St. Tropez’s Top Beach Clubs

No trip to St. Tropez is complete without a day (at least) spent on Pampelonne, the famous sandy coastline lined with many of the world’s most legendary beach clubs. Over the last few years, top St. Tropez hotels have opened their own beach clubs on Pampelonne as well, from La Réserve à la Plage to Jardin Tropezina by Château de la Messardière.

Here’s what to know and where to go:

• Time Slots: As a general rule of thumb, there are two seatings at most beach clubs: 1/1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. At certain clubs the 3:30 p.m. turns into a party scene, so anyone who prefers low-key should go for the 1:30 p.m. time slot.
• Sunbeds: Every beach club on Pampelonne has its own system for reserving beach chairs. At some clubs, a beach chair is included in your lunch reservation (for example: Bagatelle); other times, additional reservations are required (with an extra cost). Reservations are typically made by row, and the closer to the water, the more expensive the seat. Note that reservations are required even if you are staying at the hotel of the beach club you’re visiting.
• Transportation: Many hotels have their own shuttle taxi services as well that will take you between the hotel, the village and Pampelonne. Uber is also available in St. Tropez as are taxis. If you are arriving at Pampelonne by boat, your captain will contact your destination club to arrange your water taxi to bring you from your charter to the beach.

The Pampelonne scene evolves each summer, and for the 2026 season there are already a handful of new openings and changes generating buzz.

• Bagatelle Beach: The club’s pool has been removed to make way for a new Latin-inspired wood-fired restaurant concept.
• La Casita: Located opposite Casa Amor, this newcomer promises a more serene atmosphere centered around cuisine from the South of France and relaxed beach lounging with sunbeds.
• Salto: Another new arrival on Pampelonne that we’re keeping an eye on is Salto, which has a shareable coastal Italian menu and a lively beach atmosphere expected to draw attention as the summer unfolds.

If you can only visit one beach club, this is often the one. The 1:30 pm seating is typically more lively here. Rather than having a DJ like many of the other beach clubs, Le Club 55 has a live band that walks around the mosh pit of tables. Tip: Be sure to pre-order the vegetable crudité to be ready on arrival (it’s huge!), and the Tarte Tropezienne for dessert. Plus: Club 55 has, no surprise, the best boutique on Pampelonne.

Make sure to request a table in the center of the restaurant (not on the periphery) to be truly absorbed into the scene and reserve at 3:30 pm (the 1:30 pm seating is more relaxed). When making a reservation at Bagatelle, your sunbeds are included in your reservation, but note that the Bagatelle sunbeds are not directly on the water.

A close second to Bagatelle when it comes to an afternoon party scene on the beach is Loulou. It’s also great for a laidback, leisurely meal if you book the 1:30 pm time slot. Don’t miss the pipe rigate alla vodka and one of the drinks from their spritz list. The boutique at Loulou is also notable, with an entire section devoted to Farm Rio.

The elegant La Réserve à la Plage serves some of the best food on Pampelonne. This season, there’s a collaboration with the House of Loro Piano, showcasing a new Mediterranean look.

Byblos Beach feels like a true extension of the hotel, down to some of the most friendly service on the beach. The menu showcases Mediterranean cuisine but also includes Italian comfort with a parmesan lasagna that’s been known to sell out early.

Michelin-starred celebrity chef Jean-François Piège (you may recognize his name from La Poule au Pot in Paris) is the creator of the menu, which focuses on the sea and local ingredients. The Airelles boutique, Vanille & Lilas, also has a small shop and you can purchase the Château d’Estoublon olive oil here. For a laidback, barefoot chic afternoon, this one’s unbeatable.

Gigi Ramatuelle offers an elegant scene tucked away in a pine forest behind Pampelonne. Expect roaming musicians and excellent Italian fare, from an artichoke salad with parmesan, mozzarella and tomatoes to the must-order lobster spaghetti. Book around 12:30 p.m. for a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere (there is an innovative kid’s playground on site), or opt for the later 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. seating, when lunch gradually transforms into a lively afternoon party with DJ.

For those looking to escape the party scene of Pampelonne, EPI Baie de Pampelonne offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative just steps from the beach clubs. EPI 1959 is part hotel, part member’s club, and for those not staying on property, access is available via a day pass, which includes use of the property’s pools, tennis courts, fitness center and wellness facilities. The atmosphere is distinctly relaxed and discreet.