The French Riviera has long been synonymous with yachts, glamorous seaside lunches and legendary beach clubs. From the cliffs of Monaco to the famous sands of Saint-Tropez, the coastline is dotted with restaurants and beach lounges that are best reached by boat.

For travellers chartering a yacht on the Côte d’Azur, beach clubs often become the highlight of the day. You anchor in a sheltered bay, step into the tender, and minutes later you’re sitting beneath a striped parasol with a chilled glass of rosé and the Mediterranean stretching out in front of you.

Whether you are cruising past Cap-Ferrat or heading toward the iconic beaches of Saint-Tropez, these are some of the most exclusive beach clubs on the French Riviera to visit during a yacht charter.

Club 55 – Saint-Tropez

Few places capture the spirit of the Riviera quite like Club 55, located on the famous Pampelonne Beach just outside Saint-Tropez. Since the 1950s it has been a favourite gathering place for artists, celebrities and yacht owners spending their summers along the Mediterranean.

The club began life as a simple beach canteen during the filming of And God Created Woman, starring Brigitte Bardot. Over the decades it evolved into one of the most iconic beach clubs in Europe, yet its atmosphere remains deliberately understated.

Tables are set directly in the sand beneath white parasols and tamarisk trees. On a typical summer afternoon, a steady stream of tenders arrives from anchored yachts, dropping off guests who disappear under the shade for long, leisurely lunches.

The cuisine is simple and exceptional — grilled fish, fresh Mediterranean vegetables, seasonal salads and excellent rosé. It’s a place where lunch easily lasts several hours.

For yachts cruising the Riviera, Pampelonne Bay offers ideal anchorage, making Club 55 one of the most natural stops along the coast.

Why visit by yacht

• One of the Riviera’s most legendary beach clubs

• Easy anchorage directly in Pampelonne Bay

• Perfect setting for a relaxed Mediterranean lunch

Bagatelle Beach – Saint-Tropez

Originally created in New York, the Bagatelle brand brought its distinctive energy to Saint-Tropez and quickly became one of the most popular lunch destinations on the Riviera.

Lunch here usually begins in a relaxed fashion before gradually becoming more festive as the afternoon unfolds. Music grows louder, champagne bottles begin to appear and the terrace transforms into one of the most sociable spots on the beach.

The restaurant focuses on elegant Mediterranean cuisine — seafood platters, grilled fish, seasonal vegetables and beautifully prepared desserts — paired with an extensive wine and champagne list.

For yachts anchored along Pampelonne, Bagatelle offers a perfect combination of luxury dining and Riviera celebration.

Why visit by yacht

• Lively lunch atmosphere

• Elegant Mediterranean cuisine

• Prime Pampelonne Beach location

Verde Beach – Saint-Tropez

Among Pampelonne’s newer venues, Verde Beach has quickly established itself as one of the most fashionable beach clubs in Saint-Tropez.

The design is contemporary and polished, with elegant dining spaces, stylish sunbeds and attentive service that appeals to the Riviera’s luxury crowd. Despite the chic surroundings, the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming.

The menu combines Mediterranean ingredients with modern presentation. Popular dishes include grilled lobster, fresh burrata salads and beautifully prepared seafood.

Verde Beach tends to attract a slightly more sophisticated crowd than some neighbouring venues, making it a favourite for yacht guests looking for a stylish but comfortable beach club experience.

Why visit by yacht

• Modern luxury beach club atmosphere

• Excellent seafood and Mediterranean cuisine

• Convenient tender access from Pampelonne anchorage

La Guérite – Île Sainte-Marguerite (Cannes)

Hidden among the trees overlooking the sea is La Guérite, one of the Riviera’s most memorable seaside restaurants. Although technically a restaurant rather than a traditional beach club, it has developed a reputation for lively lunches that often turn into spontaneous afternoon celebrations.

Many yachts anchor off the island during the summer months, with tenders ferrying guests ashore. The setting — shaded terraces, crystal-clear water and views across the Mediterranean — makes it one of the most unique dining experiences on the Riviera.

As the afternoon progresses, DJs often appear and the atmosphere becomes more festive, making La Guérite a favourite stop for yacht charters cruising between Monaco and Saint-Tropez.

Why visit by yacht

• Island location accessible primarily by boat

• Famous Riviera lunch destination

• Popular stop for yachts cruising the Côte d’Azur

Anjuna Beach – Èze

Beneath the dramatic cliffs of Èze-sur-Mer, Anjuna Beach offers a completely different Riviera atmosphere.

Set within a small sheltered cove between Monaco and Nice, the beach club has become a favourite stop for yachts exploring this stretch of coastline.

Anjuna is known for its relaxed, bohemian aesthetic. Colourful fabrics, natural wood and Balinese-inspired décor create a setting that feels stylish yet informal.

The restaurant blends Mediterranean ingredients with Asian influences, producing dishes designed for sharing — fresh seafood, grilled meats, vibrant salads and inventive cocktails.

For yacht charters cruising the Monaco coastline, Anjuna offers a quieter and more relaxed beach club experience.

Why visit by yacht

• Scenic anchorage between Monaco and Nice

• Relaxed bohemian beach club atmosphere

• Excellent Mediterranean-Asian cuisine

Best Beach Clubs in Saint-Tropez for Yacht Charters

Pampelonne Beach remains the centre of the Saint-Tropez beach club scene. Stretching for nearly five kilometres along the Mediterranean, it provides ideal anchorage for yachts and easy tender access to some of the Riviera’s most famous restaurants.

For yacht charters on the French Riviera, Pampelonne is often the highlight of the itinerary. Venues such as Club 55, Bagatelle and Verde Beach combine exceptional food, beautiful beachfront settings and the vibrant social scene that has defined Saint-Tropez for decades.

Where These Beach Clubs Are Located on the French Riviera

The beach clubs featured in this guide are spread across some of the most famous stretches of the Côte d’Azur.

• Saint-Tropez / Pampelonne Beach – Club 55, Bagatelle and Verde Beach

• Cannes Islands – La Guérite on Île Sainte-Marguerite

• Monaco & Cap-Ferrat Coastline – Anjuna Beach in Èze

For yacht charters travelling between Monaco and Saint-Tropez, these destinations can easily be included in a multi-day itinerary.

Why Beach Clubs Are Part of the French Riviera Yacht Experience

Beach clubs have long been central to Riviera culture. From the golden sands of Pampelonne Beach in Saint-Tropez to the island restaurants just off Cannes, these venues combine Mediterranean cuisine, relaxed seaside living and the effortless glamour that defines the Côte d’Azur.

For yacht charters they provide natural destinations along the coastline — places to anchor, swim, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon overlooking the sea.

It’s this combination of yachts, beach clubs and Mediterranean lifestyle that continues to make the French Riviera one of the world’s most iconic luxury travel destinations.

How to Book Riviera Beach Clubs When Arriving by Yacht

During the summer season reservations are strongly recommended for most beach clubs on the French Riviera, especially in Saint-Tropez where demand is extremely high.

Many yacht charter crews or brokers arrange reservations for guests in advance, but travellers can also contact beach clubs directly to reserve:

• Restaurant tables for lunch

• Private beach beds or loungers

• Champagne or wine service

When arriving by yacht, tenders typically bring guests ashore where beach club staff assist with access to the restaurant or beach area.

Planning the Perfect Riviera Yacht Day

One of the pleasures of cruising the Côte d’Azur is how easily a day unfolds.

You might begin with a morning swim off Cap-Ferrat, cruise along the coastline for lunch at Anjuna Beach, and later continue toward Cannes for cocktails at La Guérite.

Alternatively, anchor in Pampelonne Bay and spend the afternoon moving between the famous beach clubs of Saint-Tropez before returning to your yacht as the sun sets across the Mediterranean.

However you plan your route, these beach clubs capture the essence of Riviera life: beautiful scenery, exceptional food and the relaxed elegance that has drawn travellers here for generations.

FAQ: French Riviera Beach Clubs & Yacht Charters

Which beach clubs are easiest to reach by yacht on the French Riviera?

Many of the best beach clubs are located along Pampelonne Beach near Saint-Tropez, where yachts can anchor directly in the bay and reach the beach by tender. Island venues such as La Guérite are also popular because they are primarily accessed by boat.

Do beach clubs on the Riviera have docks for yachts?

Large yachts typically anchor offshore rather than docking. Guests arrive by tender, which is standard practice across the Riviera.

Which area has the best beach clubs on the French Riviera?

The Saint-Tropez Pampelonne Beach area has the highest concentration of famous beach clubs. However destinations near Monaco, Cap-Ferrat and Cannes also offer excellent options for yacht visitors.

When is the best time to visit Riviera beach clubs?

Most beach clubs operate from May through September, with July and August being the busiest months on the Côte d’Azur.