One of the best parts about vacationing at villas in France is the shopping. From Dior, Yves St Laurent, D&G and Cartier to independent shops, you're bound to find a treasure to take home as a reminder of your getaway. But it takes some hunting to find the shops in St. Tropez that are truly worth a trek, where you'll discover truly unusual pieces. These stores, all of which are conveniently located near top luxury rentals, are some of the hidden gems where you're likely to find something special.

Essentials
At Gas Bijoux, there are a colorful array of necklaces, earrings and bracelets that will help you to fit in with the locals. This historic boutique, which was started in the late 1960s, has gained international attention in and was recently redesigned by Marie Gas in collaboration with the Danish designer Helle Damjkaer. Much of the jewelry in its selection are limited edition items created exclusively for the store. A spritz of the store's fragrance Ensoleille Me could be a great way to remember and reminisce about your vacation after it's over.

Nearby is the quirky French label Manoush, which means "gypsy." Here, you'll find unique hippie-inspired embellished garments in a bevy of fluorescent hues.

You'll also need a cardigan to drape around your shoulder for chilly nights, which you can find at Zadige & Voltaire. Their line of delicate cashmere sweaters, tribal batik scarves and studded knitwear have an unexpected, Parisian rock and roll edge. 

Nearby, entering Bla Bla almost feels like entering a hidden magical cave. The iconic boutique offers about 50 different labels which the owner has scouted from all across the world, like Zazo, Juliet Dunn and Mes Demoiselles. You're guaranteed to discover a new designer here, as they are constantly adding undiscovered brands and styles.

Beachwear
Beach bunnies will not want to miss ERES, where you can pick up a bright swimsuit by Kiwi and pair it with an embroidered caftan by Agogoa. Kiwi's bathing trunks and bikinis are known for lasting through years of sun and chlorine, with colors that pop but aren't too flashy.

La Chemise Tropezienne has been selling their beautiful trademark white shirts since the 1960s. Their blouses, which come in a range of colors from aqua to pink, are a perfect beach cover-up.
If you need a dramatic ensemble for pool lounging at your villa, stop into the Byblos Boutique for a Manuel Canovas bathing suit and matching jewelry by Mara Qaratsos or a head-turning cocktail dress from Parisian designer Mina Poe.

Footwear
While on Rue Gambetta, you might as well stop at Alberto Moretti Arfango, which is a shoe-lover's heaven. Between sultry python stilettos and the signature moccasin-style loafers, there's a pair for everyone.

Atelier Rondini is famous for selling the iconic sandals worn by a bevy of 1960s fashionistas. Now, Rondini sells everything from metallic gladiators to candy-colored flip-flops, which make a great gift. You can even see craftsman creating the handmade shoes in the back workroom.

Custom-design your own "spartiates" shoes at K. Jacques, where you choose the materials and the embroidery. The shop has been hand-crafting the sandals, which were donned by French artists, since 1933.

With all the walking you've been doing down the beaches and through the streets of St. Tropez, you might need to pick up a pair of comfier shoes. Stop at Victoire, which sells butter-soft leather ballerina flats in every hue.

Are you interested in luxury vacation rentals? Contact Villas of Distinction today at 800.289.0900 where a qualified villa expert will help you explore which luxury villa best suits your lifestyle.