Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:01
Located in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, between Ramatuelle and La Croix-Valmer, Cap Taillat is a preserved natural beauty on the French Riviera. Connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of fine sand, this wild headland captivates visitors with its unique scenery: turquoise waters, pine-fringed beaches and intimate hidden coves. Cap Taillat has been part of the Conservatoire du Littoral since the 1980s, helping to protect this fragile ecosystem.
Accessible on foot via beautiful coastal trails or by sea, it offers an enchanted escape, whether for a scenic hike or a relaxing day by the water.
What we love :
– Did you know ? –
Cap Taillat is connected to the coast by a sandy isthmus, naturally formed by marine currents. This unique feature in the Mediterranean creates two beaches, one to the east and one to the west, where the color of the water changes depending on the sun’s position and wind direction. This type of formation is very rare along the coastline, making the site even more exceptional. In southern France, a similar phenomenon (a tombolo) can also be found on the Giens Peninsula.
How to get to Cap Taillat ? where to park ?
Cap Taillat, Bonporteau bay, and Briande beach are only accessible on foot or by sea. If you choose to go on foot or by canoe/paddleboard, Plage de l’Escalet will be your starting point. There are two options :
👉 By car : The easiest way is to drive to the Escalet beach. It is about 2 hours from Marseille and 20 minutes from the village of Saint-Tropez. However, parking is very limited, so in high season we strongly recommend arriving early (May–June–September before 10 a.m. / July–August by 9 a.m. at the latest). Parking is subject to a fee from April to October, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
👉 By shuttle : For peace of mind, especially if you are not carrying bulky equipment such as a paddleboard or canoe, we recommend using the free shuttle provided by the town of Ramatuelle. Departing from the municipal stadium, it operates from June 15 to September 22 (schedules vary depending on the season).
The must-do activity : Hiking to Cap Taillat
- From the Escalet beach :
The hike connecting the Escalet beach to Cap Taillat is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the Var region. The trail runs above the sea, offering stunning views throughout the walk. You will pass through Mediterranean vegetation and admire paradise-like coves bordered by smooth, rounded rocks that evoke the Seychelles. It is also possible to hike closer to the water, but this requires scrambling over rocks.
– Practical informationS –
Starting point : From the Escalet parking lot, take the road uphill on the right after passing the snack bar. At the end of the private residential area (Avenue Cartaya), the dirt trail is clearly signposted, just follow it to Cap Taillat.
Duration : About 1.5 hours round trip / Distance : 5.5km / Elevation gain : +120m
- From Gigaro beach :
Cap Taillat can also be reached from the other side, starting in La Croix-Valmer. By following the coastal path, you will pass authentic beaches such as Jovat beach and Brouis beach, as well as several coves. You will also cross Cap Lardier before reaching Cap Taillat.
– Practical informationS –
Starting point : from Gigaro beach.
Loop hike: About 4.5 hours / Distance : 12km / Elevation gain : +375m
>> Description of the Cap Taillat & Cap Lardier hike from Gigaro beach
What to do IN Cap Taillat ? Our to-do list
Ideally located in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Cap Taillat and its surroundings offer multiple activities. Here we share our favorites with you :
If you chose to hike to Cap Taillat from the Escalet beach and want more, continue on to Cap Lardier. After descending from Cap Taillat, rejoin the coastal trail toward the magnificent Briande beach. From there, continue to Cap Lardier, passing above Briande Bay (be prepared, it’s uphill!). Along the way, you will discover rocky beaches and small wild coves.
– Practical informationS –
Round trip : About 2 hours 40 minutes / Distance : 11km / Elevation gain : +350m
Our favorite activity at Cap Taillat is paddling along the coast to admire the paradise coves of Bonporteau Bay. Gliding over translucent water brings a real sense of freedom, far from the crowds. And just like with hiking, you can extend the adventure toward Briande Bay in two ways :
- Carry your board across the narrow sandbar and launch it on the other side, Briande Beach is just a 10-minute paddle away.
- Paddle or canoe around Cap Taillat (for the more adventurous !). Be cautious if the sea is rough.…
With friends or family, this is the ideal activity if you want to sit back and relax without planning everything yourself. During this mini-cruise, you’ll discover Cap Taillat and its turquoise waters, with swimming stops, jumps into the sea, and paddle excursions included.
If you enjoy spacious beaches, Briande beach is a must. It’s one of our favorites thanks to its emerald-green water and its peaceful atmosphere. Even in August, it attracts relatively few visitors, something rare in southern France. It takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to reach Briande beach from Escalet.
Climbing Cap Taillat is a must if you plan holidays in Saint-Tropez. From the top, the 360° view is breathtaking. On one side, you’ll see Ranc beach, Briande bay, and Cap Lardier in the distance. On the other, the magnificent Bonporteau bay with scenery worthy of the Seychelles. The unique sandbar connecting the two bays to the cape creates endless photo opportunities.
Good to know : Today, Cap Taillat is a protected site with a single designated trail. It is important to stay on this path to preserve the local flora and fauna.
Where to swim in Cap Taillat ?
After hiking, swimming is the second must-do activity at Cap Taillat. White sand, turquoise water, your only dilemma will be choosing the perfect spot.
The most accessible beach, located right next to the parking area. Fine sand, polished rocks, and turquoise water make it perfect for enjoying the sea without walking far. Toilets, showers, and a snack bar are available. The beach is supervised in high season (mid-June to early September).
There are many, all equally beautiful with small white sandbanks. Due to their narrow size, finding space can be difficult in high season, rocks then become a good alternative. Outside peak season, you may have a cove all to yourself… pure paradise. Early along the trail you’ll already find great spots, and further on you’ll reach “Plage de l’Amour” and the Douane cove, our favorite.
Note : Naturism is officially authorized in this section of the bay, so it’s not uncommon to encounter nude bathers.
As you descend the trail near the Coastal Observatory, you’ll overlook Douane beach. The water is shallow and the panorama stunning, with Cap Taillat rising behind it. Watch out for a few rocks in the water.
These two beaches lie on the sandbar connecting the mainland to the cape. One side is quite wild, with sea currents often bringing posidonia and driftwood ashore, sometimes used to build Robinson Crusoe-style huts. The other side, facing Cap Lardier, has coarser sand but equally turquoise water.
Note : Ranc Beach is less comfortable due to pebbles and rocks, but it is quieter.
Located in the commune of La Croix-Valmer, this beach is a true hidden gem. You’ll love its location, its seclusion and the color of the water. For us, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and even in southern France as a whole.
The best viewpoint
Our favorite panorama is found along the hike to Cap Taillat, specifically at the highest point of the trail just before descending toward Douane beach. In the foreground, flowering vegetation; below, turquoise coves; and in the distance, Cap Taillat itself. >> Get directions here
What to do around Cap Taillat ?
👉 Relax on the waves of Ramatuelle’s famous beaches: Pampelonne and Tahiti
👉 Visit the iconic village of Saint-Tropez and taste the famous apricot tart at “Aux Deux Frères” bakery. History, monuments, anecdotes, book a guided tour
👉 Admire the old stone villages of Ramatuelle, Gassin, La Garde-Freinet, or Grimaud
👉 Stroll through Port Grimaud, also known as “Little Venice”
👉 Experience thrills by parasailing over the Bay of Saint-Tropez ! >> book this activity in advance
👉 Take the most beautiful hike in Saint-Tropez, from Canoubiers Bay to Cap Pinet. You will pass along idyllic and authentic beaches, such as Canoubiers beach or Moutte beach. >> hiking description
👉 Enjoy a family evening at “Azur Park”, Saint-Tropez’s amusement park
👉 Spend a fun evening with friends on a catamaran cruise. Guaranteed atmosphere with a caring crew !
Canoubiers beach 
The bell tower of the village of Saint-Tropez 
Port Grimaud 
The ruins of Grimaud castle
Find more ideas in our article :
– Facilities & amenities –
• Showers and toilets in high season (Escalet beach)
• Small roadside snack bar
• Supervised beach in high season
• Parking subject to a fee (limited spaces)
• A boat operates between Escalet beach and Briande, selling drinks, ice cream, and snacks
Where to stay to visit Cap Taillat & Saint-Tropez ?
To be closest to Cap Taillat, staying in Ramatuelle is ideal. However, nearby towns such as Saint-Tropez, Cogolin, or Gassin are also excellent bases. Here are our favorites :
- La Garbine hotel (4 stars) : Between Tahiti beach and Saint-Tropez, a true little paradise surrounded by lush nature.
- L’Escalet hotel (4 stars) : 800 meters from the beach of the same name, a charming, comfortable hotel set in nature. We love the bohemian, minimalist decor.
- Sezz hotel à Saint-Tropez (5 stars) : Chic and luxurious, with very modern spaces and private terraces for all rooms.
- An authentic village house in Ramatuelle : For a stay in the heart of the historic district.
- Bello Visto boutique hotel in Gassin: Stunning views from the restaurant terrace.
– Our opinion –
Cap Taillat is our favorite place in southern France, we haven’t found a more idyllic landscape so far. We never tire of its natural setting and, above all, the incredible turquoise color of the sea. A victim of its own success, visiting in high season now requires an early start or taking the Ramatuelle shuttle. But the rest of the year, may–june or september–october, you can truly enjoy it to the fullest. We hope this article has inspired you to visit and maybe it will become a favorite for you too !
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