Few places in St Tropez capture the essence of Riviera leisure quite like Club 55. Sitting along the famous Pampelonne Beach, this legendary venue remains an emblem of understated style and effortless charm. What began as a small beach hut in the 1950s evolved into a gathering spot for film stars, artists, and those drawn to the quiet luxury of seaside living.
The story of Club 55 began when the crew of And God Created Woman used it as their canteen during filming. That moment set the stage for its rise as one of the most recognizable addresses in St Tropez. The setting still feels relaxed, with wooden walkways, reed canopies, and the scent of salt air drifting through the bamboo-lined paths. It is simple yet sophisticated, true to the club’s guiding philosophy: “Here, the customer is not king… because they are a friend.”
Days at Club 55 unfold at an easy pace. Guests settle into blue sunbeds shaded by straw parasols, while attentive beach staff prepare loungers and fresh towels. From morning until late afternoon, the rhythm of conversation, clinking glasses, and soft laughter fills the air. A walk along the shoreline reveals calm waters ideal for a refreshing dip, with yachts often anchored nearby.
Those arriving by tender during a St Tropez yacht charter can make a graceful entrance, stepping directly onto the wooden jetty. Whether coming for a long lunch or a few quiet hours by the sea, the experience captures the timeless appeal of Riviera living.
The restaurant at Club 55 is known for its simple, seasonal cuisine that celebrates local produce. Freshly caught fish, organic vegetables from nearby farms, and ripe fruit form the foundation of its menu. Diners share plates of seafood, colorful salads, and Mediterranean favorites that balance flavor with lightness.
Long lunches stretch into the afternoon, with two sittings offering the choice between a lively or more relaxed atmosphere. The simplicity of the food reflects the setting: authentic, unfussy, and perfectly suited to its beachside location. Visitors exploring a French Riviera yacht charter often make a stop here to enjoy a classic taste of St Tropez.
Beyond the restaurant, the bar serves chilled rosé and cocktails that complement the leisurely pace of the day. In the late afternoon, the scene takes on a festive tone as music and conversation blend with the glow of the setting sun. Even as other venues rise and fall in popularity, Club 55 retains its allure by staying true to its roots - quiet elegance and genuine hospitality.
For those sailing through the Mediterranean, a visit to Club 55 can easily fit into a wider Mediterranean yacht charter journey. It’s a place that brings together the essence of the Côte d’Azur: style, sunshine, and sea in perfect harmony.
Including Club 55 in your yacht charter itinerary offers a glimpse into the enduring spirit of St Tropez. Here, simple pleasures - good food, laughter, and sea views - create moments that linger long after departure.
For assistance arranging your stop along Pampelonne Beach or planning a broader journey across the French Riviera, consult a professional yacht charter broker who can coordinate every detail of your visit with ease.
A simple fishing hut in the early 1950s, Le Club 55 was adopted as a canteen by the crew filming And God Created Woman, the Bardot movie that put St Tropez on the world stage in 1956.
Today a forest of bamboo surrounds a typically Provencal beach bungalow, with white canopies and a lavish beach club jutting all the way to the Mediterranean. Le Club 55 even has its own wooden jetty, luring well-heeled travelers away from their superyachts anchored off-shore.
Arrive by tender and make the ultimate entrance as other patrons cannot help but take notice, whether they’re sipping Cristal on loungers by the water’s edge or feasting on seafood in the main restaurant.
Classy, discreet and effortlessly chic, the legendary establishment is one of St Tropez’s oldest beach clubs
Tables dressed simply in white create a refined setting in which to dine on simple yet exquisite Mediterranean fare. Appetizers like tuna carpaccio, breaded calamari and Beluga Caviar are some of the best on the beach, while heartier entrees like the beef filet and pasta dishes are aptly portioned without sending people back to their loungers with bloated bellies.
An array of lunch salads offering seafood twists to traditional field greens and market-fresh produces are by far the most popular, however. There are two sittings for lunch, the second of which is better for a longer, relaxed experience on Pampelonne Beach during your St Tropez yacht charter.
To find a yacht for your French Riviera yachting vacation, view all luxury yachts available for charter in the South of France.
