St. Tropez: Gluten Less, Travel More
Sorry (not sorry) but we feasted mostly on the scenery and our only food sustenance this day was the excellent local olives and peanuts we received while working on our golden tans.
Disembarking in St. Tropez, we were immediately greeted by the town’s curious origin story—one that involves a beheaded saint, a rooster, and a dog drifting in a boat to this now-iconic village. With such a bizarre history, it’s no wonder St. Tropez has become a magnet for the eccentric and the elite alike.
Le Club 55, the granddaddy of all beach clubs along this glamorous coast, is accessed by a short drive past vineyards and umbrella pines. Our taxi driver regaled us with tales of the glitterati he’d chauffeured to its hallowed shores—names dropped like pebbles into the Mediterranean.
Fortunately, we arrived early enough to secure our prime spot on the front row, mere steps from the sea. Under the shade of umbrellas, with a gentle sea breeze playing around us, a waiter appeared like magic, delivering drinks accompanied by an ice bag—a thoughtful touch that hinted at the level of service that keeps the jet-set coming back.
The restaurant at Club 55, a charming hideaway nestled under the trees, was sadly off-limits to us—the tables already claimed by those who had arrived in style from their yachts anchored just offshore. Watching the tender boats shuttle back and forth, we imagined what famous face we might spy.
Choosing to forego the dining experience wasn’t a hardship. Instead, we basked in the ambiance, taking in the parade of well-dressed beachgoers—though “dressed” might be a generous term for some. The beach offered its own unique fashion show, from the nearly-nude toddlers to the boldly topless octogenarians. And then there was the passionate Italian couple, whose public display of affection left us wondering: spouse or secret lover?
As for the water, it was perfection—crystal clear and just the right side of refreshing, the kind that makes you understand why people migrate here in droves every summer. We mingled, in our own way, with the international crowd, reveling in the Mediterranean magic.
Gluten-free options were indeed available in St. Tropez according to https://www.findmeglutenfree.com, but we were too relaxed on the beach to do much finding.
No gluten-free dining today, but who needs it when you can feast on the experience of being part of the chic set, if only for a day? The memory of that sun-soaked, star-studded, sea-splashed day is more satisfying than any meal could ever be.
