Saint-Tropez tops France’s priciest beach destinations survey

Saint-Tropez is the most expensive beach destination in France for summer 2026, according to a survey by France Magazine. The ranking shows a sharp premium on the French Riviera, with Saint-Tropez averaging €565 a night for the cheapest available double room in August.

Why it matters: - Saint-Tropez’s price gap shows how far the top tier of French beach destinations has pulled away from the rest of the market. - The ranking may shape summer travel choices for budget-conscious visitors planning August 2026 trips. - The survey also highlights where high-end demand is strongest along the French coast.

What happened: - France Magazine surveyed lodging costs in more than 100 coastal towns in France. - Researchers ranked destinations using the cheapest available rate for a double room in hotels with at least a three-star rating. - The study focused on the peak travel month of August 2026. - Saint-Tropez ranked first with an average nightly rate of €565. - Ramatuelle placed second at €326 a night. - Monaco ranked third at €301 a night.

The details: - Saint-Tropez costs more than 75% above Ramatuelle, its nearest competitor in the survey. - Cavalaire-sur-Mer ranked fourth at €294. - Bandol ranked fifth at €288. - Cap Ferret was the most expensive destination outside the Côte d'Azur, with an average nightly rate of €286. - Cap Ferret ranked sixth overall. - Grimaud ranked seventh at €282. - Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat ranked eighth at €280. - Cabourg ranked ninth at €276. - Porto-Vecchio rounded out the top 10 at €252. - The data was collected in mid-July from leading hotel booking platforms. - The full report is available here.

Between the lines: - The results reinforce Saint-Tropez’s position as a luxury-heavy market where peak-season supply commands a steep premium. - Monaco’s inclusion in the ranking widens the comparison beyond traditional beach towns and underscores how coastal prestige affects pricing. - Cap Ferret’s placement suggests the Atlantic coast can still compete with the Riviera on price, even outside the Mediterranean hotspot.

What's next: - Travelers booking late for August 2026 are likely to face the highest rates in the destinations near the top of the list. - The ranking may be revisited as the season progresses and hotel inventory changes. - France Magazine’s methodology gives travelers a simple benchmark for comparing beach destinations before booking.

The bottom line: - If price is the deciding factor, Saint-Tropez is the least budget-friendly beach stop in France this summer.