Pampelonne

Pampelonne is a roughly 5-kilometer sandy shoreline south of Saint-Tropez on the Mediterranean coast, running from Cap du Pinet to Cap Camarat. The beach consists of several consecutive sections with white sand and clear blue water, backed by low dunes and pine forests inland.

The shore gained international recognition through a 1956 film shot here that made Saint-Tropez a popular destination. Over the following decades, private beach clubs opened along the waterfront and continue to define much of the coastline today.

The name refers to a former Roman settlement in the area, while the many clubs along the shore create different moods, from relaxed to exclusive. Some sections attract families with children, while others cater to guests who prefer to sunbathe in upscale surroundings.

Visitors reach the area by bus or car; during summer, parking lots along the access road are often full and require payment. Lifeguards are present during the summer season, while public sections between clubs offer free access.

One club started during a film shoot in the 1950s as a makeshift canteen and evolved into a permanent gathering spot for international guests. Some sections allow sunbathing without clothing, a practice that has existed here since the 1970s.