Plage de Pampelonne

Plage de Pampelonne is a 27-hectare beach located in Ramatuelle, stretching approximately 4.5 to 5 kilometers with fine sand and clear water. It is sheltered from the Mistral wind and classified as an area of natural beauty. The beach played a pivotal role in establishing the fame of Saint-Tropez, particularly during the 1950s and 60s when celebrities began visiting. Its international reputation is attributed to three key institutions: Tahiti Beach, Club 55, and Epi Plage.

Tahiti Beach was created in 1946 (some sources cite 1952) by former Marseille police officer Félix Palmari, using bamboo décor originally abandoned by the Victorine studios in 1935 during the filming of Song of the Islands. Club 55, established in 1955, originated when Bernard de Colmont’s family converted their beachfront cabins into an improvised canteen for the film crew of And God Created Woman, which starred Brigitte Bardot. It evolved into a renowned fine dining restaurant and remains a flagship of the "Tropezian art of living." Epi Plage, opened in 1960, was designed by Jean Castel and Albert Debarge as a seaside counterpart to the Parisian Epi-Club and quickly gained significant media attention.

The beach features a mix of iconic clubs and wide public zones. While specific opening hours and admission fees are not detailed in the provided research, the public areas are accessible to all visitors. The combination of historical significance, scenic beauty, and vibrant social atmosphere makes Plage de Pampelonne a central destination for those exploring the Côte d'Azur. Travelers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and dining at the historic establishments that have defined the area's cultural legacy.