Ramatuelle The Best Motorhome Aire in France

In November 2023 we went to stay on our favourite Aire, only to find it undergoing big changes. Yes, Ramatuelle, in our opinion, the best motorhome Aire in France wasn’t open at all. Unfortunately, we’re not sure how the new refurbishment will look, but it will be exciting to find out.

Although, the entrance wasn’t open, it didn’t stop us taking a look around beyond the barrier. It was such a different image to the one we know, but so good to see it undergoing a modern, new approach.

What’s New?

So, what’s new? Well, first of all, the old entrance hut where staff took payment is no longer there. Instead a new, modern kiosk with a barrier entry system is in place.

In fact, the whole entrance has a new look. There’s a section of planting along with a clean surface to drive on. Before it was a rather dusty finish which was awful if it went windy.

Basically the new entrance layout is more sophisticated and appealing to the eye.

Payment is now at the entrance too. Here, a machine gives instructions and although this wasn’t working on our visit, there was a sign saying it’s €17.40 per night + tourist tax.

So, we’ll see if this price remains when it re-opens.

Beyond the entrance, the whole parking area is now clear with a vast open space to work from.

We’ve no idea what the layout will be, but the size of the parking means lots of options for a brilliant Motorhome Aire.

The Old Dump and Amenity Building

The old dump looks like it’s going to be re-done, it wasn’t functional on our visit and was always very old hat. As for the former amenity building, a very old thing which we remember housing hole in the ground toilets, hopefully this will go too.

Overall, there was a lot of work to be done here before getting the Aire ready for opening, but no doubt over the Winter they will be busy doing just that.

Ramatuelle Aire – The Area Itself

In our opinion, Ramatuelle is just the best motorhome Aire in France, despite not knowing how the new layout will be. But, it’s not all about the location of the Aire, which is on the superb St.Tropez peninsula.

Ultimately, this is one of the most exclusive parts of France and a firm favourite for so many reasons.

Vineyards and Cypress Trees – Ramatuelle The Best Motorhome Aire in France

Sometimes when you’re new to something, the rewards are so much more enlightening. Maybe, this is why we love Ramatuelle so much, because it’s such an iconic moment in our early motorhome years.

Driving beside the immaculate vineyards surrounding St.Tropez is simply idyllic. Beside these lush green landscapes are an intoxicating mix of exclusive estate’s. Incredible mansions and top-end villa’s hide behind Cypress trees and electric gates.

Quite possibly, it’s the least likely place to find an Aire.

Over 100 Motorhomes and Bamboo as high as a house

If I’m honest, I don’t really know how we first came across the Aire at Ramatuelle. Although, I remember as soon as we drove in, we knew we were going to stay here the night.

Wow! We’d never seen anything like it before. The vast, rustic, sandy area was full of motorhomes, almost resembling some sort of commune.

Surrounding the perimeter, Bamboo as high as a house gave shelter from hot winds. Not only was it basic, but there was a feeling of wanting to be part of this community spirit.

Even more rustic, were sections of Bamboo enclaves in private little bays. Inside, more motorhomes sheltering, hidden away from the masses.

There was room for 130 motorhomes here, enjoying Summer in the Mediterranean. During our very first trip, about 16 years ago, we found out why it’s so popular.

Yes, just a stone’s throw from the nomadic community of motorhomes is possibly the most iconic beach in the South of France.

A World famous beach

Incredibly, that beach just happens to be Pampelonne. Not only is it home to the jet-set, since the heyday’s of Holywood in the 1950’s, but also where St.Tropez resident and iconic star, Bridget Bardot filmed the movie “And God Created Woman”.

The stretch of silver sands of Pampelonne covers several kilometres and it’s where the rich, famous and everyone in-between lay down their beach towels. Not only are some of the hottest beach bars in Europe here, but also some of the biggest stars.

Boardwalks and Nature – Ramatuelle The Best Motorhome Aire in France

Walking from the Aire is a path, along wooden boardwalks. With the sand beneath your feet, there’s a feeling of California dreaming rather than French Mediterranean. Everywhere is low-lying, so you can’t see the rows of exclusive beach clubs beyond the bamboo and reeds of the shallow dunes.

This natural environment is protected, so there’s plenty of greenery to contrast against the bright blue of the sea. Then, in-between the natural beach shrubbery and the sea are swathes of fine sand. There’s almost a natural privacy screen thanks to nature, which is possibly another reason the Hollywood elite come here each Summer.

Once you step foot onto the sands, the whole of Pamelonne Beach comes into view. Stretching for miles, between the headland’s of St.Tropez and Cap Camarat. Undeniably, Pampelonne is beautiful.

Super yachts and celebrities

Looking out to sea, various super yachts float on their moorings. Those on board come ashore in smaller craft, before dining and lounging in one of the fine beach clubs along the sands.

Celebrity watching is easier said than done, as large sun hats and designer shades protect the identity of those relaxing on deep-cushioned sun loungers.

Amongst those who’ve been here are Elton John, Bono, Joan Collins and Paris Hilton, but our own encounter came when Nigel spotted Jack Nicholson! Now that’s about as good as it gets – pardon the pun!

Wild Boar wondering

The bamboo on the Aire was a bit out of control at one time, but it’s been trimmed back now.

At the entrance there was a white painted hut where ladies on duty watched every little movement of those coming and going. Without doubt, there were no tricks missed under their watchful eye!

Other than visitors in swimwear and flip flops, another regular to the Aire are a family of Wild Boar. Incredibly, as we were sipping a nice glass of Vin Blanc, along came the biggest Boar imaginable complete with two baby boars, just strutting their stuff along the rows of Motorhomes as if completely the norm.

Glitzy St.Tropez – Ramatuelle The Best Motorhome Aire in France

Just outside the entrance to the Aire is a bus stop, providing Summer shuttle services to Ramatuelle hilltop village and some other beaches close by. You can also change bus a little further up the road and catch another bus direct into St.Tropez, about a 10 minute ride away.

St.Tropez is such an incredibly intoxicating place to visit and from the very first moment we walked its exclusive harbour front, we knew we’d be back.

Although St.Tropez is glitzy, it’s not overbearing or uncomfortable, to be honest it’s quite the opposite. Somehow, despite all the multi-millon dollar yachts, famous faces and glamorous stores, there’s another side to this beautiful old town that’s really down to Earth.

From its gentle, pastel coloured buildings to narrow alleyways and harbour-side eateries, it’s typically French yet undeniably warm in a homely kind of way.

Above all, in the height of Summer, St.Tropez is the place to be and be seen, but just being amongst the buzz is enough to keep us coming back for more.

A cheap place to stay

Where else can you stay on the incredible Côte d’Azur for under 20 Euro a night? Well, the Aire at Ramatuelle, was 17 Euro a night in Summer, but off season, it was just 10 Euro. We’re not sure if off-season discounts will apply to the new Aire, let’s hope so.

At the entrance, when the staff were on duty, the barrier came down and payments collected, then they’d let you in. Otherwise, if you arrived and the barrier was open, you’d just find your parking spot and pay once the entrance hut was open again.

Make no mistake, the staff had eyes at the back of their heads. So, they’d soon come knocking with their notebook and list of unpaid motorhomes. Probably, I’d describe them as slightly sharp.

Coastal walks and vineyards

Step beyond the entrance of the Aire and follow the road beyond a mini roundabout and you’ll come to the coastal path. Here you can walk rugged cliff tops, along a couple of gorgeous little bays and even the odd swim opportunity further along the route.

Eventually, the path leads to a light house before before joining a road. Then, you emerge to vineyards and fine views across Pamelonne to St.Tropez.

By night, you can stroll the sands in a romantic moonlit walk, watching the sea lap upon the shore – it’s simply magical.

The future looks good – Ramatuelle The Best Motorhome Aire in France

Last but not least, there were once 5 Aires around St.Tropez, we remember all of them. It’s great to know that the Aire at Ramautelle isn’t going to be lost like those others. The last time we stayed, there were rumours of re-development and these are now obviously true.

It’s no surprise, because this whole stretch of Pampelonne has undergone major refurbishment in recent years. The Aire was going to be the final bit to be updated, or at least that’s what we were told. Thank goodness this Aire is going to continue. We can’t wait to see the end result after all these years of the most memorable stays, we’re lucky it’s there for all of us to enjoy for many years to come.

So, if you want to experience a stay on a French Aire in a beautiful location, maybe consider Ramatuelle. Perhaps, we’ll see you there too very soon.

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