Beyond Pampelonne

Relatively untouched by tourism, Plage des Canebiers is famous for its proximity to the Bardot Villa

Between rugged rock formations, cliffs and natural sandy beaches, a coastal path that starts near the Portalet Tower can take you as far as Cap Camarat. Bordered by typical Mediterranean vegetation such as mulberry trees, cork oaks and umbrella pines, it offers more than just an alternative to shopping.

La Bouillabaisse
Off the road if coming from Sainte-Maxime to Saint-Tropez, is a fine sandy beach around 500 metres long called Plage de la Bouillabaisse. Just 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the village this is a lovely spot to go swimming and snorkeling. As it is popular with locals, visitors will find the atmosphere is a blend of families, sports and tourists. There's a windsurfing and sailing school as well as restaurants, bars and clubs, and plenty of free beach space for sunbathing.

La Ponche / La Fontanette
It happens to all couples - one would rather stroll around the village and boutiques, the other just wants to cool off in the sea. If this sounds like you, then the small gravel and sandy beaches in the old fishing quarter of La Ponche could be for you. They are bang in the centre of the old town between the Portalet Tower and the Tour Vieille and another five minutes walk along the coast at La Fontanette. Within minutes you can be back in town to meet your partner for lunch.

Plages des Graniers
To get to this popular little bay, you take the coastal path from La Ponche, leaving the citadel and cemetery by the sea behind. It takes about 20 minutes to reach this 40 metre long pebble and sand beach which is surrounded by rocks and has retained an authentic character, unspoiled by too much tourism. There is a restaurant nearby and space to sunbathe.

Plage des Canebiers
Just one bay further on and you arrive at Plage des Canebiers, a 200-plus metre long beach hidden by bamboo bordering Chemin de l'Estagnet. This is one of those beaches where nature abounds and you can still enjoy peace and quiet. The beach is famous for being overlooked by Brigitte Bardot's villa, La Madrague, and there is a magnificent view of the bay dotted with white yachts. Access by car is possible.

Plage des Salins
Not much further south is another pretty beach bordered by bamboo and pine trees. The fine sand is a pale shade of pink from fragments of coral covered outside the bathing season, partly by sea grass. The beach extends over Cap des Salins and again the water is invitingly clear for swimming. Keep your eyes peeled for a sculpture of Brigitte Bardot as the Little Mermaid on an exposed rock, although you need to be a good swimmer or on a boat to see her. At the far end of the beach is a restaurant where you can hire parasols and mattresses, and there is roadside parking at the end of Route des Salins.

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