Ramatuelle

Last update on May 8, 2026

Situated in the center of the peninsula of Saint Tropez (10km.), and 7km. from La Croix Valmer.

Discover the charming village of Ramatuelle in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

Just imagine: 4 kilometers of fine sand along the Mediterranean coast, a medieval village perched on Paillas Hill, and in the distance, the Camarat Lighthouse, which has watched over Pampelonne Bay since 1838. That’s Ramatuelle.

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A town in the Var department that packs all the best of the French Riviera into 15 kilometers of coastline—without the hustle and bustle of its neighbor, Saint-Tropez. The Saint-Tropez peninsula is home to several charming villages. But Ramatuelle holds a special place in our hearts.

Its vineyards slope gently down toward the beach. Its coastal trail connects Cap Camarat to Cap Taillat through wild landscapes that the Conservatoire du littoral jealously protects. And at the top of the lighthouse, designated a natural site, a 360° panorama opens up to the Hyères Islands, the Alps in the distance, and the entire Var coastline.

The Pampelonne Myth? It’s very real. Brigitte Bardot, Gérard Philipe, the jet set of the 1950s—this beach has forged a legend known around the world. But behind the sand and the private beach clubs lies an authentic village that we love, with its Saracen gate, its Thursday market at Place de l’Ormeau, its theater festival, and its narrow streets that smell of warm stone.

Built on the hillside, Ramatuelle offers a stunning view overlooking Pampelonne Bay. The village is enclosed by ramparts from which you can see the pink-tiled roofs and old stone houses with period doors and windows; it is crisscrossed by narrow streets.

The stunning Pampelonne beach

Nearby, the famous Pampelonne beach, still pristine, offers 5 km of fine sand. Numerous coves provide secluded spots, and the seabed there is exceptionally beautiful.

The more secluded Escalet Beach appeals to those seeking to escape the crowds: white sand, crystal-clear waters, and Cap Taillat just a short walk away. In between, the Bonne Terrasse cove and the hidden coves of Canadel round out this exceptional coastline—15 kilometers of shoreline that the town of Ramatuelle has jealously protected for decades.

The Ramatuelle Jazz Festival

The cultural life here is particularly rich, featuring renowned jazz, classical music, and theater festivals. This year’s Festival will take place from June 24 to 28. Many celebrities have fallen in love with the area and made it their home.

The market in Ramatuelle

The Provençal market in Ramatuelle is held on Thursday and Sunday mornings. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on delicious local products and stroll through this charming village in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in a friendly atmosphere.

Our map of the town

To find your way around the town of Ramatuelle, you can use our interactive map. We’ve marked all the village’s points of interest, parking lots, and our recommended accommodations on it. This will help you locate them before booking your stay in this beautiful village in the Var.

What to see

The village streets. Sarrasin door.
Bread ovens.
Manor house. Old cemetery.
The lighthouse at Camarat.
The beach paths.

Things to do

French Riviera: Half-Day Catamaran Tour

Set sail on a sailing adventure aboard a maxi-catamaran to explore the coastline of the French Riviera.

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Kayaking in the Ramatuelle Nature Reserve

Discover the beauty of Saint-Tropez by kayak in the Mediterranean Sea. Go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, admire the colorful marine life, and jump off a 3-meter cliff if you dare.

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Winery Tour

The Domaine Fondugues Pradugues in Ramatuelle offers wine tastings, tours of the estate, and picnics in the vineyards. This family-owned winery, established in 1964, is situated in an enchanting setting

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Cyclo-tourism.
Water sports. Tennis. Horseback riding. Golf. Scuba diving.
Hiking.
Cultural and summer events.
Summer Festival of Ramatuelle (comedy, music) during July and August.
Wine estates.

Hotels

Hôtel La Ferme d'Augustin ★★★★

Ramatuelle (Golfe St Tropez)

Just 5 minutes from Saint-Tropez, near the 'Tahiti' beach
Restaurant serving fine cuisine and superb outdoor heated pool

210€ - 210€

Visit website

Bed and breakfast

Le Clos des Vignes

Ramatuelle (Golfe St Tropez) | St Tropez : 6 km

4 Charming Bed & Breakfast 2 to 4 pers
Heated swimming pool - Air conditioning - Park - Nice view

119€ - 259€

Visit website

Accommodation

Hotels.
Bed and Breakfasts.
Vacation Rentals
Campsites.

Your Questions About Ramatuelle

We’ve received many questions about the village of Ramatuelle. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.

What to do in Ramatuelle?

Visiting Ramatuelle means first letting yourself be carried away by the narrow streets of the medieval village, before heading down to the coast for a day at the beach or on the coastal trail. Activities in Ramatuelle cater to all interests: hiking along the 15 kilometers of coastline, mountain biking in the hinterland, horseback riding, tennis, or golf near the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

The Paillas Mill, restored in 2002, offers an exceptional view of Pampelonne Bay and the wine-growing plain. The local vineyards welcome wine lovers for outdoor tastings. And for a more cultural experience, the Ramatuelle Festival features outdoor performances every summer at the Théâtre de Verdure.

What are the best hotels in Ramatuelle?

Accommodations in Ramatuelle cover a wide range, from family-friendly campgrounds to luxury resorts with ocean views. La Villa Marie and La Réserve Ramatuelle are among the best hotels in town, featuring private pools, spas, and shuttles to Saint-Tropez. For a more independent stay, renting a villa remains the top choice: dozens of properties with pools are available between the village and Pampelonne Bay.

Campgrounds on the plain offer quick access to Pampelonne without breaking the bank. The tourist office on Place de l’Ormeau can help you find options based on your budget and dates. Whatever your choice, book early—Ramatuelle is fully booked weeks in advance during July and August.

What is the history of Ramatuelle?

The medieval village of Ramatuelle first appears in written records in the 11th century, in a charter from the Abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille. Its spiral layout, ramparts, and 16th-century Saracen gate still tell the ancient story of a town built to withstand pirate and Barbary attacks from the sea.

The Church of Notre-Dame, built at the end of the 16th century after the Wars of Religion, stands against the old ramparts. Its bell tower is the remnant of a 14th-century watchtower. Other examples of the town’s historical heritage include the Provençal mill of Paillas, the Penitents’ Chapel, the old Napoleonic prisons—and, in the cemetery, the grave of Gérard Philipe, an actor whose presence here helped forge the village’s cultural legend.

How do I get to Ramatuelle?

Ramatuelle is located about 10 kilometers from Saint-Tropez via the departmental road, and 40 kilometers from Toulon-Hyères Airport. By car, this is the most convenient way to explore the town and its various neighborhoods, although parking can be tight in the height of summer. Pick up a map of Ramatuelle at the tourist office to locate parking lots.

By public transit, the ZOU network’s Line 875 connects Saint-Tropez to Ramatuelle from spring through fall.

A free summer shuttle runs to the village every 15 to 20 minutes from June to September, with 8 stops along the way to Pampelonne Beach and L'Escalet—a real convenience for reaching the coast without having to search for a parking spot.

What events are there in Ramatuelle?

Ramatuelle’s calendar comes alive starting in the spring. The Provençal market is held at Place de l’Ormeau on Thursday and Sunday mornings year-round—a classic for locals and visitors alike. During the season, the “Plein V'Arts” craft markets add to the village’s lively atmosphere.

In August, the Ramatuelle Theater Festival has been drawing full houses at the Théâtre de Verdure since 1985. Jazz à Ramatuelle and Les Nuits Classiques set the tone for evenings in July and August. These cultural events are one of the best reasons to choose Ramatuelle over a simple day trip to Saint-Tropez—the atmosphere is authentic, prices are more reasonable, and the festivities last until the end of summer.

What are the tourist attractions in Ramatuelle?

Ramatuelle’s tourist sites are spread between the village and the coast. In terms of heritage, the Saracen Gate, the Church of Notre-Dame and its serpentine portal, the seigneurial house, and the winding alleyways are a tourist guide in themselves. The tourist office on Place de l'Ormeau organizes guided tours and provides a map of the town’s points of interest.

In terms of scenery and nature, the Paillas Mill offers one of the best views in the Var region of Pampelonne Bay and the hills of Gassin and Grimaud. The Camarat lighthouse, Escalet Beach, Cap Taillat, and the coastal trail round out this array of attractions. It’s hard to see everything in a single day—a sure sign that you should plan to stay several nights.

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