Tour Vieille

The Tour Vieille, guardian of the Ponche district

The Tour Vieille, built at the end of the fifteenth century, watches over the historic Ponche district of Saint-Tropez. At a time when the Mediterranean was synonymous with dangers, it was all a matter of vigilance. The Saint-Tropez audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this vestige of the defensive past of the fishing village.

A fifteenth-century watchtower

Dating from the end of the fifteenth century, the Tour Vieille stands in the historic Ponche district, the former fishing heart of Saint-Tropez. With the other towers of the village, it watched over access from the sea and protected the inhabitants from incursions. It testifies to a time when Saint-Tropez, a fortified town, had to constantly guard against the dangers from the open sea.

What to see

The tower, standing above the sea in the Ponche district, offers a testimony of the defensive past of Saint-Tropez and a picturesque setting. It is discovered from the lanes and the water's edge, among the colourful houses of the old village. It is a stop for lovers of history and authentic corners, away from the bustle of the port.

Practical information

The Tour Vieille lies in the historic Ponche district of Saint-Tropez, reachable on foot. It is an open-air vestige, freely visible at all times, with no ticket office. On the level through the lanes, it is discovered during a walk in the old village, by the sea.

What was the role of the Tour Vieille?

It watched over access from the sea and protected Saint-Tropez from incursions, at a time when the fortified village had to guard against the dangers from the open sea.

Where is the Tour Vieille?

In the historic Ponche district, the former fishing district of Saint-Tropez, by the sea.