Travel book · Côte d'Azur

Pampelonne Beach in Ramatuelle: 4.5km of sand and a remarkable natural space

Updated on 5 October 2026 3 min read

A small clarification before we begin: Pampelonne Beach is not in Saint-Tropez. It sits in the neighbouring commune of Ramatuelle, to the east of the peninsula, and stretches for nearly 4.5 kilometres of pale sand, bounded to the north by Cap du Pinet and to the south by Pointe de Bonne Terrasse.

It is the largest beach on the Saint-Tropez peninsula and one of the most iconic on the Côte d’Azur, as much for its legendary beach clubs (Club 55, Tahiti Beach) as for the fact that, contrary to what some visitors might imagine, it remains predominantly freely accessible to the public.

A remarkable natural space, by decision of the Conseil d’État

By a ruling of the Conseil d’État of 13 November 2002, Pampelonne Beach was recognised as a « remarkable natural space » under the Coastal Protection Law. This decision led, in the years that followed, to a development plan aimed at reducing the footprint of private establishments and restoring part of the dune ridge.

The site is furthermore designated Natura 2000 under the « Habitats » directive, notably for its seagrass meadow of Posidonia offshore, the Mediterranean « underwater forest », slow-growing and essential for the biodiversity of the coastline and the stabilisation of sand.

Seven sections, north to south

The beach is divided into seven sections from north to south, named after their access routes: Tahiti, les Moulins, les Tamaris, les Campings, Patch, l’Épi and Bonne Terrasse. Each has its own character.

To the north, Tahiti and les Moulins, closest to Saint-Tropez, concentrate the great historic private beaches. Les Tamaris and Patch offer a balance between private beaches and public areas, with easier vehicle access. L’Épi and Bonne Terrasse, to the south, are the most natural, where the quietest stretches are to be found, sometimes with water at your feet from the rear of the beach.

Access and parking

Access is via several routes running perpendicular to the beach: Route de Tahiti, Chemin des Moulins, Route des Tamaris, Boulevard Patch, Route de l’Épi and Route de Bonne Terrasse. Each access point has its own car park, with charges during the season and sometimes free outside peak season. Allow 5 to 10 minutes on foot from the car to the sand.

Access from the sea (temporary mooring) has been reorganised through the Mooring and Light Equipment Zone (ZMEL) established in recent years, an initiative that should, in time, replace informal mooring with an organised system of buoys to preserve the seagrass meadow.

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When to visit

July and August see the highest visitor numbers, including in the public sectors. May to June and September remain the best compromise: water still (or already) suitable for swimming, beach clubs open, exceptional light. For those in the know, late September remains the cherished time: almost all the beach clubs are still open, yet tourist pressure has fallen away.

Planning a stay on the peninsula

AEC Collection selects and represents premium villas and houses in Ramatuelle, Gassin and Saint-Tropez. Private beach clubs and sunbeds are reserved directly with the establishments.

By the AEC Collection team