish interiors provide a quiet haven after a day of yacht-watching and waterfront dining.

Villa Lysiane – glowing interiors, tall pines, and a serene pool at sunset in Saint-Tropez.

Villa Lysiane in Saint-Tropez with glowing interiors, tall pines, and a serene pool at sunset.

Key specs: Sleeps 10, Swimming Pool, Garden, Terrace, Outdoor Dining
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Countryside Luxury: Villa Ameline

Nestled in the Ramatuelle countryside, Villa Ameline is for guests who want both proximity to Saint-Tropez and complete privacy. With expansive gardens, panoramic terraces, and a refined pool area, it’s the ideal property for those who want to immerse themselves in the regatta during the day but return to absolute peace in the evening.

Villa Ameline – a tranquil Provençal escape with sweeping gardens and stylish outdoor living

Exterior view of Villa Ameline in Ramatuelle, featuring ivy-covered shutters, a shaded terrace with garden furniture, and a peaceful natural setting.

Key specs: Sleeps 10, Private Pool, Garden, Elegant Interiors, Countryside Location
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Insider Tips for Travelers

Attending Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 is an unforgettable experience, but a little foresight makes the week even more enjoyable. Saint-Tropez is a small village that swells dramatically during the regatta, which means those in the know prepare months in advance. The most important step is securing your accommodation early. The finest Saint-Tropez rentals — especially villas with sea views or proximity to Pampelonne Beach — are often booked as early as spring, so planning ahead ensures you’ll have a front-row seat to the action.

Timing your arrival also matters. While the official Saint-Tropez regatta dates run from September 27 to October 5, arriving a couple of days early gives you the chance to enjoy the atmosphere before the crowds peak. Watching the yachts sail in, crews making final adjustments, and the village slowly shifting into regatta mode is a unique experience in itself. It’s a softer, calmer introduction to the week before the energy rises with the races.

Dining is another key part of the regatta lifestyle. Waterfront institutions like Le Girelier and La Petite Plage are always in high demand during the event, and Club 55 at Pampelonne Beach becomes one of the most exclusive tables on the Riviera. Reservations should be made well in advance — or entrusted to a concierge who can open the right doors. That being said, some of the most memorable meals happen away from the spotlight: a quiet dinner in the village of Ramatuelle, or a rustic Provençal bistro where locals unwind after the races. Our concierge team can also arrange for a calm and private in-villa dinner, prepared by a professional chef.

And while the regatta may be the centerpiece, extending your stay into October can make your trip even more rewarding. Once the sails are lowered and the crowds disperse, the Côte d’Azur reveals a gentler side — golden vineyards in Ramatuelle, art festivals in Mougins, and uncrowded coastal walks that feel worlds away from the regatta buzz. For inspiration, our article on French Riviera in Autumn: A Hidden Season of Food, Wine & Culture shares why this shoulder season is one of our favorite times of the year.

Insider Tip: Traffic into Saint-Tropez can be overwhelming during regatta week. One of the best-kept secrets is staying in a villa in Ramatuelle. From here, you’re only minutes from Pampelonne Beach, and you can slip into town along scenic backroads that bypass the busiest routes — a small detail that makes a big difference.

Your Front-Row Seat to Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

There are few events in the world that combine sport, culture, and Riviera glamour quite like Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025. For one week each autumn, the sails on the horizon, the energy in the port, and the elegance of the soirées create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. It’s not just about watching yachts compete — it’s about living the Saint-Tropez lifestyle, from morning coffees at Sénéquier to champagne sunsets at Club 55.

At Stavila Holidays, we believe the regatta is best experienced not as a visitor, but as a local insider. Staying in one of our handpicked luxury villas in Saint-Tropez or Ramatuelle means you’ll have the freedom to enjoy the races by day and retreat to your own private haven by night — a seamless blend of excitement and relaxation. Add to that our tailored concierge services, from private boat charters to exclusive dining reservations, and you’ll discover a Riviera experience that feels entirely your own.

Availability for villas during Saint-Tropez events 2025 is limited, and the most sought-after properties book months in advance.

→  Contact us today  to secure your villa for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 and let us create your perfect front-row seat to the Riviera’s most iconic regatta.