There are beaches on the French Riviera that nobody knows. Not because they are ugly — quite the contrary. But because they are inaccessible by road. No car park, no path, no signpost. The only way to get there? By sea, by boat.
This is the privilege of sailing by rigid inflatable from Pampelonne: you access a coastline that the vast majority of holidaymakers will never see. Here is our selection of the most beautiful secret beaches in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the surrounding area.
L'Escalet beach — the antechamber of paradise
Although technically accessible on foot via a difficult path, the Escalet beach is ideally reached by sea. Nestled at the foot of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, it marks the beginning of a wild and preserved coast stretching to Cap Taillat.
Its clear waters, its flat rocks perfect for sunbathing, and the near-total absence of infrastructure make it a haven of peace that sailors love. By rigid inflatable from Pampelonne, allow 15 minutes of sailing.
The coves between Cap Taillat and Cap Camarat
Between Cap Camarat and Cap Taillat stretches a wild coastline of striking beauty. No road descends there. No car park in sight. Only small pebble and sand coves, turquoise waters of rare limpidity, and maritime pines almost plunging into the sea.
This stretch of coast is one of Lucas's favourites for trips by rigid inflatable. Drop anchor in a cove, jump in the water, have lunch on board, then weigh anchor to explore another. Absolute freedom.
"Between Camarat and Taillat, each cove is a different painting. Some days, you are alone in the world. That is the real French Riviera."
La Briande beach — Porquerolles
On Porquerolles, La Briande beach is one of the most preserved on the island. Accessible only by boat or via a long coastal path, it is much less frequented than Notre-Dame beach.
Its waters are of exceptional clarity — you can see the bottom at 5 metres depth. The posidonia colonising the seabed creates a remarkable marine ecosystem, with diverse and abundant underwater wildlife.
The Figuier calanques — Estérel
In the Estérel massif, the Figuier calanque is one of the most spectacular. Framed by sheer red rocks, it offers a striking contrast with the intensely blue colour of the sea.
The water is deep and of remarkable transparency. Anchoring is easy for a rigid inflatable. You can moor directly on the rocks and climb for a panoramic view of the coast. A dream spot for photography enthusiasts.
Le Rayol beach — Domaine du Rayol
The Domaine du Rayol, between Le Lavandou and Cavalaire, has a shoreline that is practically inaccessible from the mainland. Arriving by sea, you discover a coast covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation, with small pebble beaches sheltered by wooded cliffs.
Tips for enjoying these secret beaches
- Leave early: in high season, even remote beaches fill up after 11am
- Respect the environment: no rubbish, no fires, anchor on sand only
- Keep a distance of 300m from marked swimming zones
- Check the depth before dropping anchor — echo sounder recommended
- Bring fresh water to rinse yourself after swimming
🏖️ Explore these secret beaches
Lucas knows all these spots and will guide you to the most beautiful anchorages according to the weather and season. Book your rigid inflatable from Pampelonne.