Saint-Tropez has long captivated the hearts of the international jet set. Since its rise to fame with artists and film stars, this charming town has become synonymous with elegance and exclusivity. Once a humble fishing village, Saint-Tropez has transformed into a charter destination that boasts an array of world-class beach clubs, fine dining establishments, and a bustling port that serves as the social epicentre.
Discovering The Top Beach Clubs In Saint-Tropez
If you’re looking for the quintessential Saint-Tropez experience, head to its beach clubs. There are several beaches closer to the town, like Bouillabaisse Beach, Plage des Graniers, Plage des Canoubiers, Plage des Salins, and Plage de la Moutte, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly Plage de Pampelonne.
Located just a short distance from Saint-Tropez town itself, Plage de Pampelonne is an iconic beach that is a magnet for yacht charter guests; whether you’re in the mood for a trendy, high-energy atmosphere or a quieter, family-oriented setting, Pampelonne has it all. Each of the beach clubs has a distinct blend of cuisine, ambiance, and beachfront settings.
What You Need To Know: Beach Clubs at Pampelonne and Ramatuelle
Beach clubs along Pampelonne provide a glimpse into French Riviera lifestyle – picture yourself dining on fresh langoustine paired with Champagne service or enjoying a quick lunch and a glass of chilled Provençal rosé after arriving via your yacht’s tender. For most of the beach clubs you can book beach loungers and have a meal and Saint-Tropez has turned that into an art form; as the saying goes for Saint-Tropez, it’s a place to “see and be seen.”
Transportation: Most beach clubs have their own complimentary water taxi (navette) for guests who aren’t arriving by private tender; arrangements can be made with the beach club in advance. Beach clubs also offer valet service, car parking (either free or paid, dependent on location) or transfers between local hotels and the beach club. Private van transfers, taxis and Ubers are available in Saint-Tropez.
Sunbed & Parasol Rental: Saint-Tropez’s beach clubs each have their own individual system for reserving sunbeds, deck chairs, and umbrellas. Given the town’s peak season in July and August, it’s crucial to book these amenities well in advance. Many of the most popular beach clubs are fully booked until the end of the season, so early reservations are key.
Pricing is scaled by type of rental and proximity to the sea – generally, deck chairs are cheapest, then matelas, then daybeds and the ones that are first row and closer to the sea are more expensive. Umbrellas can be an additional cost, depending on the individual beach club. You can hire double daybeds and cabanas at some beach clubs.
Familiarise Yourself With The Dining Policies: Each beach club has its own rules regarding dining and sunbed service. Not all beach clubs in Saint-Tropez allow guests to dine at their sunbeds. At some beach restaurants you must eat in the designated restaurant areas, so familiarise yourself with these policies so you can plan your beach day accordingly.
Beach clubs in Saint-Tropez usually run lunch service across two seatings: approximately midday up to 1:30 pm, and 3pm onwards. At some beach clubs the second service is more lively and noisier, so anyone who prefers a subdued experience should book for the first lunch service.
Here’s our guide to the top beach clubs in Pampelonne and Ramatuelle:
1. Club 55
Since it opened in 1955 on Pampelonne Beach, Club 55 has been a favourite destination for celebrities and high-profile clientele, offering a rustic yet chic ambiance.
When it comes to food, Club 55 emphasises where your food comes from. They grow and produce most of their organic vegetables, olive oil, and wines at the Vallon des Bouis farm, but also at Chateau de la Mole and at the Domaine de Piégros. The menu focuses on high-quality ingredients and simple presentation and includes their well-known panier de crudités, salads, and grilled seafood.
Yacht charter guests will be happy to learn that the beach restaurant is equipped with a pontoon to facilitate easy access by tender, and there is even a dedicated Club 55 batelier (boatman) who can be reached via VHF Channel 17 to coordinate arrivals.
An important point is note is lunch service isn’t available directly on the sun beds, however the restaurant is a perfect setting to soak up the Mediterranean vibes. At Club 55, as in all other establishments in Saint Tropez, wearing only swimsuits is not permitted in the dining area. Club 55 has a long season and are open daily until November.
If you want to book a sun lounger or table, reservations are necessary via phone +33 (0) 4 94 55 55 55 or contact them https://www.club55.fr/
2. Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez
As part of the global lifestyle and hospitality brand, Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez is no stranger to hosting high-energy parties. In business for over two decades, Nikki Beach is known as the beach club to go to if you want to dance poolside or hang out with the party crowd while listening to top resident or guest DJs. At Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez hedonism knows no limits.
A decent Champagne list and trendy tunes while the sun sets ensures Nikki Beach is busy all season. Lunch has two services: the first at midday, and the second at 3:30pm with a menu featuring sharing platters, creative dishes such as octopus and calamari with smoked paprika aioli, and classics such as Salad Niçoise and Miami Chicken Caesar Salad.
Nikki Beach St Tropez is not beachside as such (it’s set back from the beach). It’s also important to note that while they do welcome families to the restaurant, under 18s are not permitted in the pool area for security reasons.
https://saint-tropez.nikkibeach.com
3. Bagatelle Beach
Located slightly away from the beach at Ramatuelle, Bagatelle is just one of 15 Bagatelle Group venues around the world including Bodrum, Dubai and Saint Barths. They also oversee Loulou Ramatuelle so they know the target clientele well and what works for the luxury sector, such as valet service.
Well-known for its lively lunch service – especially the second service – and great dining, it’s the place to go if you want to dance on tables and drink Champagne. The well-crafted menu is excellent with cuisine such as red mullet cooked on the grill and served with Taggiasche olives, basil and lemon, marinated-smoked beets served with fresh cheese flavoured with sumac and trout eggs, and wood-fired pork ribs infused with citrus honey and spices.
https://bagatelle.com/venues/st-tropez/menu
4. Loulou Ramatuelle
Situated on Chemin des Tamaris, Loulou Plage and Restaurant at Ramatuelle is focused on a vintage setting inspired by Yves-Saint-Laurent’s muse, Loulou de la Falaise. Exuding retro Saint-Tropez glamour, picture yourself amidst lush vines, lemons and sunflowers on tables and Dior loungers, creating a sophisticated environment. If you love Slim Aarons photography or the Netflix series Emily in Paris, this is the place to go!
The menu has classic dishes highlighting quality and original products from the south of France, Italy and Sicily – expect delicious pasta dishes, sea bass carpaccio and summertime refreshers such as tomato gazpacho with watermelon and raspberry.
The beach is open 11am to 7pm with two lunch services from 12:30pm; things get lively from 4pm onward when guests can enjoy DJ sets that will keep them entertained until closing. The boutique is très chic with fashion labels such as Farm Rio.
https://www.loulou-ramatuelle.com/loulou-ramatuelle-english
5. Tiki Beach
Tiki Beach is a great option if you’re looking for a beachfront location that doesn’t have loud music pumping all day. The food choices range from grilled meat and fish to vegetarian dishes and fresh salads. As it’s part of the Kon Tiki holiday village, it’s family-friendly and has good service.
https://www.riviera-villages.com/Kon-Tiki/Restaurants-Commerces/Restaurants-Bars/Le-Tiki-Beach
6. La Réserve à la Plage
Designed by Philippe Starck, La Réserve à la Plage is the private beach of the luxury hotel, La Réserve Ramatuelle. This year, La Réserve à la Plage highlights the famous sand hues of the House of Loro Piana, blending bohemian chic and elegance in a relaxed beach setting.
Chef Nicolas Cantrel’s menu celebrates Mediterranean food with grilled fish, fresh vegetables and tapas.
During the season, they organise various events including live concerts, DJ sets, sand golf, and photo exhibitions. Onsite, guests can also shop at a mini boutique selling accessories and clothing.
If you’re not arriving by yacht tender, they have a three-wheeler that can pick you up from the carpark at the end of Chemin de l’Epi for a complimentary ride to La Réserve à la Plage.
https://www.lareserve-plage.com/en/
7. Indie Beach
Indie Beach offers a stylish vibe with a beach club focused on wood and bamboo decor, dune-inspired planters, and a laidback atmosphere. The menu is priced slightly higher than other Pampelonne beach clubs, but their cuisine is superb and the craft cocktails and detox juices are worth ordering.
Luxe brand Jacquemus adds to the cool factor. Mattress rental is priced from €50. They also own Playamigos, a sister beach club with a tropical-Mexican ambiance.
https://www.indiegroup.fr/indiebeach
8. Verde Beach
If you’re looking for a beach club with bohemian vibes, Verde Beach is the spot to go. Situated on Chemin de L’Epi, you’ll find driftwood sunbeds and lounge music during the day with quick service and superb food.
Gastronomic enthusiasts will love the diverse menu featuring seasonal produce: grilled gambas with chimichurri sauce, Waygu carpaccio with artichoke and parmesan, or Tropézienne salad with fresh vegetables, tuna and quail eggs.
Open daily from 11am to 7pm, the tempo rockets up a notch from 4pm when you can dance on the sand with an apéritif. Every Wednesday they host a WILD Beach Festival similar to Burning Man, and during summer they regularly host well-known DJ’s such as Tiësto and Argy.
Bookings are only by phone: +33647523620 and +33494797223
See their menu here: https://verde-beach.com/en_en/food-accordion
9. Byblos Beach
Located on Boulevard Patch, Byblos Beach offers a laid-back setting with attentive service. The decor features large shaded sails, wide wooden sunbeds with dual headrests and openwork rope parasols.
Byblos Beach’s menu is a delicious selection of Mediterranean dishes such as BBQ Banon goats cheese with lavender honey, linguine with clams, parsley and lemon or wood-fired fish of the day. They also list food allergens next to each menu choice which is helpful for guests with allergies for shellfish, soya or milk.
Open daily during the high season months of July and August, it offers the added bonus of Friday night dinners with your feet in the sand, live music and bossa nova.
Their boat service is provided to guests coming from the sea and using channel 12.
https://www.byblos-beach.com/en/
10. La Serena
Located on Boulevard Patch, La Serena Beach has excellent service with a Zen vibe and an Asian twist to the cuisine. The menu includes sharing platters of high-quality meat, King Crab and wasabi, tuna with coconut ginger, sesame powder and Lebanese wild rice or seasonal vegetables.
Open daily from 9am to 8pm, it’s a great location if you want to spend a whole day at the beach.
11. Jardin Tropezina
Airelles Saint-Tropez’s beach club and restaurant Jardin Tropezina is part of the 5-star hotel Château de la Messardière. During summer they have ‘Apéro Beach’ nights, where every evening from 7.30pm they have live music.
The onsite boutique is worth discovering – you can pick up everything from classic totes and beachwear to olive oil from Château d’Estoublon.
Attentive staff serve fantastic cuisine from Michelin-starred Chef Jean-François Piège that showcases Mediterranean flavours; blue lobster tagliatelle with tomato, ravioli with seasonal vegetables, and barbecued John Dory fillet with lemon confit and tabouleh.
Beach access is from 10am to 4pm, lunch is served from 12pm to 4pm, Apéro Beach from 7:30pm until August 31st and dinner is served from 8pm.
Reservations can be booked via https://jardin-tropezina.fr
12. Club Les Palmiers
Restaurant Les Palmiers is well-known for its understated luxury and low-key ambiance. With plenty of day beds on the sand, it’s a beach club where you can soak up the Saint-Tropez lifestyle.
Their menu is strong on seafood dishes – expect plates brimming with lobster spaghetti and King Prawn salad with mango, basil and avocado.
Extra specialities such as Casparian Golden Imperial Caviar and prime meat such Waygu Beef, Tomahawk Black Angus Rib and Argentinian Beef are also on offer.
Additional services at Club Les Palmiers include holistic massages and a shisha bar.
https://www.clublespalmiers.com
13. Moorea
A destination in itself with boutiques open daily, restaurant, wellness treatments and a lively bar means you can easily spend a day ashore at Moorea.
The restaurant menu showcases French cuisine such as mussel gratin with parsley butter, but also the opportunity to eat light Asian-inspired dishes such as sushi platters or lemongrass beef salad.
Important: Moorea takes phone bookings only and there are two separate phone numbers : one for booking Claudy’s bar (open daily 10am to 8pm) or the beach restaurant (open daily midday-5pm) that can both be reserved on +33 (0) 4 94 97 18 17, and one number for reserving day beds, sun loungers and umbrellas: +33 (0)4 94 97 06 09.
14. Plage de L’Orangerie
L’Orangerie has a spacious dining and beach area with attentive service and a good selection of beach mattresses, sun loungers and double day beds for rent. There’s a beach bar and boutique too. On the menu, there’s a selection of pasta, salads, meat and they also have a kids menu and dedicated snack menu available between 5pm-7pm.
15. Gigi Ramatuelle
An elegant addition to the Saint-Tropez restaurant scene is Gigi Rigalatto Ramatuelle, with a lovely poolside setting under the pine trees just off the beach.
Offering a wonderful experience focused on Mediterranean al fresco dining, Gigi serve antipasti, pasta, pizza and must-try desserts such as Nocciolata Waffle. The adults-only Bellini Bar is open from 11:30am to 7pm.
Bookings via https://gigi-restaurant.com/saint-tropez/
16. Cabane Bambou
As one of the only beach restaurants serving breakfast from 8:30am, Cabane Bambou is a family-friendly beach restaurant open all day. Menu options include seafood, salads, grilled meats, a kids menu and vast drinks selection.
Extra features include Thai foot massage (by reservation), pop-up yoga sessions and three times weekly they host an evening beach BBQ where families are welcome.
For yachting clients, you can contact Alex, their boat shuttle man on VHF channel 74.
https://www.maisoncabanebambou.com
17. Bar du Soleil
Lesser known that other Saint-Tropez beach options, Bar du Soleil is a low-key beach restaurant. Low volume background music and simple cuisine with Mediterranean specialities.
Bookings via +33 (0) 4 94 79 66 87 or you can contact them via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bardusoleilsainttropez/
18. Le Migon
Not exactly a beach club, Le Migon restaurant is ideal for those seeking an authentic beach eatery with sea views while they dine. While it may not have the decor, DJs, trendy ambiance or sophistication of other Saint-Tropez beach venues, menu staples include pasta and seafood platters that are far cheaper than other coastal restaurants along Pampelonne.
They also have a snack kiosk selling food such as paninis, burgers and sandwiches making it a good option for a quick no-fuss bite to eat. If you want rustic charm away from the crowds, Le Migon is for you.
https://www.plage-restaurant-le-migon-golfe-saint-tropez.com
19. Casa Amor Beach Club
Since it opened in 2021, Casa Amor Beach Club has aimed to bring hippie chic to the French Riviera. The concept came from Tulum in Mexico where two of the founders ran a restaurant throughout the winter and wanted to transport the same vibes to Saint-Tropez.
Until the end of summer, Dolce & Gabbana are set up at Casa Amor, decorating it in bright D&G Carretto prints.
Casa Amor’s menu places a big emphasis on tapas-style plates with dishes infusing spices and seasonal flavours like shiso tuna tacos, sea bream tiraditos, and tuna ceviche with mint, granny smith apples and jalapeño peppers.
20. Le 1051
Understated beach restaurant with an uncomplicated menu of fish, meat, a few pasta dishes and charcuterie platters. Limited number of sun beds so it’s not crowded. Kids menu.
21. Tahiti Beach
Since 1952, family-friendly Tahiti Beach has retained its reputation as a French Riviera classic. The private beach is part of 3-star Hotel Tahiti Beach, the only hotel along Pampelonne Beach to be located directly on the seafront.
Guests will find enough to keep them happy with a pizzeria, a gourmet restaurant specialising in seafood and two bars.
Recommended for family groups, Tahiti Beach is laidback and non-pretentious.
22. Cap 21 Les Murènes
An international menu with Provençal produce, Asian-inspired dishes and grilled meats. The paella is recommended!
Good service, sunbed rental and if you don’t want an expensive wine list and loud music, Cap21 is a super option.
http://www.cap21-murenes.com/www.cap21beach.com/index.html
23. Épi Pampelonne
Established in 1959 at Ramatuelle, Épi is next store to Nikki Beach and a world away from the Pampelonne party scene. Épi is a cool and trendy hote, with rooms redecorated with vintage furniture.
If you’re staying as a guest you get to enjoy the clay tennis courts and two swimming pools; while Épi isn’t a beach club they’re worth mentioning as they offer reservations for lunch and dinner at their Clubhouse restaurant.
24. Chez Camille
Chez Camile isn’t a beach club but a long-standing restaurant that is a must-visit for fans of local cuisine. Their specialities are bouillabaisse and grilled fish dishes, all served on a terrace by the sea.
Open every day for lunch and dinner, they offer valet and boat service.
Saint-Tropez Beach Clubs At A Glance
- Best for food: Club 55, La Serena, Verde
- Best for partying: Bagatelle (especially the 2nd lunch service), Moorea (after 4pm) Verde, Nikki Beach
- Best for families: Jardin Tropezina, La Serena, Le 1051, Tahiti Beach, Tiki Beach
- Best for relaxation: Cap 21, Plage de L’Orangerie, Le 1051, Tiki Beach
- Best for menus for guests with food allergies or dietary needs: Bagatelle, Byblos Beach, Le 1051, Nikki Beach
Shopping in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. The cluster of historic streets in the old town’s centre is where you’ll find stylish shops and designer boutiques.
Local family-run brand Sunday sell clothes that exude a French Riviera ‘boho chic’ look – browse their two stores situated on Rue Victor Laugier or onsite at Bagatelle Beach and Moorea Beach at Pampelonne.
Still the best source for Tropézienne sandals, K. Jacques have been making their famous footwear since 1933 – find them at 28 rue Henri Seillon during summer hours. Italian luxury shoe brand Aquazzura has opened their first boutique in Saint-Tropez that was designed in collaboration with Marie-Anne Oudejans, the Dutch artist and creative designer behind the Capri and London stores; you can find Aquazzura at 73 Rue Gambetta.
Clear some space in your luggage because Saint-Tropez has plenty of shopping options that keeps the affluent clientele returning year after year. The multi-story Hermès building, which sits across the street from the port and next to the Musée de l’Annonciade, carries looks fresh off the runway and is a great boutique to snap up the latest handbags, scarves and leather goods.
Frequented by tourists and locals, the Saint-Tropez market runs from 8am to 1pm every Tuesday and Saturday morning at Place des Lices. It’s hard to pinpoint precisely what the market sells, but that’s part of the charm of it. You’re as likely to find fresh produce and embroidered fabrics there as you are vintage mirrors or Provençal soaps.
Scarlett’s (14 rue Henri Seillon) carefully selected and thoughtfully curated collections invite readers to dive in. Expect to find limited edition novels, exquisite photography books, as well as an impressive collection of Assouline destination books that are found on many superyacht coffee tables.
Yacht Charter Trips from Saint-Tropez
The Îles de Porquerolles
These islands near Hyères have Caribbean-like turquoise waters, cycle pathways under umbrella pines and barely a Wifi connection. Day charters anchor in quiet coves with a backdrop of eucalyptus trees and coastal cliffs. Go there to get well and truly off-grid.
Cannes
After stepping ashore to shop in the Carré d’Or boutiques, enjoy lunch at one of Cannes’ many respected restaurants or cruise over to the nearby Lérins Islands for an island walk or lunch ashore at La Tonnelle or La Guérite.
Monaco
There’s more to Monaco than just the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. Admire the Belle Époque architecture of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, discover the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco at Port Hercules or enjoy the historic tours at the Palais Princier.
Whether you’re relaxing or partying at a beach club or shopping at a designer store, Saint-Tropez offers an array of experiences that cater to the tastes of yacht owners and charter guests.
This article was written by Rebecca Whitlocke on behalf of Bespoke Yacht Charter.
