Place des Lices

Place des Lices. A historic public square located in the heart of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera, renowned as a central social and cultural hub. Its name originates from the medieval jousting tournaments, or "lices," once held on the site. Today, it is famed for its vibrant provençal market, shaded by majestic plane trees, and its quintessential atmosphere of leisurely café life.

History

The square's origins are deeply rooted in the medieval history of Saint-Tropez, then a fortified Genoese settlement. Its primary function was as a training and tournament ground for the local militia, notably the *Confrérie des Pénitents Bleus*, who defended the coast. This martial past is echoed in the name, derived from the barriers used in jousting. Throughout the Ancien Régime, it served as a communal space for civic gatherings and military musters. The square's character began to transform in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly with the arrival of artists like Paul Signac, who helped establish Saint-Tropez as an artistic colony. Its modern fame was cemented in the post-World War II era, becoming a legendary meeting point for intellectuals, artists, and celebrities during the French New Wave and the heyday of figures like Brigitte Bardot.

Description and layout

The square is a large, roughly rectangular expanse of packed earth and gravel, shaded by a dense, towering canopy of century-old plane trees. This creates a distinctive dappled light and a cool respite from the Mediterranean sun. The perimeter is defined by a mix of traditional Provençal buildings with pastel-colored facades, housing iconic cafés, pétanque terrains, and boutique shops. The layout is intentionally open and flexible, accommodating the daily pétanque games played by local retirees, the sprawling temporary stalls of the market, and the terraces of famed establishments like Café des Arts. The surface and informal arrangement contribute to its authentic, unfussy charm, contrasting with more formal, paved urban squares.

Cultural significance and events

Place des Lices is the undeniable social heart of Saint-Tropez, a stage for daily life and major events. Its most famous weekly event is the Marché de Saint-Tropez, a bustling Provençal market attracting vendors and visitors from across the Côte d'Azur. The square is also the epicenter of the town's passionate pétanque culture, hosting serious tournaments and casual games alike. It has been immortalized in numerous films, including those by Roger Vadim, and in paintings by artists of the École de Paris. Annually, it plays a key role in traditional festivities such as the Bravade des Espagnols and the Bravade de Saint-Tropez, where historical processions and gunpowder salutes fill the space. The cafés have been historic rendezvous points for figures from Jean-Paul Sartre to various Formula One drivers.

Notable buildings and landmarks

While the square itself is an open space, its edges are lined with several notable establishments. The most famous is Café des Arts, a legendary brasserie terrace that has been a people-watching institution for decades. Adjacent to it, the equally iconic Le Café shares the vibrant corner scene. The northern side is dominated by the stately Town Hall of Saint-Tropez, a Belle Époque building housing the municipal administration. Although not directly on the square, the nearby Église de Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and the Citadelle are prominent landmarks visible from its periphery. The Musée de l'Annonciade, home to a superb collection of Pointillist and Fauvist works, is also just a short walk away.

Transportation and access

The square is located in the pedestrianized old town center of Saint-Tropez, restricting most vehicle access. The primary public transport access is via the seasonal maritime shuttle services, or *bateaux buses*, connecting from nearby ports like Sainte-Maxime. Local bus services, including those from Saint-Raphaël train station, stop at the *Gare Routière* on the periphery of the old town, a short walk from the square. For those arriving by car, major paid parking lots such as the Parking du Port or Parking des Lices are located at the town's entrances. The nearest major airport with international connections is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, with helicopter transfers available to La Môle aerodrome. Category:Squares in France Category:Tourist attractions in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Category:Saint-Tropez