Club 55 Pampelonne 2026: Legendary Lunch, Booking & Prices
Opened 1955 as a snack for the cast of "And God Created Woman" with Brigitte Bardot — now Pampelonne's most iconic lunch.
Booking
Reserve weeks in advance for July–August. Email reservation@club55.fr — no online form. Lunch only (12:30–16:00).
Prices
Crudités basket €38, grilled fish €60, rosé €70/bottle. Lunch for two ≈ €250–€400.
Dress code
Chic-beach — swimwear with cover-up. No bare chest at table.
Arriving by boat
Tender service from anchorage — VHF 72 to call. Most yachts anchor 300 m offshore.
Stay in a villa in Ramatuelle + private boat Pampelonne.
How Charterandvillas helps you
Our concierge has been bundling villas and yachts in the Mediterranean since 2019, we work in your language with one point of contact for the entire stay. We offer a fixed price that already includes skipper, final cleaning and the first two hours of fuel, with no surprises upon arrival.
What to consider before booking
- Actual sleeping capacity, not the number of sofa beds.
- Distance and transfer time to the marina and the nearest beach club.
- Concierge extras: chef, masseur, DJ in villa, security.
- Cancellation period and what triggers the refund.
Provide us with your dates and group size and we will send you a proposal with two or three suitable villas and yachts on the same day.
Logistics and Seasonal Planning for the Pampelonne Shoreline
Success at Club 55 is as much about timing as it is about the reservation. The beach club operates on a seasonal cycle that dictates the atmosphere of the entire bay. While the establishment typically opens in late March and closes in late October, the experience shifts dramatically between these months. During the shoulder seasons (May, June, and September), the pace is relaxed, and the legendary service is at its most attentive. In contrast, the peak period from July 15th to August 20th requires a tactical approach to arrival and departure.
For those residing in a villa in the hills of Gassin or Ramatuelle, the transit to Pampelonne can be challenging due to the narrow, two-lane roads (Route des Plages). During August, a 5-kilometer drive can take upwards of 45 minutes at midday. To bypass this, many guests opt for a "sea-taxi" strategy: being dropped off at the Club 55 pier by a private tender. If you are arriving by car, the club offers valet parking, but the lot often reaches capacity by 13:30. Arriving by 12:15 ensures a smoother entry and a moment to browse the Boutique du 55 before your table is ready.
Navigating the Anchoring Zones
The maritime authorities of Saint-Tropez enforce strict anchoring regulations to protect the Posidonia seagrass meadows. If you are chartering a yacht to visit the club, your captain must adhere to the ZRE (Zone de Mouillage et d'Équipements Légers). Large yachts (over 24 meters) are often restricted to specific deep-water zones further out. Once anchored, the Club 55 "Bateau Limonade" (the club's dedicated shuttle) or your yacht’s private chase boat will ferry you to the wooden pier. It is customary to tip the pier attendants €10–€20 for assisting with the lines and helping guests onto the dock.
Sample 7-Day "Land and Sea" Itinerary
To maximize a stay in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, we recommend a dual-base approach. This allows for both the seclusion of a hilltop estate and the mobility of a luxury day-charter. Below is a structured plan for a high-end experience centered around the Ramatuelle peninsula.
| Day | Morning Activity | Lunch Destination | Afternoon/Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Villa check-in & provisioning | In-villa Chef brunch | Sunset cocktails at Port Grimaud |
| 2 | Hike the Sentier du Littoral | Club 55 (Pampelonne) | Boutique shopping in St. Tropez Village |
| 3 | Private Yacht: Îles d'Hyères | On-board picnic at Porquerolles | Snorkeling at Plage d'Argent |
| 4 | Market Day in Saint-Tropez | Le Petit Plage (Vieux Port) | Pétanque at Place des Lices |
| 5 | Yacht Cruise: Cap Camarat | La Réserve à la Plage | Cove hopping at L'Escalet |
| 6 | Vineyard Tour (Château Minuty) | Chez Camille (Capon) | Late night at Les Caves du Roy |
| 7 | Relaxation in Ramatuelle | Loulou Ramatuelle | Private chef dinner at the villa |
Etiquette and Local Nuances
The "Cinquante-Cinq" philosophy is rooted in "simplicité." Despite the high-profile clientele, the club disdains ostentation. Champagne showers and loud music—common at newer beach clubs like Nikki Beach or Bagatelle—are strictly prohibited here. The music is generally limited to a live wandering band playing acoustic instruments. To blend in, guests should avoid heavy jewelry or formal evening wear. The preferred aesthetic is "bohemian chic": linen shirts for men, silk tunics or designer swimwear for women, and high-quality leather sandals.
Regarding photography, while selfies are common, professional equipment or intrusive filming is discouraged to protect the privacy of high-profile guests. It is also worth noting that the "Crudités Basket" is more than just a starter; it is a centerpiece. It features local seasonal vegetables—radishes, cauliflower, peppers, and celery—served with a signature garlic anchovy dip (Anchoïade). It is designed for sharing and is almost mandatory for first-time visitors.
Sustainability and the Marine Environment
The Pampelonne beach ecosystem is fragile. In recent years, the local municipality (Mairie de Ramatuelle) has implemented the "Pampelonne Blueprint," which forced many clubs to move back from the shoreline to allow for dune restoration. Club 55 has been a pioneer in this regard, utilizing eco-friendly waste management and sourcing 80% of its produce from its own organic farm, Domaine de la Mole. When chartering, ensure your yacht is equipped with a wastewater treatment system (black water tanks) to comply with the "Zero Discharge" policy within the 3-mile limit.
Comparative Analysis: Club 55 vs. Modern Alternatives
Choosing the right beach club depends entirely on the desired energy level. While Club 55 remains the historical anchor of the bay, newer establishments offer different "vibes."
- Club 55: Best for families, heritage seekers, and those wanting a quiet, long lunch. No DJ sets, very organic, high-end but understated.
- Loulou Ramatuelle: Best for the fashion crowd. Features a more "Italian Riviera" aesthetic, upbeat music, and a younger, high-energy demographic.
- Bagatelle: Best for "party" lunches. Known for tableside dancing, loud international hits, and a high-volume celebratory atmosphere.
- La Réserve à la Plage: Best for design enthusiasts. Created by Philippe Starck, it offers a more contemporary, polished luxury with a focus on refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions for Luxury Travelers
What is the best way to secure a table during the 'Full' season?
The reservation office at Club 55 is famously old-school. They prioritize returning guests and those staying in local luxury villas with established concierge connections. If you are booking yourself, send an email exactly three weeks before your desired date. Follow up with a phone call 48 hours prior to confirm. Avoid "no-showing," as this will result in being blacklisted from future bookings.
What are the hidden costs of a Pampelonne day trip?
Beyond the menu prices, keep in mind the following expenses:
- Sunbeds: Expect to pay €50–€100 per bed per day. These must be reserved separately from the restaurant table.
- Tender Fuel: If your yacht is anchored far out, multiple tender trips can consume significant fuel.
- Tipping: While service is included in the bill (service compris), a 5-10% additional tip for exceptional service is standard in the Saint-Tropez beach scene.
Is it child-friendly?
Surprisingly, yes. Unlike many of the "party" clubs, Club 55 is a family establishment. They offer simpler dishes for children, and the atmosphere is welcoming to multi-generational groups. However, note that there are no dedicated childcare facilities on-site; the "entertainment" for children is the beach itself.
What should I pack in my day bag?
Since you will likely transition from a yacht or villa to a restaurant and then a sunbed, versatility is key. We recommend:
- High-SPF sunscreen (the Mediterranean sun is deceptive even with a breeze).
- A change of dry clothes (it is considered impolite to sit in the restaurant in wet swimwear).
- Cash in small denominations for tips and the boutique.
- A lightweight cashmere wrap for the boat ride back, as the temperature drops significantly once the sun dips behind the Massif des Maures.
Technical Considerations for Yacht Charters
When selecting a yacht for a day trip to Pampelonne, the "draft" of the vessel is important. If you wish to get as close as possible to the shoreline, a yacht with a shallow draft (like a VanDutch or a Pardo) is ideal. Larger displacement yachts (like a 40m Benetti) will have to stay significantly further out in the bay. Most guests prefer a "Chase Boat" or a high-speed rib for the actual transit to the pier, as it is faster and more stable in the afternoon "choppy" waters that often develop when the Mistral wind picks up.
The Mistral is a cold, northwesterly wind that can reach speeds of 40 knots. If a Mistral is forecast, the Pampelonne bay becomes very exposed. In these instances, we often advise our clients to reroute their yacht to the more sheltered waters of the Baie de Canebiers or to stay in the port of Saint-Tropez and use a luxury van transfer to reach the club by land. Safety and comfort are paramount; a lunch at Club 55 is less enjoyable if the tender ride is dangerously spray-filled.
"Club 55 is not just a restaurant; it is a state of mind. It is the only place in the world where a billionaire and a local fisherman can sit at adjacent tables and feel equally at home." — Local Proverb
By understanding these nuances—from the specific VHF channel for the tender to the seasonal shift in crowd dynamics—you ensure that your experience on the French Riviera remains seamless and sophisticated. Whether you are arriving by a 50-meter superyacht or a private helicopter to the nearby heliport, the goal is the same: to enjoy the timeless, unpretentious luxury that Brigitte Bardot and the Colmont family established seven decades ago.
Plan your trip with Charterandvillas
We bundle the villa and the yacht into one closed price, in your language, with a single contact. Build your villa + yacht package or talk to our concierge on WhatsApp.
How Charterandvillas helps
Our concierge desk has been bundling villas and yachts in the Mediterranean since 2019, and we work in your language with a single point of contact for the entire stay. We quote a closed price that already includes the skipper, end-of-stay cleaning and the first two hours of fuel, so there are no surprises on arrival.
What to ask before you book
- Real sleeping capacity, not sofa-bed count.
- Distance and transfer time to the marina and to the nearest beach club.
- Concierge add-ons: chef, masseuse, in-villa DJ, security.
- Cancellation window and what triggers the refund.
Tell us your dates and group size and we will send a same-day proposal with two or three matching villas and yachts.