What’s on in Sainte-Maxime this September

2 September 2015

Attend Traditional Dances & Glamorous Yacht Races during a Late Summer Break at Amarante Golf Plaza

With beaches less crowded and the late summer sun still high in the sky, it’s easy to see the attraction of a September break in the Côte d’Azur… however that's not all the region's historic towns have to offer. From traditional folk dances in an open-air theatre to nail-biting yacht races along one of the most sought-after stretches of coastline in the world, read on to discover the many unforgettable experiences a stay in Sainte-Maxime can deliver this September.

Harvest Festival

Sainte-Maxime

5th-6th September 2015

The rolling hills surrounding Sainte-Maxime offer a bounty of fresh produce, from rows of olive trees to scented lavender fields, however it’s the area’s vineyards that’ll attract the most attention this September. Benefitting from sun-soaked, rich soil and a cooling sea breeze, vines will be full of delicious ripe fruit ready for picking, and in honour of the grape harvest, Sainte-Maxime will be hosting its annual harvest festival. 

This year, festivities will begin on the Saturday the 5th with a beautiful firework display over the town’s sandy beach and yacht-filled port from 9:30pm; ideal for taking advantage of the last of the summer’s warm evenings. After taking in the stunning sights, visitors will be invited to attend a ball in the Theatre of the Sea’s impressive open-air surroundings, where live music from ‘Michel Fabre and his Gentlemen’ will provide the perfect soundtrack while the town dances the night away.

After a fun-filled night out, visitors will need to wake early in order to catch a glimpse of a parade led by local folk group ‘Leï Magnoti’. Departing from the Maison des Associations, the procession will make its way down through the town and down towards the seafront, congregating at the Theatre of the Sea for a 10am mass followed by a traditional dance. Grapes will then be passed out to crowds and another parade will take place in the town centre, before a second dance at the Theatre of the Sea commences from 4pm. 

With live music, colourful parades and a whole host of traditional events, Sainte-Maxime’s Harvest Festival is an unmissable event during a September stay. Take the opportunity to browse the town’s elegant boutiques and admire its 16th century tower while meandering down cobbled streets before joining in local celebrations dedicated to one of its most prized produce. 

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez

26th September – 4th October 2015

Returning for its 17th edition, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez has become an eagerly anticipated highlight in the boat racing calendar. 4,000 visitors are set to attend, each eager to watch over 300 yachts compete before joining in the many celebrations that will follow. With an equal divide between modern and classic, including 20 boats aged atleast 100 years old, this nine day event will provide the perfect day out for those who enjoy racing or have an appreciation for the finer things in life. 

Amongst the many awe-inspiring boats on show, the rumoured return of the John Alden designed 1930 Puritan has been greeted with a lot of excitement, while, those who prefer a more modern, high-tech model can look forward to seeing the 10 metre GC32 Edmond de Rothschild. While, with a variety of trophies up for grabs, competitors will include the likes of Olympic silver medallist Marc Pajot, Marie Tabarly, daughter of the late racing yacht designer Éric Tabarly, and Bruno Peyron, who broke the round-the-world sailing record with his crew in 2005.

Away from the water, entertainment will include live music, a celebratory parade for crew members, fireworks and a variety of exciting parties. The main hub will be a mini village hosted by GL Events, where the focus will be on Tahiti, with both a stand promoting local produce and an informative conference dedicated to cultivated pearls from the island. Located only a 15 minute shuttle ride via boat or 45 minute drive away from Sainte-Maxime, this impressive line-up of on and off shore events will be easy to access during a luxury break at Amarante Golf Plaza. 

Whether you opt to dance the night away at a traditional ball or join post-race celebrations in one of Saint-Tropez’s legendary parties, the South of France can offer an exciting calendar of events for every visitor this September.