Endless sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and unmistakable French elegance — welcome to the Côte d’Azur. While Saint-Tropez in high season is all about superyachts, legendary beach clubs, and golden-hour sunsets, behind the glamour lies a challenge: finding a spacious, family-friendly two-bedroom accommodation within the town often comes with eye-watering prices — and with far more buzz than one might expect.
This July, I stumbled upon a far better solution: Le Clos Bonaventure – a refined Provençal residence in Gassin, right at the gates of Saint-Tropez. Curious? Let me take you through our wonderfully chilled getaway.
Just a five-minute walk from town, steps from the sandy shores of La Bouillabaisse, and less than 1.5 km from the iconic port, this discreet address puts you close to everything — without ever feeling caught up in the frenzy. What really sold us? A short, scenic drive takes you straight to Pampelonne’s beaches.
Nestled in a one-hectare garden of majestic umbrella pines, Le Clos Bonaventure feels like your own private retreat. Chic, effortless, and totally welcoming. The kind of place you return to after a day of beach clubs and boutiques — sandals off, sunglasses on, St. Tropez smile still in place — and instantly feel at home, wrapped in shade, silence, and Provençal ease. Now, let’s dive into the details!
Provençal Charm Meets Contemporary Comfort
Le Clos Bonaventure is a collection of charming Provençal houses, and divided into just 16 apartments, all beautifully renovated in 2023. From the moment we arrived, it felt effortlessly designed for summer living — and yes, our furry boy was warmly welcomed too.
Our two-bedroom apartment was spacious and well-air-conditioned, with a living room that quickly became the heart of our stay — perfect for slow mornings, post-beach downtime, or spontaneous family apéros. And the magic? Sunlight poured through wide windows, the décor was chic, and every corner invited you to pause, relax, and savor the Provençal way of life.
The highlight? Cicadas hummed their hearts out — louder than my thoughts, more reliable than my watch — that was my true welcome to the Côte d’Azur. Outside, our private terrace framed by umbrella pines became a sanctuary: quiet afternoons in the shade and long evenings soaking in the fading light.
Other pluses? Le Clos Bonaventure really shone for its calm and security. Fully gated, impeccably maintained, with plenty of parking and even electric vehicle charging stations, it was a rare gem. At the heart of it all, a serene swimming pool invited us to unwind between beach days, and thanks to the many attractions Ramatuelle had to offer, it was rarely crowded and always easy to enjoy.
INSIDER TIP: For those seeking even more space or villa-style luxury, Le Clos Bonaventure also offers elegant homes such as the three-bedroom Villa Pinede. This standalone residence is ideal for families or groups seeking privacy, comfort, and the feeling of a true Saint-Tropez home away from home.
Beach Days, Tropez-Style
In the Saint-Tropez region, life revolves around beach days — and Le Clos Bonaventure makes it easy. Just minutes by car from the property, Pampelonne offers sun, rosé, music, and that magical Mediterranean glow. We’ve explored its legendary beach clubs before, but this time we landed at Byblos Beach — and wow. Polished service, chic elegance, and signature Tropezian glamour made it the ultimate backdrop for a day of sun, sea, and style.
For slower, more relaxed vibes, we drifted down to Tiki Beach — a local favorite with barefoot, bohemian charm. Crystal-clear water, soft sand, and a serene energy make it perfect for a peaceful day by the sea — far enough from the buzz, but still soaking up the Riviera magic. And as a rare bonus for the area, sun loungers are well-priced by Saint-Tropez standards — perfect for settling in until the light begins to soften.
GOOD TO KNOW: If lounging under the sun isn’t your style, you might want to skip rented sunbeds. Grab a towel and enjoy the public stretches between the beach clubs — just as many locals do: settle right at the water’s edge, take a refreshing dip, then stroll straight to the shaded bar for a well-deserved sparkling Kir Royal. Effortless, fun, and utterly Tropezian.
Who says five-star beaches can’t be dog-friendly? Despite its fame, Pampelonne remains incredibly inclusive. It doesn’t just welcome your dog —it rolls out the red carpet. Dogs are truly pampered, from sun loungers and shady spots beneath the umbrellas to icy water bowls to keep them cool. It makes me wonder… how is it that such a high-profile destination embraces four-legged visitors so effortlessly, while other countries with less remarkable beaches don’t? It may seem like a small detail, but it speaks volumes about premium French hospitality — Bienvenue à tous!
Where We Dined & Lingered
We’ve learned that the places worth returning to on the Côte d’Azur aren’t the loudest or the flashiest — they’re the ones with soul. What we’re after? Effortless vibes, delicious food, music drifting through the air, and that timeless summer feeling.
Gigi Ramatuelle embodies all of this. Perched high above Pampelonne, it delivers sunset drama at its finest: glowing terraces, impeccable Italian flavors, and a chic yet relaxed crowd that knows exactly why they’re there. The energy is warm and stylish, the service flawless without ever trying too hard, and the atmosphere invites you to linger just a little longer. Make time for the tiramisu — iconic, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable.
Les Moulins de Ramatuelle feels like a beautifully kept secret just outside Saint-Tropez. Relaxed yet refined, it’s the kind of place where you settle in for the evening without rushing a thing. Cocktails on the terrace, classic Mediterranean dishes done right, and a calm elegance that’s increasingly rare in the area. Even better? The prices remain refreshingly reasonable for the region, and the food delivers far more flavor than many overhyped hotspots nearby.
Jardin Tropezina is sunset perfection on Pampelonne Beach. Barefoot-chic loungers, music drifting into golden hour, and skies turning pink and amber set the scene. Rosé flows freely, conversations stretch on, and the atmosphere is effortlessly Saint-Tropez — relaxed, sensual, and endlessly stylish. It’s the kind of place you fall into and never want to leave, which is exactly why we keep coming back.
Oh, and there’s Zuma Saint-Tropez! Brand new in town and already turning heads. Located in the legendary Byblos Hotel, it’s simply perfect — ravishing, vibrant, and full of energy. Think dress to impress: your best outfit, high heels, and a little extra sparkle. Expect contemporary Japanese flavors as stunning as the setting, and plenty of chances to spot international VIPs — actors, artists, and the stylish crowd that makes Saint-Tropez so iconic. Reservations are essential. Zuma doesn’t just do dinner — Zuma knows how to OWN the night.
The Tropézienne Take
Le Clos Bonaventure offers something increasingly rare just moments from Saint-Tropez: space, serenity, and Provençal style — all within easy reach of the action. For those planning a stay, bookings can be made via reservation@leclosbonaventure.com — and Michel will be delighted to share a selection of carefully chosen local addresses to make your vacation truly unforgettable. Bon voyage!
Disclosure: The header image is courtesy of Le Clos Bonaventure. All thoughts, impressions, and recommendations shared here are entirely my own. And, if it’s not already obvious… I’m completely head over heels for the Côte d’Azur.