Pampelonne by boat: the legendary beach seen from the sea
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Pampelonne by road in high season means traffic jams starting from Ramatuelle, overflowing car parks and a long walk to the beach in the heat. Pampelonne by boat means arriving from the sea, anchoring 50 metres from the shore, swimming in and finding a table at Club 55 or Nikki Beach with dry feet. The difference is total.
The beach from the sea: a completely different experience
Pampelonne stretches for four kilometres along the Ramatuelle coast. From the water, it reads completely differently: the beach club rooftops visible above the shore, the rows of sunbeds facing the sea, the dinghy traffic back and forth to the anchored boats. You are part of the scene in a way that is simply impossible to replicate from the landside.
The best anchorages at Pampelonne
The northern end of Pampelonne, nearest to Saint-Tropez, offers the calmest and shallowest water: ideal for families with children and for swimmers. The central section, opposite the main cluster of beach clubs, is where the anchoring is busiest in August but also where access to the beach restaurants is most convenient. The southern end, towards Cap Pinet, is the quietest: fewer boats and a wilder, less developed shoreline.
Beach restaurants accessible by dinghy
Most of the famous beach clubs at Pampelonne are accessible directly from the water. Club 55, Nikki Beach, Tahiti Plage and Liberty Plage all have pontoons or shallow approaches where dinghies can land. The skipper anchors the boat offshore, runs you to the beach in the tender and collects you at a pre-agreed time. Reservation at the restaurants is strongly recommended in July and August.
Distance and sailing time from Saint-Tropez
Pampelonne is 4 nautical miles from the Quai Claude Meiffret, approximately 15 to 20 minutes by boat. It is the closest major destination in the gulf, making it the natural first stop of any day and the easiest to combine with a second destination in the afternoon.
Practical information
Departure: Quai Claude Meiffret, Saint-Tropez. Distance: 4 nautical miles, 15 to 20 minutes. Best anchoring: north end for families, central for beach clubs, south end for quiet. Beach restaurant reservations recommended in July and August. Booking: +33 6 10 25 61 26 or WhatsApp.