On the 140-metre high Paillas-Hill, in the middle of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, lies the picturesque town of Ramatuelle. Both Ramatuelle as the nearby Gassin are ‘villages perchés’: on the top of a hill built medieval villages, ever set up as a refuge for the local population. In the past tese villages were traditionally difficult to achieve and offered protection against the pirates who terrorized the Mediterranean Sea.
If you want to visit Ramatuelle, you have to park the car outside the village. From the parking place you can already enjoy fantastic views over the surrounding vineyards and the beach with the high lighthouse on Cap Camarat. This lighthouse from 1831 is the second highest lighthouse in South France, but can unfortunately not be climbed.
The village of Ramatuelle is well preserved and has retained the atmosphere of a Provencal village. The old town of Ramatuelle is surrounded by ancient ramparts. Discover the small streets with old colourful houses. You can visit the Notre Dame, a church built in the 16th century and now appointed to historical monument. The bell tower used to be a view post. Wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the colourful houses of Ramatuelle. There’s an open-air theatre just outside the village where you can enjoy the music festivals in the summer. The classical music festival as ‘Jazz à Ramatuelle’ are therefore very popular with music lovers. But, Ramatuelle is best known for its famous beach: Plage Pampelonne.
This white sandy beach is five kilometers long, the sea water is chrystal clear and you will find many creeks and coves. Pampelonne beach extends from Cap Pinet to Cap Camarat. This is where you will find some of the south of France's most infamous beach clubs. The celebrity haunts of Club 55 and Nikki Beach are popular with locals, tourists and the A-listers.
Pampelonne beach is the beach people most associate with Saint Tropez, but in reality this beach belongs to Ramatuelle. During the summer months of July and August, the beach can become busy and crowded. If you prefer your beach time to be a bit more tranquil then consider visiting in low season, towards the end of September.
