At around 200 metres above sea level, Gassin is one of the most emblematic hilltop villages of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages in France), it charms visitors with its medieval lanes, its stone houses, its views over the Mediterranean and the vineyards that surround it.
People come to Gassin to discover the Androuno, one of the narrowest streets in the world, admire the view from the orientation table, wander through the old lanes and settle on a terrace overlooking the gulf.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Le Micocoulier | Provençal cuisine, grilled fish | Place des Barrys |
| La Casettina | Italian cuisine, chef Giuseppe | In the village, with a view of the gulf |
| Bello Visto | Mediterranean cuisine and local produce | Restaurant and boutique hotel |
What to see in Gassin?
The Androuno, the village’s emblematic lane
The Androuno measures just 29 centimetres at its narrowest point. This lane in old Gassin has become one of the symbols of the village and barely lets one person through at a time. It is generally presented as the narrowest street in the world.
The word androuno means, in Provençal, a narrow passage between houses. Gassin has thus preserved a particularly spectacular example right in the heart of its historic centre.
The panorama over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
The panorama is one of the main reasons to visit Gassin. From the heights of the village, the view stretches across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Mediterranean, the Îles d’Or and the Massif des Maures. An orientation table helps you identify the main landscapes surrounding the peninsula.
From the orientation table, the panorama covers 240 degrees out of 360, with the sea and the gulf on one side, then the vineyards, the hills and the Massif des Maures on the other.
To make the most of the light over the gulf, the end of the day is particularly pleasant. The village then takes on a different atmosphere, with Saint-Tropez and the bay below.
A medieval village listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France
The first known mention of Gassin dates back to 1190. The village is now listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France and retains many traces of its medieval history.
Walking through the old village, you will discover the remains of the former ramparts, the Porte des Sarrazins, the Rue de la Tasco, considered the oldest street in the village, and the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, built in the 16th century.
Gassin was once nicknamed “la Vigie du Golfe” (the lookout of the gulf), because of its commanding position, which made it possible to watch over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the bay of Cavalaire.
The vineyards around the village
Gassin is also a wine destination. Nine wine estates are established in the commune, between plains and hillsides, in a landscape shaped by vines and Mediterranean hills.
This winemaking tradition is an integral part of Gassin’s landscape and lets you extend your visit to the village with an estate tour or a tasting of Provence wines.
Where to eat in Gassin?
Several restaurants let you have lunch or dinner in the village and enjoy its Mediterranean setting.
Le Micocoulier, on Place des Barrys, serves Provençal-inspired cuisine, including grilled fish.
La Casettina showcases Italian cuisine with chef Giuseppe. Set in the village, the restaurant enjoys an open view of the gulf.
Bello Visto combines a restaurant and a boutique hotel around Mediterranean cuisine inspired by local produce.
In high season, particularly in July and August, booking ahead is recommended to enjoy the most sought-after tables and the terraces with a view.
How to get to Gassin from Saint-Tropez?
Gassin is a few kilometres from Saint-Tropez. From the harbour of Saint-Tropez, take the road that climbs towards the village through the landscapes of the peninsula and the vineyards.
Once you reach the old village, it is best to park nearby and continue on foot. The historic centre is easy to explore on foot, through the narrow lanes, the small squares and the various viewpoints.
To visit Gassin comfortably, wear shoes suited to cobbled lanes and passages that are sometimes steep.
Where to stay near Gassin?
To stay in the surroundings of Gassin while remaining close to Saint-Tropez, the Kube Saint-Tropez is located in the commune of Gassin, on an estate of two hectares of Mediterranean gardens with a view of the gulf.
The hotel offers a peaceful setting close to Saint-Tropez, while making it easy to reach the peninsula’s various villages and beaches.
To extend the experience, also discover the estate’s dining addresses: the Kube & Pool Bar restaurant · the rooftop Le Petit Célestin
See also: where to eat in Saint-Tropez · visit the village of Saint-Tropez
FAQ
For two reasons. It is a village listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, and it is home to the Androuno, one of the narrowest lanes in the world, just 29 centimetres wide.
The village is a quarter of an hour by car from the harbour of Saint-Tropez, by the road that climbs through the vines.
No. The village is closed to traffic. You park on the outskirts and walk up, through cobbled and sloping lanes.
The village can be explored in about an hour, panorama and Androuno included. Allow half a day if you have lunch there or go up for the sunset.
Yes. The commune has nine estates and the area holds the Vignobles et Découvertes label, a national label that distinguishes destinations where you can visit the estates, taste the wines and stay on site.
The village hosts exhibitions all summer long and, in June, the Nuit romantique of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Yes. Several tables in the village look directly onto the bay, notably La Casettina from its terraces. Booking is strongly recommended in high season.