Offering magnificent views across the Bay of Pampelonne, Ramatuelle is a picturesque Provençal town near St Tropez. It is nestled in the foothills of the Castellas Massif and is unusual in its spiral layout, with typical Mediterranean-style buildings lining its winding streets.
Things to do in Ramatuelle
Stroll through atmospheric Ramatuelle to discover its historic sights, which include the 17th-century Font-d'Avaou washhouse and the charming Chapel of St. Anne. In the heart of town is Place Gabriel Péri, which is renowned for its metal-built Eiffel Staircase. Also not to miss are Ramatuelle’s historic prisons built in a Moorish style under Napoleon III.
A short drive from Ramatuelle is the Plage de Pampelonne, which is considered a jewel in the crown of St Tropez’s beaches. It’s famed for its glamorous beachside party scene, with several upmarket clubs and bars backing the sand. Throw down a towel for a day of swimming and sunbathing while watching the luxury yachts coming and going.
On a rocky headland to the south of Ramatuelle is the Cape Camarat Lighthouse, an early 19th-century tower offering stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea. It was occupied by the Germans during World War II and the remains of an arsenal built under Napoleon are still evident today. After visiting the lighthouse, you can follow the walking trail that leads down to its beach while keeping your eyes peeled for Hermann tortoises and peregrine falcons.
Getting around Ramatuelle
Ramatuelle is 30 minutes’ drive from Sainte-Maxime and 1.5 hours from Nice. Marseille Provence Airport is just under two hours away and has flights to destinations across Europe and Africa. Ramatuelle is small enough to explore on foot while renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the surrounding region.