Beaches in Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle: a guide to the beach clubs of Pampelonne
Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle are famous for their beach restaurants, which are popular with locals and visitors of all nationalities and ages. The beaches offer excellent food and service, and there is something for everyone.
Pampelonne beach stretches for around 4.5 km and is home to a large number of beach clubs. Interestingly, Pampelonne is located in Ramatuelle, not Saint-Tropez.
Many of the beach clubs also have small boutiques selling clothes and accessories, such as bikinis, beach throw-overs, hats, kaftans and dresses. They are one of the area's best-kept secrets, with many special and unique pieces.
Beach clubs on Pampelonne beach, Ramatuelle
Tahiti Beach
Tahiti Beach is one of the first beach clubs on Pampelonne, located at the end of the Route de Tahiti, close to the Domaine de la Capilla and Cap Tahiti. It offers great food, specialising in fish and lobster, and great music. There is also a beachfront hotel, a pontoon with a boat shuttle service, and a boutique with a wide choice of dresses, beachwear, hats and bags.
Villas within walking distance of Tahiti Beach
Jardin Tropézina
Reached via the Route de Tahiti, Jardin Tropézina is the beach club of the Château de la Messardière. It is set in a wooded, garden-like setting with views over the Bay of Pampelonne, and its décor of wood and pastel tones creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The Mediterranean menu, with dishes to share, is signed by the multi-starred chef Jean-François Piège and served from lunch through to dinner. In summer, live music accompanies the evenings.
Best for: lunch, with very good food.
Alexandra’s tip: Sunbeds are difficult to get, as the beach belongs to the hotel and most are kept for its guests. Lunch is also very popular.
Villas within walking distance of Jardin Tropézina
Loulou Ramatuelle
Loulou Ramatuelle opened in 2019 and is located on the beach, with sunbeds available to hire. It is one of the most sought-after restaurants on Pampelonne, thanks to the high quality of its food and service. The setting is very beautiful, with a bohemian and elegant décor, and the restaurant is open for dinner during certain weeks of the summer.
Best for: a lively party atmosphere, especially at the second sitting Alexandra’s tip: Loulou is very popular, and as the second sitting is party time, it is not ideal for children.
Club Les Palmiers
Les Palmiers is right on the beach and has one of the best menus on Pampelonne, though it is not the most affordable. The setting is beautiful, the service is good, and the menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. The beach club also has a boutique, and DJs play in the afternoon.
Villas within walking distance of Les Palmiers
Club 55
Club 55 is the most famous restaurant in Saint-Tropez, and one of the best-known lunch spots in the world. It is the place to be seen, and celebrities are frequently spotted among the guests. Large tables often share the signature raw vegetable basket alongside magnums of rosé. The boutique, located just across from the restaurant, offers a fine collection of clothes, jewellery and homeware.
Best for: star spotting, families, and a relaxed atmosphere with live performers rather than a DJ.
Alexandra’s tip: Book very early, as this is one of the most popular beach clubs on Pampelonne, if not the most popular, and keep an eye on the pontoon, where many famous guests arrive by boat.
Villas within walking distance of Club 55
Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach is known as one of the party venues of Pampelonne, set in a beautiful space with wooden decking under a white marquee, around a central swimming pool. It is not always lively, however, and is well worth a visit, with an excellent DJ and good service. The menu is excellent, and includes a roasting corner serving a selection of meats and roasted vegetables.
Bagatelle
Bagatelle is one of the coolest places in Saint-Tropez, popular with a young and fashionable crowd. It is especially well known among Americans and Brazilians, thanks to its sister venues in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, São Paulo and St Barths. It is one of the party places of Pampelonne.
Gigi Ramatuelle
Gigi Ramatuelle opened in 2021 and quickly became one of the most sought-after restaurants in Ramatuelle. Set among the pine trees on the Chemin des Barraques, with direct access to the beach, it serves Italian cuisine and offers a Bellini bar with swimming pool and a kids club. It is one of the most highly recommended restaurants in the area. Featured in French Vogue.
Alexandra’s tip: Gigi is also open in the evening, which is very nice. During the day the music does get loud, so it is not ideal for children, although there is a kids club.
Villas within walking distance of Gigi Ramatuelle
Epi 1959 Hotel
Epi 1959 is one of the few beachfront hotels in Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle. It was fully renovated in 2020 to a very high standard, with spacious rooms in cottages arranged around two swimming pools.
The sports facilities are particularly impressive, including two clay tennis courts, private instructors, daily group classes, a well-equipped gym, yoga and Pilates classes, a wide range of outdoor sports, exclusive access to the Gassin Golf Club and a pétanque court.
Read the reviews from Tatler and Condé Nast Traveller.
Villas within walking distance of Epi Plage
Verde Beach
Verde Beach is located on the beachfront, on the Chemin de l'Épi, in one of the most beautiful settings on the French Riviera. Its boho chic décor and great music create a wonderful atmosphere. The food and service are excellent, with a Mediterranean menu based around local produce.
Villas within walking distance of Verde Beach
La Réserve à la Plage
Created in 2019 by Michel Reybier, founder of La Réserve hotels, La Réserve à la Plage is located on the Chemin de l'Épi. Its bohemian chic setting was designed by Philippe Starck. The menu was created by Éric Canino, chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Voile at La Réserve Ramatuelle, together with Nicolas Cantrel, chef of La Réserve à la Plage. It celebrates Mediterranean cuisine to share, with meats and fish of the day cooked on a wood-fired barbecue and vegetables partly grown in the hotel's kitchen garden. A boat shuttle is available.
Best for: an elegant, quieter beach day, without loud music
Cabane Bambou
Open since 1967, Cabane Bambou is one of the last beaches on Pampelonne, located towards Cap Camarat. It is a well-run beach with a varied menu, excellent fish and salads, and is ideal for families with young children. It is also open all year round, except in November and March.
Seven-bedroom villa a short drive from Cabane Bambou
Beaches near the village of Saint-Tropez
Les Graniers
Located in a small cove below the Citadelle, Les Graniers is one of the closest beaches to the centre of Saint-Tropez, within walking distance of the village. A true local institution, it is a driftwood beach restaurant set in unspoilt vegetation, with a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. The menu features wild fish from the day's catch, lobster and fine meats, cooked over a wood fire. Sunbeds are limited, so booking ahead is recommended.
Best for: a charming, authentic setting away from the party scene
Villas within walking distance of Les Graniers
La Plage des Salins
Located on the Plage des Salins in Saint-Tropez, close to Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez, this beach restaurant is one of the area's best secrets. At lunchtime, grilled fish is served with your feet in the sand, while in the evening, the restaurant overlooking the sea offers barbecue dishes and wood-fired pizzas.
Best for: families Alexandra’s tip: La Plage des Salins is also open in the evening.
