Hidden away at the southern tip of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, Plage de l’Escalet boasts turquoise waters, a rocky seabed teeming with fish and an unspoilt setting. This Ramatuelle cove attracts lovers of tranquil swimming, snorkeling and coastal walks. The coastal path that crosses it leads to the famous Cap Camarat.
Before you lay down your towel in this little corner of paradise in the Var, here’s the essential information you need to know to prepare for your visit with peace of mind.
Key points to remember
- Plage de l’Escalet is located in the commune of Ramatuelle, in the Var department.
- This wild cove combines fine sand and rocky areas, in an unspoilt setting.
- Its clear turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Access is via a downhill road from Ramatuelle, with parking close by.
- The site marks the starting point of the coastal path leading to Cap Camarat.
L’Escalet beach, in the heart of the Var peninsula
Plage de l’Escalet is located in the commune of Ramatuelle, at the southern tip of the Saint-Tropez peninsula. It occupies a narrow cove, framed by scrubland and overlooking the Mediterranean. Its position on the edge of Cap Camarat gives it a natural character, away from the large urbanized beaches such as Pampelonne.
From Campsite Miremer, our campsite in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez between Grimaud and La Garde-Freinet, you can reach Ramatuelle via the coastal roads of the peninsula. A small signposted road leads down to the cove, where parking is just a short distance from the sand. You’ll arrive on foot, just a few dozen meters away.
What to do at Escalet beach?
The Escalet beach lends itself to three main activities: swimming, snorkeling and coastal hiking. The wild character of the site naturally directs the day towards a more contemplative experience than on the lively beaches of the peninsula. Here are some of the experiences to look out for on site:
- Enjoy swimming in clear, shallow waters close to the shore.
- Snorkel to observe the fish and vegetation on the rocky seabed.
- Follow the coastal path to the Cap Camarat lighthouse, one of the highest in France.
- Place your towel on the rocky areas for a more intimate setting, away from the sandy zone.
This diversity of uses goes a long way to explaining the attachment of regulars to the site, who return season after season.
Our favorite: take the coastal path in the early morning, when the low-angled light gives the rocky bottoms emerald-green hues. This is also the time of day when visitor numbers are at their lowest, especially in the off-season. From the Escalet parking lot, it’s a 30-45 minute walk to Camarat Point.
Places to discover around Escalet beach
Beyond the cove, the peninsula is home to a number of sites worth visiting, all within an hour’s drive. Here’s a list of places to include in your itinerary:
- Climb to the Cap Camarat lighthouse, perched 130 metres above the sea.
- Explore the hilltop village of Ramatuelle, its historic center and gourmet addresses.
- Stretch out your towel on Pampelonne beach, an immense ribbon of golden sand bordering the bay.
- Follow the coastal path to the more secluded Gigaro beach.
- Drive to Port-Grimaud, the lakeside town founded by François Spoerry, for its unique atmosphere.
For a more lively interlude, Saint-Tropez remains thepeninsula’s star attraction. Its old port, colorful alleyways and shady squares attract visitors from all over the world, and are the perfect complement to a nature day spent at l’Escalet.
Practical information for enjoying l’Escalet beach
Before you leave, a few details will help you organize your getaway. This beach in the Var department is accessible all year round, but requires a little advance planning in high season. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Access is via the Route de l’Escalet, in the commune of Ramatuelle.
- Pay parking is available during the summer season, in a parking lot close to the sand.
- The ideal period is from May to September, with May and September offering a quieter season.
- Appropriate footwear is recommended for walking on rocky areas and the coastal path.
These simple precautions will help you get the most out of your site without any unpleasant surprises, even on a Sunday during peak season.
Good to know: the Escalet beach is managed with a true spirit of preservation. The municipality of Ramatuelle is careful to limit tourist pressure on this sensitive natural site. To enjoy the creek to the full without contributing to its degradation, use the marked paths, bring back your garbage and avoid taking shellfish or local plants.
Plan your next holiday at Campsite Miremer, just a few coastal roads from the most beautiful coves on the peninsula. Book your accommodation now and set up your vacation between Provencal nature and turquoise beaches.
FAQ – Plage de l’Escalet
Is Escalet beach accessible to families?
Yes, l’Escalet beach is perfectly accessible to families. Its sandy, shallow and well-sheltered section is ideal for children’s swimming. The rockier areas, on the other hand, require suitable footwear. The seasonal presence of a refreshment stand also makes it easy to organize a full day on site.
Is it possible to snorkel at Escalet beach?
Yes, snorkeling at Plage de l’Escalet is one of the best experiences on the Saint-Tropez peninsula. The rocky seabed, rich in fish and seaweed, is accessible just a few metres from the shore. Mask, snorkel and water shoes are all you need to enjoy a snorkeling session, as long as you respect the local fauna.
Is the Escalet beach supervised?
Supervision of the Escalet beach is seasonal and partial. During the high summer season, lifeguards may be present at certain times, but the site, which is wilder than other Ramatuelle beaches, does not always have a permanent first-aid post. It’s best to check with the Mairie de Ramatuelle before swimming.
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