Pampelonne Beach Day
Cross the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from Sainte-Maxime to reach the most iconic beach on the French Riviera. Anchor off Club 55, Nikki Beach or Plage de Tahiti, swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy lunch with your toes in the sand — a signature day on board.
2-hour response · Free cancellation 72h before · No commitment
The legendary beach, accessed by sea
Pampelonne is five kilometres of fine sand on the Ramatuelle peninsula on the French Riviera, protected by a strict development charter and lined with the most iconic beach clubs on the Côte d'Azur. Reaching it by road means battling the coastal traffic and a parking nightmare from July to August. Reaching it by sea on a private boat charter from Sainte-Maxime saves you 90 minutes, drops anchor a few metres from your restaurant's jetty, and delivers an arrival worthy of a Gulf regular.
From Port de Sainte-Maxime, the yacht crossing takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on the boat and swell — a non-stop run past Cap des Sardinaux, the Saint-Tropez peninsula and Pointe du Pinet before the long stretch of Pampelonne opens up. Our licensed skippers know every authorised mooring zone (with the latest official permits), the 5-knot navigation corridors near the shore, and the tender access codes of private beaches like Club 55 and Bagatelle.
The arrival protocol is simple: anchor 50-200 metres from shore depending on draft, call the beach club by VHF or WhatsApp to request the tender, then step directly onto the beach without dragging your bags through the sand. You can return to the boat whenever you like for a nap, a dive offshore or a sunset aperitif. That freedom is the difference between enduring Pampelonne in high season and truly enjoying it.
Our fleet is maintained in Sainte-Maxime, fully insured, equipped with sun pads, deck showers and Bluetooth sound systems. A professional skipper with a Captain 200 licence is available on request (€200/day) for families who prefer to relax, or for crews without a boating licence. You cruise without logistics headaches.
The view from anchorage: 80 metres from shore, facing Club 55, dry feet guaranteed all the way to the beach.
Pampelonne's iconic addresses
Five essential spots, reached only from the sea by those in the know. Advance booking recommended in high season — we can handle it for you.
Club 55
Restaurant · LunchThe 1955-founded institution, reserved for regulars and celebrities. Lunch around €90 per person (iconic crudités, Provençal grilled plates, Ramatuelle rosé). Free tender from your anchorage on VHF channel 77. Mandatory reservation 48 hours ahead in July-August.
Nikki Beach
Beach club · PartyThe festive beach club temple, open May to late September. DJ set from 2pm, central pool, shared tables at €150-250 per person. First-row sun loungers must be reserved the day before. Ideal for groups or birthdays — staff will arrange gifts and cakes on request.
Plage de Tahiti
Private beach · ClassicThe historic home of Tropezian glamour since the 1960s. Panoramic restaurant, loungers lined up facing the open sea (€40 per day), a more relaxed vibe than its neighbours. Tender access from your anchorage, feet stay dry. Perfect for a low-key beach day without booking stress.
L'Esquinade
Restaurant · FamilyA more confidential private beach, run by a Var family for three generations. Family-style cuisine of fish of the day and truffle pasta, service in swimwear accepted. Around €70 per person for lunch. Children are especially welcome — beach toys and house-made ice cream.
L'Escalet cove
Anchorage · NatureOur favourite anchorage for an evening picnic or a swim away from the crowds. Fifteen minutes south of Pampelonne, a wild cove sheltered from east winds with turquoise water and posidonia beds. No restaurant on site — bring your picnic (we can order it from a Sainte-Maxime caterer).
Your day, step by step
- 0109:00
Departure from Port de Sainte-Maxime
Welcome at Quai Léon Condroyer, navigation and safety briefing from the skipper, rental contract signature. Coffee on board. Actual departure around 09:15 — boat prepped, fuel topped up the evening before, sun pads dressed.
- 0209:45
Crossing the Gulf
Coastal run along the Tropezian peninsula, passing Port de Saint-Tropez and the Citadelle. First possible stop for a photo near Pointe du Pinet. Warm-up swim if the sea is calm.
- 0310:30
Anchoring at Pampelonne
Mooring in front of the beach club of your choice (Club 55, Nikki Beach, Tahiti, Esquinade). Tender call for lunch or direct shore landing. Sun pads and Bluetooth sound system ready on board.
- 0413:00
Beach lunch
Reserved table at the restaurant of your choice (booking managed by us if requested). Return to the boat between 3pm and 4pm for the afternoon — nap on board, snorkelling, paddleboarding or a swim offshore.
- 0516:30
Stop at L'Escalet cove
A short detour south to escape the evening crowds. A final swim in 24°C water in season, sunset aperitif. Cruise back to Sainte-Maxime along the coast — arrival 5pm at port.
Insider tips
Book your restaurant 48 hours in advance
In July-August, Club 55, Bagatelle, Nikki Beach and La Réserve are fully booked by 10am. We handle the reservation at no extra cost if you let us know 48 hours before departure.
Ideal weather window: 9am–5pm
Easterly winds often pick up after 4pm on the French Riviera. We adjust the return time based on the day's forecast. Strong mistral over 25 knots? We offer a free reschedule or a sheltered itinerary towards the Bay of Cavalaire.
Bags: travel light
One soft bag per person, microfibre towel, spare swimwear, SPF 50 sunscreen. The boat has a deck shower and dry storage. Hard-shell suitcases stay in your car at the port car park.
Boating licence or skipper included
If you hold a coastal or offshore licence, you drive. Otherwise our professional skipper comes along — €200/day for total peace of mind. You remain captain of your day, without the mental load of navigation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Club 55 in advance for lunch?
Yes, absolutely. In July-August, Club 55 is fully booked by 10am and refuses walk-ins after 12:30pm. We recommend booking 48 hours in advance — we can handle it for you at no extra cost, along with Nikki Beach, Bagatelle, La Réserve and Verde Beach.
How much does a day at Pampelonne by boat cost?
Boat rental starts at €650 for the day for 6-8 people (excluding fuel, around €80-120 depending on the boat and weather). Add €200/day if you want a skipper. Beach club lunch is at your expense — expect €70 to €150 per person depending on the venue.
Do I need a boating licence for this day?
To operate our boats, a French coastal licence (or international equivalent) is mandatory. If no passenger holds the licence, we provide a professional skipper with Captain 200 licence and medical fitness — €200/day including their meal.
What happens in bad weather?
If weather is confirmed unsuitable (wind over 25 knots, swell over 1m, storm risk), we cancel the trip and reschedule at no cost to a date of your choice within 12 months. Decision made the evening before at 8pm based on the official French weather service forecast.
Can we snorkel or paddleboard during the day?
Yes. Every boat is equipped with masks and snorkels, a swim ladder and an inflatable paddleboard. The seabeds at L'Escalet and Cap Camarat offer visibility up to 10m in season, with posidonia, wrasses and occasional groupers. Add a water toys option (seabob, e-foil) for €50 per trip.
Explore each stopover
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Ready for your day at Pampelonne?
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