Closure of Saint-Tropez party beach club

Pampelonne beach in Saint-Tropez has been forced to close

Considered the birth place of the beach club scene, La Voile Rouge will be forced to shut its doors for consistently violating noise limits.

The beach club owners, who have been locked in a legal battle for the past 11 years with the controllers of Pampelonne beach - the Ramatuelle council, have been denied a renewal of their lease after numerous complaints from residents. Locals told national newspaper Le Figaro that the parties and loud music were disturbing their peace and tranquillity, along with the constant buzz of helicopters flying in celebrities.

For the past 45 years, the serene stretch of sand on the Pampelonne beach has welcomed a host of actors and millionaires looking for a scorching summer of thrills and fun, including Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Jack Nicholson, Paris Hilton and Kate Hudson. 

Previously, a Toulon court ruled that the club was illegally occupying public land and it was ordered to close in March this year. Despite the ruling, the club ran as usual this summer and welcomed around 500 guests each day. However, on 3rd October 2011, the club lost its final battle and police will reportedly begin demolishing the club's building this week. 

It follows the closure of another Saint-Tropez bar, Chez Maggy, which was ordered to shut its doors in October by the Mayor of Saint-Tropez, Jean-Pierre Tuveri, after noise complaints from residents. 

Sarah Lloyd