Côte d’Azur Event of the Month – September 2026: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

From 26 September to 4 October 2026, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez becomes the setting for one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful sailing events, offering a wonderful opportunity to discover everything this exceptional region has to offer. Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez brings together around 250 exceptional yachts, ranging from century-old sailing boats to state-of-the-art racing machines. For nine days, the harbour, the old town and the waters surrounding Saint-Tropez are filled with sails, crews and spectators celebrating a passion for sailing in unmistakable Riviera style.

The event may have an international reputation today, but its origins are wonderfully informal. Its story can be traced back to 1981, when two yachts, Pride and Ikra, challenged one another to a race simply for the pleasure of competing. Other boats soon joined, and the friendly gathering developed into the legendary Nioulargue regatta. In 1999, the event was reborn as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, preserving the original spirit of competition, friendship and enjoyment on the water.

That spirit remains one of its greatest attractions. Les Voiles is not devoted to a single type of sailing. Magnificent classic yachts, some more than a century old, share the Gulf with sleek modern racers and enormous Maxi yachts built with the latest sailing technology. The contrast is extraordinary. A beautifully restored wooden yacht may pass within sight of a carbon-fibre racing machine designed to achieve maximum speed, yet both belong naturally to the same event.

The 2026 edition is particularly interesting because the famous J-Class yachts return to Saint-Tropez. These majestic sailing yachts combine enormous dimensions with graceful lines and have a history closely connected with the America's Cup. Seeing them under sail alongside the other fleets promises to be one of the highlights of this year's Voiles.

You do not need to be a sailor to enjoy the spectacle. From several points around the Gulf, the sight of hundreds of sails filling the Mediterranean is impressive in itself. The starts around the Portalet and the racing off Pampelonne provide particularly memorable views, while boat excursions offer another opportunity to experience the action from the water.

Back in Saint-Tropez, the atmosphere continues long after the yachts return to harbour. Walking along the quays in the late afternoon allows visitors to admire the classic rigging, polished wooden hulls and immense Maxis at close range. The Village des Voiles is open to the public free of charge, with exhibitors and live music adding to the festive atmosphere throughout the event.

Late September is also a particularly attractive time to discover the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The intense heat and crowds of August have eased, while the Mediterranean climate often still provides wonderfully pleasant days. Restaurants and terraces remain lively, the sea retains its summer warmth and the entire region adopts a more relaxed rhythm.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez therefore offers far more than a week of competitive sailing. It combines sporting excellence, maritime heritage and the convivial atmosphere for which Saint-Tropez has been famous for generations. Whether you follow the races closely or simply admire the yachts from the waterfront, it provides a spectacular finale to the Mediterranean summer.

Planning a stay during Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez? Discover our holiday homes and holiday villas on the Côte d’Azur and experience one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular sailing events.