Saint-Tropez’s dreamy coastal location makes it the perfect place for a beach holiday. Here we have rounded up our three ultimate favourites, so that you can make the most of the French coast this summer. After all, so many beaches, so little time!
Plage des Graniers
This small but perfectly formed sandy bay overlooks Saint-Tropez harbour, and is a fantastic option if you don’t want to step far out of the centre of town. Surrounded by greenery and a few charming Provençal sea view villas, it’s hard not to fall in love with this little beach – though bear in mind it can get busy during the summer holidays. Its restaurant, also named Les Graniers, sits to one end of the shore and serves up a tasty selection of fresh seafood, salads and other local delights.
Its handy location underneath the Citadel also gives beach dwellers the perfect excuse to visit this 16th-century historical landmark, with its stunning views across the village and out to the crystal-clear sea and newly-instated maritime museum. Culture, sand and sea? Yes please.
Plage de Pampelonne
How could we talk about Saint-Tropez beaches and not mention the iconic Plage de Pampelonne? Simply catch a quick shuttle ride from the town centre to discover its remarkable natural beauty, alongside a vibrant party scene that has fuelled Saint-Tropez’s fame since 1955. On a hot summer’s day Plage de Pampelonne might have up to 30,000 visitors a day, so this is not the beach for a secluded dip in the ocean. However, if your idea of a good holiday is soaking up the sun surrounded by glamour and endless cocktails, look no further.
Whilst there, pay a trip to the exclusive beach bar Club 55 to feel like a true Saint-Tropez A-lister. With guests including world politicians and supermodels like Kate Moss and Elle MacPherson, this is the place to see and be seen. Or, for a cheaper and more informal establishment, check out the lively Moorea, whose clientele includes such household names as Rod Stewart, Hugh Grant and Joan Collins. With so many luxury bars and restaurants to choose from, including many with their own private swimming pools, you will be truly spoilt for choice.
Plage des Salins
This wild yet tranquil creek beach is something of a hidden beauty. It’s bit of a trek to get to by foot – over a 2-hour walk from central Saint-Tropez – but is accessible by road along the Route des Salins, and its delightful La Plage des Salins restaurant makes the journey more than worth it. Offering exquisite fresh fish dishes alongside other traditionally Provençal cuisines, as well as a pizzeria on its upper floor, there truly is something for everyone.
Once you have sampled the delicious food, head onto the fine white sand and grab a spot. Because Pampelonne tends to pull away the majority of beach-goers, it’s a tranquil place; there will be no fighting over towel space here. Although La Plage de Salins is slightly more exposed to the wind than Pampelonne, for privacy it gets 5-Stars. Lie back and let the sound of rolling waves envelope you; we promise it’s the most relaxed you’ll be all year.
