The 7 hottest beach clubs in Saint-Tropez
These are the chicest spots on the French Riviera for sun, sea and sensational food
Saint-Tropez is home to some of the world’s most legendary beach clubs. Here’s our insider’s guide to the most glamorous spots to see and be seen this summer.
Club 55 Pampelonne
The mothership of beach clubs, Cinquante Cinq was founded back in 1955, when Brigitte Bardot first put it on the map, and it remains a favourite spot for the great and the good. Known for its understated, effortlessly chic atmosphere, everyone from Kate Moss to Jennifer Lopez flock here to feast on the famous chilled artichoke and freshly-grilled fish in the dappled shade. Highlight: Star-spotting. You can’t come here without seeing an A-lister. club55.fr
Nikki Beach Pampelonne
It’s big, it’s brash and it’s lots of fun. With clubs all over the world, Nikki Beach is famous for its unique brand of high-octane hedonism. This is where the jet-set elite – think Naomi Campbell and Lewis Hamilton – come to let their hair down, lounging on the signature white beds by day and partying hard come sundown. Highlight: The impressive sushi boats – Bono has been known to moor his yacht for one. saint-tropez.nikkibeach.com
La Brigantine Gigaro
For a peaceful alternative to Pampelonne’s party scene, head to La Brigantine. Part of the rustic-chic Lily of the Valley hotel (which also has an excellent spa), the club is located on a serene stretch of below-the-radar Gigaro beach. Don’t expect raucous DJs; instead, you’ll find a delicious Italian menu ideal for long, lazy lunches in the sun. Highlight: Grazing on antipasti platters from street food spot, Pépé. lilyofthevalley.com
Bagatelle Pampelonne
Delightfully unpretentious without losing its aura of exclusivity, Bagatelle has long been one of Saint-Tropez’s best-loved beach clubs, counting Beyoncé and Leonardo DiCaprio among its many fans. Come to party with your feet in the sand or take a quick dip in the pool before sampling the classic flavours of the French Riviera. Highlight: The rightly famous tarte Tropézienne – light as air and not to be missed. bagatelle.com
Gigi Pampelonne
When Gigi launched in the summer of 2021 it was hailed as Saint-Tropez’s new ‘It’ spot, and it’s not hard to see why. Despite being in the heart of Pampelonne, the vibe is very much tranquil Mediterranean idyll, complete with a sun-dappled restaurant, a stone swimming pool and an ultra-cool kids’ club. Highlight: Pulling up a stool at the Bellini Bar and ordering rounds of zesty Limone cocktails. gigi-restaurant.com
Cabane Bambou Pampelonne
Hidden away at the far end of Pampelonne, this boho-chic beach club feels like a little slice of Tulum in Saint-Tropez. Accessed via a bamboo-lined path, driftwood tables and raffia lights add to the laid-back charm, while on the menu you’ll find a mix of Asian and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Highlight: The toes-in-the-sand barbecue on the beach, held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the summer. maisoncabanebambou.com
Loulou Pampelonne
The sister property of one of the most sought-after restaurants in Paris, Loulou offers an elevated take on the traditional beach club. The décor pays homage to the 50s, when the French Riviera became THE playground of the rich and famous, with starched white tablecloths, cream parasols and yellow-and-white striped sunbeds. Highlight: The people-watching – named after Loulou de la Falaise, Yves Saint-Laurent’s muse, it draws a particularly fashionable crowd. loulou-ramatuelle.com
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