There are destinations that attract visitors, and then there are places that inspire them to imagine a life there. The Var coast, from Bormes‑les‑Mimosas to Saint‑Tropez, is firmly in the latter category. Known for its balance of sea views, village charm, and a lifestyle shaped by nature and understated elegance, it has become one of the Mediterranean’s most sought‑after enclaves. As Gabriel Montigny, Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker St Barth Azur St Martin, puts it, “The Var coast is a unique real estate market where property goes far beyond investment—it is first and foremost about lifestyle, discretion, and rare assets.” For those who split their year between world‑class islands and the French Riviera like Montigny, this region offers a rhythm of life that feels both elevated and deeply grounded.
What makes the area compelling goes well beyond its reputation. Life unfolds in simple but memorable ways; breakfast overlooking the gulf, afternoons on quiet beaches, walks through hilltop villages, and dinners that stretch late into the evening with friends are all quotidian parts of life. Transportation is often a mix of winding coastal roads, two‑wheel shortcuts, and local boats that underline the region’s strong connection to the sea. Markets brim with Provençal flavors, homes emphasize views and privacy, and the surrounding landscapes remain remarkably preserved. Whether someone is considering a visit, envisioning a seasonal retreat, or exploring a more permanent move, this Q&A offers an insider’s view into a region where quality of life is the true luxury.
Where do you live? I live in Saint Barthélemy during the winter, and in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez during the summer, more precisely along the Var coast, from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Saint-Tropez. These two destinations embody a unique lifestyle centered around the sea, elegance, and quality of life.
What is the perfect weekend day like? The perfect day starts with breakfast at my home in La Garde-Freinet, overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, with panoramic views of Grimaud, Cogolin, and in the distance, the sea stretching from Saint-Tropez to La Croix-Valmer.
I then take some time to tend to my garden, before enjoying lunch on the beach, either in Grimaud or Ramatuelle. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxing at the beach. The day ends with dinner at home with friends or in a nice restaurant in Saint-Tropez, always starting with a friendly game of pétanque, true to the spirit of the South of France
What are the common modes of transportation there? In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Saint-Tropez, the car remains the primary mode of transportation due to the geography and terrain.
Two-wheel transportation, such as scooters and electric bikes, is widely used for short distances. Boats are also part of the local lifestyle, with seasonal water shuttles and private transfers connecting certain ports and beaches, reinforcing the region’s natural connection to the sea.
Tell us about the foods your area is known for. Gastronomy plays a very important role in our daily life. My husband is a chef and the owner of the restaurant Le Ti Corail in Saint Barthélemy, which naturally makes food culture central to our lifestyle.
In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, cuisine is deeply rooted in Mediterranean and Provençal traditions. Provençal markets, held almost daily, offer exceptionally fresh, high-quality products. The region is also known for iconic specialties such as Tarte Tropézienne, Provence wines, aïoli, bourride, anchoïade, and grilled fish.
What is your favourite meal, at home or at a restaurant? I am a true food lover and I enjoy generous, flavorful, and authentic cuisine. At home, barbecuing plays a central role, using seasonal products selected directly from local Provençal markets.
I have a particular fondness for Mediterranean fish, as well as traditional slow-cooked dishes inspired by grandmother-style cooking. More broadly, I love discovering cuisines from around the world, without limitation, as long as the food has flavor and personality.
Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region and why? The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is a truly magnificent destination, rich and deeply inspiring, where everyone can find their own way of life. I am personally very attached to it, having spent all my childhood holidays there, particularly in La Croix-Valmer. The scent of Provence, the pine trees, the Mediterranean vegetation, and the sea create unforgettable memories.
The coastal walking path is exceptional. La Croix-Valmer, Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Le Rayol-Canadel—where our offices are located—Le Lavandou, and Bormes-les-Mimosas all offer direct access to the sea, beautiful beaches, and preserved natural surroundings.
Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle embody the elegance and legendary lifestyle of the region, while hilltop villages such as Gassin and La Garde-Freinet, where I live, offer tranquility, breathtaking views, and an exceptional quality of life.
What is your favourite recreational or leisure time activity? I enjoy taking time to walk, observe, and truly experience the atmosphere of a place. Strolling along the coastline and through the natural landscapes of the gulf is deeply relaxing for me.
I particularly enjoy walking through the legendary village of Saint-Tropez. Visually, it feels as though very little has changed since my childhood. Only the shop names have evolved, while the architecture, streets, and spirit of the village remain intact, something I find very reassuring.
Is there a specialty your area is known for? The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is renowned for its art of living, combining elegance, discretion, and authenticity.
Our specialty is offering bespoke real estate advisory services. I am very proud of my team, composed of ten consultants, led by our Team Leader, Alexandra Mabrut. They are highly skilled professionals with very diverse backgrounds, working together through an intelligent, complementary team approach.
For our U.S. clientele, we also have fully English-speaking consultants, including Isabelle, who previously worked in real estate agencies in Miami and New York, providing a deep understanding of American market standards. We support our clients throughout the gulf, from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Saint-Tropez, with discretion, rigor, and a high level of service.
Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is extremely green, with nature at the heart of the region. Despite its international reputation, it has preserved its landscapes, heritage, and identity.
Properties here are chic, elegant, and discreet. Luxury is very present, but never ostentatious, and is expressed through natural beauty, high-quality properties, and respect for the environment. This rare balance makes the region both reassuring and enduringly attractive.
If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why? I am fortunate to already live between Saint Barthélemy and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and I also travel to Saint Martin every week for the launch of our new office. In my view, I have chosen what the world has to offer best in terms of lifestyle, scenery, and balance between work and quality of life.
That said, I have a special fondness for the Galveston Coast, particularly Surfside Beach in Texas, which I have visited several times. Owning a home on the beach and being able to walk barefoot onto the sand in the morning is a truly unique experience. The town of Galveston has an almost unreal atmosphere, sometimes reminiscent of a Christmas movie setting, timeless and deeply charming.
Territory Summary:
The Var coast, from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Saint-Tropez, is one of the most iconic regions in the Mediterranean. Nestled between the sea and the Maures mountain range, it offers a unique landscape of beaches, hidden coves, wooded hills, vineyards, and charming villages.
Saint-Tropez rose to global fame through cinema, notably with Brigitte Bardot and the iconic film series “The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez” starring Louis de Funès. Over the decades, the region has attracted international personalities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Bono, and George Clooney. In the Var hinterland, Brad Pitt invested in Château Miraval, while Johnny Depp owns a Provençal hamlet in Plan-de-la-Tour.
Today, the local economy is driven by high-end tourism, luxury hospitality, fine wine production, and prestige real estate, all within a culture of refined discretion.
Key Facts:
Population: Seasonal with significant summer increase
Language(s) Spoken: French, English
Climate: Mediterranean
Currency: Euro
Industry Facts:
Types of Architecture: High-end apartments, Provençal villas, stone bastides, and contemporary properties seamlessly integrated into nature.
Prices per sq. ft/meter
Apartments – general price ranges
Cavalaire-sur-Mer: starting at a few hundred thousand euros
Saint-Tropez: starting around €500,000, depending on location and features
Villas – general price ranges
Outside Saint-Tropez: starting around €1,000,000
Saint-Tropez: a very specific market, with significantly higher price levels. Prices depend on location, views, property quality, and rarity.
Average years in house/apt: Primarily long-term, patrimonial ownership.
Types of financing: Often cash purchases or structured wealth-planning solutions.
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Featured Office: Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker St Barth Azur St Martin
Location: Var coast, from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Saint-Tropez, France
Title: Gabriel Montigny, Owner
