For its first edition in Saint-Tropez, the PAD will take over the Maison Jean Despas from July 2 to 5, 2026, bringing together twenty international galleries in one of the most iconic villages on the French Riviera. With its legendary beaches, exceptional seaside properties, art galleries, and iconic spots steeped in the legacy of Brigitte Bardot, a visit here becomes a deep dive into the artistic and cultural history of the Riviera.
This year, the PAD Saint-Tropez offers yet another reason to spend a few days there. At the heart of Saint-Tropez life, the fair brings together the world’s finest names in collectible design in an elegant, intimate, and distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.
Saint-Tropez is thus establishing itself more than ever as a true embodiment of the Mediterranean art of living, where design, heritage, culture, and exceptional real estate come together naturally.
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Founded in Paris in 1998 under the leadership of Patrick Perrin, PAD has established itself as the world’s leading design fair and an essential reference point for historical and contemporary design. For nearly thirty years, the fair has brought together gallery owners, collectors, architects, interior designers, and design enthusiasts around a discerning and unique vision of collectible design.
Conceived as a space for dialogue across eras, styles, and crafts, PAD Saint-Tropez celebrates a way of life where creation, collecting, and emotion converge. True to the fair’s DNA, this inaugural edition will showcase rare works, major names, and fresh perspectives within an immersive setting imbued with a Mediterranean spirit.
Long before it became one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations, Saint-Tropez established itself as a true source of artistic inspiration. Behind the glamorous image that characterizes the village today lies a rich cultural history, shaped by generations of icons who came in search of freedom.
The scenery of Saint-Tropez inspired a new approach to color and texture. Little by little, Saint-Tropez ceased to be just a simple fishing village and became a veritable aesthetic laboratory where artists experimented with new perspectives on modernity and trends.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Brigitte Bardot helped put Saint-Tropez on the international map thanks to Roger Vadim’s film *And God Created Woman*. But beyond the glamour of the legend, this period above all cemented the village’s status as a hub of culture and community. This artistic legacy continues to breathe life into the spirit of Saint-Tropez today.
This is evident in the 48 monumental portraits of Brigitte Bardot currently on display throughout the city through October, as part of a collaboration between the city and *Paris Match*. From the actress’s early career to her advocacy for animal welfare, this open-air exhibition celebrates both a French icon and a story deeply intertwined with Saint-Tropez.
In this context, the arrival of the PAD in Saint-Tropez seems almost inevitable. The event is part of a cultural continuum. Spending a few days in Saint-Tropez during the PAD means discovering both the finest names in collectible design and the artistic history of a village that, over time, has become an iconic symbol thanks to its icons and its tranquility.
For this inaugural edition, PAD Saint-Tropez will bring together twenty of the most influential French and international galleries in the contemporary and historical design scene.
The success of PAD Paris has played a major role in establishing collectible design as a true heritage market. At its most recent Paris edition, the fair made a particularly strong impression with the quality of its immersive exhibition design, the presence of international galleries, and the ongoing dialogue between historic pieces and contemporary creations. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Tuileries Garden, PAD Paris once again confirmed its status as a must-attend event for collectors, interior designers, architects, and design enthusiasts from around the world. The leading names in 20th-century design were featured alongside the most sought-after emerging designers, illustrating the evolution of the market.
True to the spirit of Saint-Tropez, the PAD will offer an immersive experience combining its collection, social gatherings, and Mediterranean hospitality.
The PAD Saint-Tropez will open on Wednesday, July 1, with a pétanque tournament held at the legendary Place des Lices. On Thursday, July 2, collectors and guests will have the opportunity to explore the fair during the Collectors Preview, open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., followed by another pétanque evening registration required starting at 6:30 p.m.
The official opening ceremony for the fair will take place on Friday, July 3, at 11 a.m., with the Mayor in attendance, followed by the public opening of the PAD, which will remain open until 9 p.m. The fair will then be open to the public on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
As for tickets, admission to the Collectors Preview is priced at €50, while general admission is €20. Residents of Saint-Tropez, Gassin, Ramatuelle, Port Grimaud, and La Croix-Valmer will enjoy free admission to the show.
With this inaugural edition in Saint-Tropez, the PAD reaffirms its mission: to foster a dialogue between design, heritage, and lifestyle in the most inspiring destinations of the contemporary world.
In Saint-Tropez and the surrounding villages Beyond location, a desire for beauty now drives real estate purchases. Contemporary villas overlooking the Mediterranean, elegantly restored historic properties, architect-designed homes, or interiors conceived as true works of art: every detail contributes to the property’s emotional value.such as Ramatuelle, Gassin, and Grimaud luxury real estate goes far beyond the simple concept of a second home. For several years now, international buyers have been seeking much more than just an exceptional location. They want to live in places that tell a story, where architecture, interior design, works of art, and craftsmanship come together as one.
This trend is directly reflected in the expectations of clients in the luxury market. Today, a large proportion of luxury property buyers are also interested in contemporary art, collectible design, and interior architecture. According to several studies of the luxury market, art collectors are among the most prominent groups in the international high-end real estate market, particularly on the French Riviera, where residences are becoming true venues for collecting and entertaining.
Among international buyers, real estate is increasingly viewed as a holistic experience. A property stands out as much for its spaciousness, natural light, or ocean view as for the quality of its furnishings, materials, or the artworks it houses. Some collectors even design their homes around iconic pieces of design or contemporary art, transforming their homes into true extensions of their cultural world.
This pursuit of aesthetics and authenticity naturally enriches the local cultural ecosystem in Saint-Tropez.
The Saint-Tropez PAD confirms Saint-Tropez’s ability to attract the most prestigious international events related to design, art, and the art of living. Much more than just a cultural event, this momentum also helps enhance the peninsula’s appeal as a real estate destination for an international clientele that appreciates aesthetics, heritage, and the Mediterranean quality of life.
Taking a break to clear your head almost goes without saying in Saint-Tropez during the PAD. While major cities like Paris are sweltering in the summer heat, settling in here during this time is a soothing experience.Whether in Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle, Grimaud, Gassin, or La Croix-Valmer, secluded villas and charming homes surrounded by nature allow you to fully enjoy the refreshing Mediterranean climate while discovering the history of Saint-Tropez and the world of collectible design.
