Sainte-Maxime, Coastal commune in French Riviera, France
Sainte-Maxime is a coastal town on the northern shore of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez with a working marina and sandy beaches. The settlement spreads along the waterfront with residential and commercial buildings mixed together, backed by forested hills.
Medieval monks established a settlement here to farm the surrounding land and develop trade routes across the water. Over time it grew into a fishing port and refuge point during periods when coastal raids threatened the region.
The beach scene and waterfront dining culture shape the daily life here, with cafés and restaurants lining the promenade where locals gather. Visitors witness the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle as people move between the sand, the water, and the outdoor seating areas.
The beach is public and well-maintained with room for swimming, lounging, and water activities without feeling crowded. The waterfront area is easy to navigate and provides a natural starting point for exploring the shoreline in both directions.
The town served as a major landing point for troops during World War II when Allied forces came ashore to liberate the southern coast. Military monuments and museum displays scattered throughout document this chapter of its past.
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