Pampelonne Beach, Ramatuelle

Pampelonne is the long sandy beach of Ramatuelle on the Var coast of the French Riviera, just south of Saint-Tropez. It runs for about 4.5 km and covers some 27 hectares of sand facing the open sea, with public stretches and private beach clubs side by side. It suits sun-seekers, families who want room to spread out and visitors after the Saint-Tropez beach-club scene.

Club 55 and the beach after 1944

Allied troops came ashore along this coast in the landings of August 1944. After the war the beach became tied to the image of Saint-Tropez. Bernard de Colmont discovered it in 1947 and bought a fishermen's hut the following year, which grew into Club 55, and in 1956 Roger Vadim filmed parts of And God Created Woman with Brigitte Bardot here. The commune has managed the beach under a concession from the state since 1974.

Protected coastland and the 2015 concession plan

In a ruling of 13 November 2002 the Conseil d'État recognised the beach as an espace naturel remarquable, a protection for sensitive coastal land. A new layout plan, approved by decree on 15 December 2015, cut and redrew the beach concessions, moved buildings back behind restored dunes and required them to be taken down in winter. Dunes and vineyards lie behind much of the sand.

Public sand, private clubs and water sports

Public stretches of sand alternate with private clubs where loungers and meals are paid for. Well-known names include Club 55, Byblos, Eden Plage and Tahiti Beach; reservations are often needed in July and August. Paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats can be rented, there are beach volleyball courts, and part of the beach is a designated naturist area with its own parking. Swimming is supervised in summer, and there are toilets and showers.