Plage de Pampelonne is a sweeping 4.5-kilometre arc of fine pale sand situated in Ramatuelle, just 6 kilometres south of Saint-Tropez in the Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The beach faces south-southeast, sheltered from the mistral by the Maures massif, and opens onto Mediterranean waters ranging from bright aquamarine in the shallows to deep blue offshore. The sand is fine and golden, sloping gently into shallow water comfortable for all ages, though the Mistral and southwesterly Libeccio can occasionally raise short choppy waves that delight windsurfers and kitesurfers.
The beach is divided into roughly 25 licensed beach club concessions — including legendary names such as Club 55, Nikki Beach, and Tahiti Beach — interspersed with free public sections known as domaine public maritime. Each club occupies a stretch of approximately 80–150 metres of shoreline and typically offers padded sunbeds, parasols, and full restaurant service. Sunbed pairs cost around €30–80 during peak July and August. Between the clubs, public zones are entirely free to use and remain uncrowded by comparison. Lifeguards operate on supervised sections during July and August.
The road running parallel to the beach — Route des Tamaris — is closed to non-resident traffic from July to mid-August, channelling visitors to parking lots at the northern end near Route des Plages or to the seasonal shuttle bus from Saint-Tropez town. Cycling is the most efficient approach: the cycle path from Saint-Tropez to Ramatuelle passes close to the northern beach entrance. Equestrian rides along the shoreline are possible in early morning outside peak season.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, the beach supports jet ski hire, paddleboard and kayak rental, and sailing lessons. The atmosphere shifts considerably across the day: calm and family-oriented in the morning, lively and music-driven at beach clubs from midday through sunset, and electric on Thursday evenings at clubs hosting DJ sets. The beach also carries historical significance as a landing site during Operation Dragoon in August 1944, when Allied forces came ashore on this stretch of the Côte d'Azur.
| Distance | 6km from Saint-Tropez village |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Bus 7001 from Saint-Tropez (Place des Lices) in summer; bicycle hire in Saint-Tropez (€15 / approx USD 16 per day); taxi €15–20 / approx USD 16–22 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June–September |
| Address | Route des Tamaris, 83350 Ramatuelle, France |
Amenities
- beach clubs
- sunbed hire
- restaurants
- water sports
- parking
Good to know
- Best for
- partiers, sunbathers, couples, swimmers, families
Location
Route des Tamaris, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
43.2368, 6.6568 View on map
Highlights
- 4.5 km of fine golden sand — one of the largest sandy beaches on the Côte d'Azur
- Legendary beach clubs including Club 55 and Nikki Beach with full restaurant service
- Clear, shallow Mediterranean entry well suited to families and less confident swimmers
- Operation Dragoon WWII Allied landing site marked at the northern end of the beach
- Water sports hub with jet ski, paddleboard, kayak, and windsurfing operators on site
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9 am for parking at Route des Plages — lots fill completely by 10 am in July–August
- Free public beach sections (domaine public) exist between the clubs — look for gaps in the coloured sunbed rows
- The cycle path from Saint-Tropez via Ramatuelle takes about 35 minutes and avoids road closures entirely
- Bus 7001 from Place des Lices in Saint-Tropez runs to beach access points in summer — far cheaper than parking
- Beach clubs require advance reservations for weekends in July–August; walk-in sunbeds are rarely available then
- Water temperatures peak around 24°C in mid-August; jellyfish are uncommon but can appear in calm spells in August–September
When to visit
Late June and early September offer the best balance of warm water, sunshine, and manageable crowds. July and August bring the full beach club experience but also peak traffic and the highest prices.
Accessibility
The free public sections of Pampelonne are reached via level or gently sloping paths from the parking areas, though the soft sand surface can be challenging for wheelchair users. Some beach clubs have wooden boardwalks (caillebotis) extending across the sand to the waterline, which improves access.
Frequently asked questions
Is any part of Pampelonne beach free to use?
Yes — several sections of domaine public maritime (public coastal land) sit between the licensed beach club concessions and are completely free. These public stretches have no sunbeds or services, but visitors may bring their own equipment.
How do I get to Pampelonne beach from Saint-Tropez without a car?
Bus 7001 (operated in summer by Var Lib) runs from Place des Lices in Saint-Tropez directly to beach access points along Route de Tamaris. Bicycle hire from Saint-Tropez town is also popular; the cycle path is mostly flat and takes about 35 minutes.
Are beach clubs at Pampelonne open year-round?
Most clubs operate from May to late September, with peak season in July and August. Outside this period many clubs are closed; a handful remain open in shoulder months with limited service.
Can water sports equipment be hired at Pampelonne?
Yes — several operators along the central section hire jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, and offer windsurfing and sailing lessons. Jet ski hire typically starts around €70–100 for 30 minutes.
Is the beach dog-friendly?
Dogs are permitted on certain sections of Pampelonne outside peak hours in summer, generally before 9 am and after 7 pm. During July–August, dogs may be prohibited on some stretches during the day.