Party's over for La Voile Rouge

Pampelonne beach in Saint-Tropez has been forced to close

Long associated with the summer party season in Saint-Tropez, the club used to sit on  the lovely Pampelonne beach, which is part of neighbouring Ramatuelle. La Voile Rouge's owners have been locked in a legal battle for the past 11 years with the council who  finally refused to renew the lease after complaints from residents about loud music, parties and the constant buzz of helicopters. 

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 but finally lost its appeal.

Bulldozers moved in yesterday to tear down the iconic beach club. The demolition has made headlines across the globe.

Sarah Lloyd