Plage de la Ponche

Plage de la Ponche is a sandy beach in Saint-Tropez located between the Portalet tower and Tour Vieille, adjacent to traditional fishermen's houses. It is sheltered on three sides by buildings and sits at the edge of the town's oldest quarter.

The beach emerged as a natural harbor for the local fishing fleet and was the heart of Saint-Tropez's maritime life for centuries. In the 1950s it became a gathering place for artists and intellectuals who discovered the quiet coastal town.

The beach remains rooted in its fishing heritage and is cherished by locals who preserve the authentic character of Saint-Tropez. You can still see traditional boats and fishing equipment that reflect the area's maritime past.

The beach is free to access year-round and relatively small, so it can become crowded during peak season. The best time to visit is early morning or outside summer holidays when crowds are more manageable.

The beach served as a filming location in 1956 for the movie 'And God Created Woman' starring Brigitte Bardot, a moment that forever changed Saint-Tropez. The scenes shot here made the place internationally famous and drew visitors from around the world ever since.