Les Palmiers
Les Palmiers sits midway along Pampelonne without the mythology of Club 55 or the design ambition of the newer clubs. This turns out to be exactly what a good beach day requires.
The service is attentive without being choreographed. The food is honest — good grilled fish, solid salads, the kind of lunch that does not demand to be photographed before it is eaten. The sunbeds are comfortable and the beach is properly raked.
A full day here is the correct structure: arrive at 11am, swim before lunch, eat slowly, swim again, sundowner, leave before the traffic starts. Nobody here will make you feel like you are doing any of it wrong.
The crowd is there to be on the beach, not to be seen being on the beach. This is a meaningful distinction in St-Tropez.
Honest, well-made, priced within reason. The grilled fish is the order.
Present without being excessive. They know when to come back and when to leave you alone.
One of the few Pampelonne clubs where a spontaneous good day is possible without booking three weeks in advance.
Book in advance in July and August — it fills up, but not as far ahead as Club 55.
The afternoon sun hits the beach well. Arrive late morning for the best position.
Better for a day with friends than a romantic occasion. The energy is social rather than intimate.