Buzios is a coastal town with many bars, restaurants, shops, etc. it is in Brazil, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. Buzios was “discovered” by Brigitte Bardot together with her Brazilian friend in the 1960s and has since been considered the Brazilian city of Saint-Tropez.
Saint Tropez has long been a popular tourist destination and much of this popularity is due to the glamorous beach scene. With sections where clothing is optional and glamorous beachwear is essential, the beaches of Saint Tropez are places where you can see and be seen while tanning and sunbathing. Here’s a quick guide to the beaches of Saint Tropez and what they have to offer:
Plage des Salins
If the scene in Pampelonne is too much, drive the 7 kilometers from Saint Tropez to this much quieter place. This is a favorite among the locals and is generally considered the best beach near Saint Tropez. The beach is a 600 m long sandy beach, which is bordered by pine trees and is much less crowded than Pampelonne even in high season. Just north and around the corner is the small beach of Mouttes, where you are often alone. You can eat or rent a deck chair in the only restaurant on the beach, Les Salins, which is friendly and informal.
Plage des Canoubiers
This beach is about 4 km from the city center. It is about 200 meters away and is often very popular, although in general, it is not so crowded that it is difficult to find a place.
Pampelonne beach
Pampelonne Plage is undoubted the best of Saint Tropez’s beaches, although it’s not really in Saint Tropez. It’s about 5 km from the city center, although it’s worth it. Almost five kilometers of a sand stretch between the Mediterranean Sea and several hectares of dunes. It offers a natural setting for the most glamorous beach scene in France. The most elegant way to get to Pampelonne is by helicopter or private yacht, although many prefer to travel by car (parking costs around 4 or 5 euros per day) or by the (rare) city shuttle. Hand in your towel for free or rent a seat and umbrella in one of the many beach clubs.
Peste du Granier
This small beach on the other side of the historic center of Saint Tropez is very popular, so it is common to find no place here in summer.
Ponche Beach / Fountains Beach
If you’re looking for a place near the city center, there are these two neighboring bays. Please note, however, that due to the location during the high season, you have neither privacy nor space.
Bouillabaisse Beach
This approx. 500 m long section is littered with numerous bathing facilities. Come and enjoy the sand, the sea, and the sun, but don’t expect a perfect place.
Pampelonne is probably the best beach for the entire Saint-Tropez scene. If you’re looking for something quieter and more natural, Salins Beach is the place to go, while the crowded beaches near the city are only suitable for a beach where the sun shines quickly between shopping and eating.
