Tour du Portalet

The Tour du Portalet, sentinel of the old port of Saint-Tropez

The Tour du Portalet, built in the fifteenth century at the entrance of the old port, is one of the three great towers of Saint-Tropez. Its name comes from Provençal and means 'little door'. The Saint-Tropez audio-guided tour stops here to evoke the defensive role of this structure, guardian of access to the port at the time when the town was fortified.

A little door onto the sea

Built in the fifteenth century, the Tour du Portalet owes its name to the Provençal 'little door', because it guarded one of the accesses of the fortified village. Located by the sea, at the starting point of the great jetty of the port, it overlooks the La Glaye creek. To protect itself from attacks, Saint-Tropez quickly became a fortified town, of which this tower remains one of the most notable witnesses.

What to see

The tower, set at the water's edge at the start of the jetty, offers a picturesque setting and fine views of the sea and the La Glaye creek. It is discovered during the walk along the port and the historic district. It is a stop for lovers of history and maritime landscapes, in one of the most charming corners of Saint-Tropez.

Practical information

The Tour du Portalet lies by the sea, at the start of the jetty of the old port of Saint-Tropez, reachable on foot. It is an open-air vestige, freely visible at all times, with no ticket office. On the level along the port, it is discovered during a walk, near the La Glaye creek.

Where does the name Tour du Portalet come from?

From the Provençal meaning 'little door': the tower guarded one of the accesses of the fortified village of Saint-Tropez, at the entrance of the old port.

Where is the Tour du Portalet?

By the sea, at the starting point of the great jetty of the old port of Saint-Tropez, overlooking the La Glaye creek.