Pampelonne, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Les Canoubiers and Cap Taillat: where your yacht can anchor and which zone applies to its length.
Saint-Tropez is the busiest yacht anchorage in France in summer. Pampelonne’s beach clubs, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the quieter bays of the Ramatuelle peninsula draw yachts of every size from June to September.
The area also has the most detailed rules on the coast. Pampelonne now has a large buoy field and separate mandatory zones for each yacht size, and the gulf has its own zone for the largest yachts. Our Saint-Tropez office handles declarations, buoys, tenders and beach club bookings every day of the season.
Last reviewed November 2026
A planning guide drawn from pilot sources. Swell, gusts off high ground and local effects can change the picture, so check the forecast and ask us before you commit.
| Anchorage | MistralNW | LibeccioW / SW | Levant & SiroccoE / SE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baie des Canoubiers | Check locally | Check locally | Good shelter |
Ramatuelle, south of Saint-Tropez
Nearly five kilometres of sand and the most famous beach clubs on the Riviera. Most yachts visiting Saint-Tropez spend at least a day here.
Ramatuelle opened a buoy field (ZMEL) of 210 buoys in 2025. Boats under 24 m may not anchor inside the buoyed areas.
Pampelonne has its own mandatory zones (AP 157/2024, redrawn by AP 63/2025 and AP 177/2026): one zone for 80 m and over, separate zones for 45 to 80 m, and a 24 to 45 m area within the buoy field managed by the Ramatuelle municipal police. Yachts of 45 to 80 m declare to the signal station at least one hour before arrival, and 80 m and over need authorisation.
Off Saint-Tropez, between Sainte-Maxime and the town
The classic arrival anchorage off the old port, with quick tender access to the town.
The gulf has a zone for yachts that need authorisation, and yachts of 120 m and over may only anchor in its eastern part (AP 157/2024). Smaller large yachts follow the Var order for the gulf (AP 248/2020).
East of Saint-Tropez, towards Pointe de Capon
A quieter bay close to town, lined with villas, and a good alternative when Pampelonne is crowded or rolly.
Covered by the Var order for yachts of 24 m and over (AP 248/2020): anchor seaward of the limit line.
Ramatuelle peninsula, south of Pampelonne
A protected natural site with a sandy isthmus and clear water, a quieter stop between Pampelonne and Cavalaire.
Covered by the Var order for yachts of 24 m and over (AP 247/2020, amended in 2025): anchor seaward of the limit line.
Anchorage Intelligence, our map of the French anchoring decrees, shows whether a rule applies to your length overall and links straight to the official text. Access is by waitlist.
Var orders for yachts of 24 m and over. AP 247/2020 (amended by AP 098/2025) covers the coast from Cap Bénat to Pointe de Bonne Terrasse, including Cap Taillat. A specific order covers Pampelonne, and AP 248/2020 covers the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Les Canoubiers. In each case large yachts anchor seaward of a limit line.
Yachts of 45 m and over (AP 157/2024, amended by AP 63/2025 and AP 177/2026) must declare (45 to 80 m) or request authorisation (80 m and over) from the signal station at least one hour before arrival and anchor inside the mandatory zones at Pampelonne or in the gulf. Keep AIS on and watch VHF 16.
Everywhere: no anchoring on Posidonia, no more than 72 hours in one spot unless you are 24 m and over with AIS (AP 77/2025), and dynamic positioning is banned within 500 m of the shore.
Pampelonne: 210 buoys in service since the 2025 season, run by the Commune de Ramatuelle, with an area for yachts of 24 to 45 m managed by the municipal police. Booking rules and size limits are still evolving, so ask us for the current process before you arrive.
The Mistral reaches the gulf as a strong north-westerly, which makes the old port uncomfortable but leaves Pampelonne in the lee. Easterlies and the summer sea breeze send swell into Pampelonne. Cap Taillat and the southern bays are best in calm weather.
In the mandatory zones for 45 to 80 m defined by AP 157/2024 and its 2025 and 2026 amendments, after declaring to the signal station at least one hour before arrival. Yachts of 80 m and over have their own zone and need authorisation.
Yes, but not inside the buoyed areas of the buoy field and never on Posidonia. Within the field, use a buoy.
Yes. Ramatuelle opened a field of 210 buoys in 2025, including an area for yachts of 24 to 45 m.
Pampelonne is in the lee of the peninsula in a north-westerly. In the gulf, the tender ride to the old port can be rough, so Port-Grimaud or Cogolin are often easier for landing guests.
This guide is for planning only and does not replace official charts or notices. Anchoring rules in French waters change from season to season: check the arrêtés in force on premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr and the SHOM charts before anchoring, or ask our team.
Tell us your yacht, dates and where you would like to anchor. Our local team will confirm what the current rules allow for your length, suggest the best spot for the forecast and arrange buoys, tenders, provisioning or a berth if the anchorage is closed.
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