Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Stunning medieval hilltop village located right by Pampelonne beach
A village clinging to a hill side, visible from afar, a cluster of houses that are grouped in a dense fortification. Known as a "village perché", it is a striking feature of the Provence landscape. Close to the Mediterranean sea, on the peninsula of St. Tropez, you find two such villages: Ramatuelle and Gassin.
You visit Ramatuelle, not because it's more charming than its neighbour Gassin, but because it also encompasses France's most famous beach, Pampelonne. That stretch of five kilometres where the jet set, and those who want to be close to them, tan, swim, cavort, lunch, disco and what-not, in a happy ambience of sun and fun.
Ramatuelle is a small village that offers fabulous views overlooking the Gulf of Saint Tropez. This exceedingly pretty town has gorgeous narrow streets lined with coloured shutters and vibrant pink bourganvillea trees- and lots of cafeés, boutiques and artisan galleries to while away the hours.
In the 1950's it began to attract actors and artists, who settled in the narrow houses, or visited in the season. Many celebrities since then have fallen in love with the place and settled there, and quite a few tourists have too. Today, its summer is filled with performances in the amphitheatre: there's a Theatre Festival in July and in August it hosts a famous Festival du Jazz, when artists from around the world perform over four days.
If you are seeking peace, tranquillity and a heavenly beach holiday, the village is ideal. It is around 10 kilometres to the south west of Saint Tropez.
In the summer months the village of Ramatuelle hosts a world-famous jazz festival, where many big names have performed.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Saint-Tropez, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Its history stretches back to at least the early Middle Ages and it's believed that its name comes from the Arab word Rahmatu'llah, which means divine providence. This links the village to the 8th and 9th century when the Saracens terrorised the region.
In the 16th century the village was destroyed during France's religious wars and rebuilt in the early 1600's. Today, when you walk through Ramatuelle, you will easily get lost in its maze of narrow streets, steep short-cuts, and gentle dead-ends. It's as if this Provence village, after all its history, wants to confuse the visitor, friendly or not.
There are several buildings of note in Ramatuelle, although much of the enjoyment of the town is to be found just walking through its narrow streets.
The Church of Notre Dame is a 16th century church built up against the thick city walls, its bell tower was also used to keep lookout for approaching danger.
Also of interest is a tiny, Arabian-style prison built by Napoleon III, with old gates built into the walls.
You will also enjoy the different little galleries.
Pampelonne beach offers five kilometres of fine white sand, including long stretches of public beach as well as an abundance of glamorous beach clubs.
There are also two nudist beaches and several places to hire watersports equipment, and there's some excellent diving to be had just off the coast.
This is one of the most famous beaches on earth, great for celebrity spotting, watching the immense superyachts or just lying back with a cocktail.
The coastline between Cape Taillat and Cape Camarat is a succession of pretty little beaches, coves and rocky inlets, with translucent waters over the polished rocks or golden sands.
Pampelonne Beach is the beach most people associate with Saint-Tropez. This is where you will find the A-listers, the famous beach clubs, and the super yachts resting in the bay.
Bonne Terrasse beach is a sheltered little bay which in olden times provided safe harbour for the local fishing boats. Today, the beach is surrounded by residential properties and well-known restaurants.
La Bouillabaisse is a more low-key option to the swanky beach clubs on Pampelonne beach and is situated closer to the town of Saint Tropez.
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
Plage de la Ponche and its neighbour Plage de la Fontanette are two lovely beaches which you can access directly from the heart of the village.
For Michelin star gastronomy, head to the one-starred La Voile restaurant, for modern, refined food. For something more traditional, the Saveurs Sinceres and L'Ecurie du Castellas both serve great Mediterranean cuisine with fresh Provençal produce. Of course, the many beach restaurants at Pampelonne Beach also await you, and nearby Gassin and Saint Tropez both have some truly excellent restaurants.
Italian restaurant located in the wonderful village of Ramatuelle. Discover a selection of high quality Italian products in a pleasant, romantic and cosy atmosphere.
The semi-gourmet restaurant distinguishes itself as much for the taste of its delicious dishes as for its dream views over the upper reaches of Ramatuelle and the turquoise sea.
This restaurant has some seating inside, but most comfortably is on their nice patio and stone terrace.
Ramatuelle comes alive in the summer months with music festivals and buskers plying the tourist trade. But if you want the nightclubs and dancing until dawn, then head down to glittering, glamorous lights of Saint Tropez.
Perhaps the most famous of all St Tropez beach clubs is Nikki beach. Renowned for hosting the likes of Paris Hilton, it is definitely the hip and trendy place to party on Pampelonne beach. There are famous DJs and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
Located in the heart of the Bay of Pampelonne on the beach is one of the most mythical and legendary locations in the world, made popular by an international clientèle, Stefano Forever has now become an essential St Tropez rendez-vous.
This modern bar is situated within the famous Hotel de Paris which was once graced by stars such Coco Chanel, Jean Cocteau and Clarke Gable.
Owned by a former Breton fisherman who drives this café-brasserie in a very friendly atmosphere.
Expect glitz, glamour, champagne, celebrities and one wild party at the VIP room. Located in the centre of the Saint Tropez this restaurant/club attracts some of the most famous guests in the world.
Offering a delightful garden, the corner bar is open every evening from 20:00. A cellar of superior champagnes can be tasted by the glass.
Take a drive to Cap Camarat and visit the second biggest lighthouse in France, you can also join a lovely coastal walking path to l'Escalet. There are also some great hiking trails around Massif de Maures. Afterwards, quench your thirst and sample some wine at a local vineyard. Or you can head down to nearby Pampelonne Beach to mix with the jet set in the beach clubs and restaurants and watch the yachts sail past.
Tennis Club located in Ramatuelle, 15-minute drive from Saint Tropez.
Cap Marat diving centre is located under the Cape Camarat lighthouse and 100 metres from the famous Pampelonne beach.
Open from April to November, Tiki Pep's is located on the small Escalet port within the Kon Tiki beach club.
Excellent diving centre located in Saint Tropez offers diving in one of the most fascinating and diverse areas of Europe.
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
Located in Saint Tropez, Marine Air Sport offers a wide range of nautical and aerial sports. The sporting activities include water-ski, wakeboard, Jet Ski, parascending and boat rentals.
La Moune is located just outside of St Tropez and allows you to enjoy a range of watersports in the bay.
This outstanding villa for rent, nestled in Ramatuelle, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and vineyards. Tucked away in the heart of a lush landscape on a spacious 2-hectare estate, Villa Coeur des Vignes can accommodate up to 12 people and successfully achieves the perfect blend of authentic Provencal charm and modern elegance.
Villa for rent for 8 people, just minutes away from Gigaro beaches
Located in the prestigious private Golf & Country Club estate in Gassin, come and discover this beautiful bastide in a privileged location, at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet environment without vis-à-vis.
Villa for Rent for 10 People in Gassin with pool
This stunning home, just minutes from the village of Saint-Tropez and the Pampelonne beaches, can accommodate up to 8 guests and features a breathtaking panoramic sea view.
Rental of a contemporary villa with swimming pool in Ramatuelle - Villa Mona
Magnificent villa close to the famous town of Saint-Tropez and the beaches of Pampelonne.
Luxurious villa for rent, with direct access to the coastal path, enjoying a panoramic and breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
Villa for Rent for 10 People in Gassin with pool
Sublime property for rent within more than a hectare of magnificent landscaped grounds in quiet surroundings. It enjoys a beautiful unobstructed view over Ramatuelle’s surrounding countryside.
Located in the prestigious private Golf & Country Club estate in Gassin, come and discover this beautiful bastide in a privileged location, at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet environment without vis-à-vis.
This stunning home, just minutes from the village of Saint-Tropez and the Pampelonne beaches, can accommodate up to 8 guests and features a breathtaking panoramic sea view.
Ramatuelle is renowned for its luxurious hotels and villas offering magnificent views over the Mediterranean. Most of them are located outside the village, offering privacy and wonderful sea views. La Reserve, just to the south of Ramatuelle, is one of the most exclusive.
At a lower price range you could stay in charming guesthouses that offer romantic and rustic stays in beautiful surroundings.
There is a camp site towards the southern end of Pampelonne beach, and some more on the way towards Cavalaire sur Mer.
Just 10km from St Tropez amongst the vineyards of the hillside village of Ramatuelle this hotel has flower filler private gardens and an outdoor swimming pool area.
The hotel is located 600 metres from the wonderful beach of Pampelonne and 4km from St Tropez and the picturesque village of Ramatuelle.
You will find that this boutique 5-star luxury hotel offers peace and tranquillity in a stunning setting on the St Tropez peninsula.
The exclusive palace-style hotel is Saint Tropez' largest hotel, situated in the middle of a park with amazing scents and breath-taking views.
This five star hotel reveals itself as a heaven of peace, nestled between the city centre of Saint Tropez and the bay of Pampelonne.
The Hotel is a design and luxury technological resort in Saint Tropez.
This very picturesque medieval village is perched on the forested hills above Saint Tropez. Bus lines 7703 (30mins) and 7705 (39mins) both run from Saint Tropez; if driving, take the D93 from Saint Tropez.
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Acarre Limousine offers transfers from the airport, train station and other taxi services whether it is from the beach or to a nightclub.
For more than 10 years, Millenium Transport has been the leading firm in terms of top-of-the-range transports with driver and provides a high quality of service in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of international clients who make the French Riviera so famous.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Magnificent renovated farm house just a few minutes from Pampelonne beach and Saint-Tropez
Find out all about what is happening in Saint-Tropez and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous Riviera town.
See allLatest News & ReviewsSaint-Tropez is well-known for its annual sailing regattas, including the Rolex Cup and the Voiles de Saint-Tropez. There are also some more traditional festivals that you can attend such as the Bravades. Musical events are mainly focused on classical and jazz music and the very popular Place des Lices market takes place every week.
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