By Jeannie D
There are moments in life that feel like scenes from a movie. This one? Think Bond girl meets bestie with a birthday. The mission: surprise my soul sister for her 50th in the south of France. Operation: Côte d’Fabulous.
It began in Lisbon, where I booked a last-minute flight to Nice – because when one’s best friend turns 50, you drop everything to celebrate with her. Then came la pièce de résistance: a helicopter transfer from Nice to St Tropez. YES. A chopper. Because a girl’s gotta make an entrance, and I refuse to arrive at a milestone moment in the back of an Uber X.
The views from the sky? Pure magic. Azure seas, bobbing superyachts, hilltop villas, and lavender-dusted hills. I practically wept into my oversized sunnies.
But before we dive into the drama (and rosé), let me share a few fabulous fun facts about St Tropez, that glittering gem on the French Riviera:
Why Is St Tropez So Iconic?
- Brigitte Bardot made it famous. Before the 1950s, St Tropez was a sleepy fishing village. Then came BB in the iconic movie And God Created Woman, and suddenly the whole world wanted in.
- It’s a playground for the rich and really well-dressed. Think mega yachts, Dior pop-ups, vintage convertibles, and paparazzi lurking behind potted palms.
- It’s not just the glam. Yes, there’s glitz—but also cobblestoned charm, ochre-painted facades, secret beaches, and some of the best people-watching you’ll ever experience.
- It’s tiny. The village itself is walkable, which is part of the charm. There’s no rush to get anywhere. Just you and your espadrilles!
Jeannieous Travel Tips for Tropez
- Avoid driving if you can. Traffic into St Tropez in summer? A cautionary tale. Take a boat or helicopter if you can – it’s faster and infinitely more chic.
- Stay close to the village. Being able to walk to Le Sénéquier for a coffee or hit the markets in Place des Lices in the morning is a vibe.
- Pack white linen everything. And maybe one slightly irresponsible sparkly number.
- Don’t miss the beaches. Pampelonne is the headline act, but try Tahiti Beach or the lesser-known Plage des Graniers for a quieter day.
- Make lunch your event. St Tropez lunches are not meals – they’re marathons. Beach clubs like Club 55 or Loulou St Tropez turn into dance floors by 4PM.
- Also don’t leave St Tropez without having the artichoke!! The one at Le Girelier is elite!
My Secret Weapon: The Shyft Card
Planning all of this on the fly (literally), could have been stressful if it wasn’t for my travel hero: my Shyft card. Let me tell you why it deserves a standing ovation:
Multi-currency wallet: I bought euros in advance at the best possible rate, right from the app. No airport exchange drama.- International booking power: Flights? Done. Helicopter transfer? Swipe. Rosé-fuelled birthday lunch? Tap and go, darling.
- Global shopping glory: Whether it was grabbing last-minute Dior lip gloss (it is St Tropez, after all) or a souvenir for my bestie, my Shyft card handled it all—no fuss, no forex fail.
- Security and ease: Everything’s on my phone. I even set travel limits and track spending while sipping champagne. Iconic.
Multi-currency wallet: I bought euros in advance at the best possible rate, right from the app. No airport exchange drama.
International booking power: Flights? Done. Helicopter transfer? Swipe. Rosé-fuelled birthday lunch? Tap and go, darling.
Global shopping glory: Whether it was grabbing last-minute Dior lip gloss (it is St Tropez, after all) or a souvenir for my bestie, my Shyft card handled it all—no fuss, no forex fail.
Security and ease: Everything’s on my phone. I even set travel limits and track spending while sipping champagne. Iconic.Truly, I don’t travel without it anymore—it’s like having a savvy personal banker in your pocket, but one that likes pretty things as much as I do and doesn’t ask intrusive questions.
The Main Event: My Bestie Turns 50!
The moment I surprised her? UNREAL. She was glowing. There were gasps, hugs, champagne tears, and a few very dramatic squeals. Honestly, I felt like a love bomb wrapped in bronzer and gratitude. She’s one of those rare humans—always showing up, always giving love, always sparkling. This was her time to feel celebrated.
We danced. We laughed. We cried (because apparently that’s what you do when you hit 50 and realise how good life can be). The Mediterranean sparkled behind us. Our hearts were full. And for one perfect weekend, nothing else mattered.
Final Thoughts from the French Riviera
Life is fast. Time is slippery. And sometimes you just have to hop on a flight, leap into a helicopter, and show up for your people. These are the moments that matter. These are the memories that define us.
So here’s to celebrating love, friendship, big birthdays, and the luxury of living fully. And here’s to doing it all with ease, elegance thanks to Shyft. Because when life offers you a birthday in St Tropez, darling, you go.
