L'Escalet, Ramatuelle: why people rent and buy villas beside one of Saint-Tropez's most unspoilt beaches
L'Escalet is a coastal area in the south of Ramatuelle, at the southern end of the Saint-Tropez peninsula. It is known for its preserved beach, its protected coastline and its quiet, natural setting. It is also a short drive from Ramatuelle village, the Pampelonne beaches and Saint-Tropez. This combination makes it one of the most sought-after areas of the peninsula for families looking for a villa to rent or buy.
Location and distances
L'Escalet is in the commune of Ramatuelle, surrounded by countryside, vineyards and the sea.
Ramatuelle village: around 5 minutes by car Pampelonne beaches and beach restaurants: around 10 minutes by car Saint-Tropez centre: around 20 minutes by car
A preserved beach
L'Escalet has its own sandy beach, well preserved and set among rocks and pine trees, with a car park close by. The water is clear and the setting is calm. Paddle boarding and other water activities are available.
Just beyond the beach, a series of small coves and inlets runs along the coast towards Cap Taillat.
The coastal path to Cap Taillat
L'Escalet is one of the best areas on the Saint-Tropez peninsula for walking. The coastal path starts from the Escalet beach car park and follows the coast past pines and small coves to Cap Taillat. A sandy isthmus joins the headland to the mainland, forming a beach on each side.
Cap Taillat is protected by the Conservatoire du littoral, the French national coastal protection agency. The walk also lies within the Corniche varoise Natura 2000 site. From the top of the cape, there are 360° views from Cap Camarat to the Porquerolles islands, over the Bastide Blanche wine estate and Cap Lardier.
A protected, largely unbuilt coastline
Much of the coastline around l'Escalet is protected. Development projects on Cap Taillat were rejected by Ramatuelle over the years, and the land was bought by the Conservatoire du littoral. As a result, the landscape around l'Escalet has remained largely natural, with few buildings along the shore.
The Domaine de l'Escalet
The Domaine de l'Escalet is a private residential domaine of around 50 houses, with barrier-controlled access. The plots are fairly small, but most houses have a swimming pool and stunning sea views. Every house in the domaine is within walking distance of l'Escalet beach.
Villas in and around the domaine range from Provençal-style stone houses to contemporary villas.
Why people rent in l'Escalet
- A quiet, natural setting, away from the busier parts of Saint-Tropez
- A preserved sandy beach with clear water and nearby coves
- Direct access to the coastal path and Cap Taillat
- Family-friendly, with a calm beach and space outdoors
- Close to Ramatuelle village, Pampelonne and Saint-Tropez
- Sea-view villas with private pools
Why people buy in l'Escalet
- A protected coastline, which has kept the surroundings largely unbuilt
- A private residential domaine with sea views
- A rare combination of seclusion and proximity to Saint-Tropez
- Easy access to the Pampelonne beaches and Ramatuelle village
- A setting of vineyards, countryside and sea on the Saint-Tropez peninsula
La Réserve Ramatuelle
One of the finest five-star hotels on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, La Réserve Ramatuelle, is close to l'Escalet. Its main building is a 1970s modernist structure redesigned by the French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte.
The domaine includes private villas with their own swimming pools, and a spa. Its restaurants are open to the public, including the Michelin-starred La Voile. The hotel also runs La Réserve à la Plage, a beach club on Pampelonne designed by Philippe Starck.
Villas for rent in l'Escalet
A beautiful, very well kept family home in a peaceful setting, with sea and countryside views. Five en-suite bedrooms, a heated swimming pool and high-quality amenities.
