Saint Tropez’s Pampelonne Beach is one of the most photographed stretches of sand in Europe, if not the world, with one section in particular getting more footage than most: Club 55.
Of the string of exclusive private beach clubs dotted on the three-mile long beach, the understated yet undeniably cool Club 55 is by far the most sought-after address along this stylish stretch of coastline.
Indeed, barely a day goes by in the height of the summer without some Hollywood star, supermodel or world leader being snapped as they arrive at the famous beach club, which inevitably comes with its own jetty allowing guests direct access from their superyachts moored in the bay.
Amongst last summer’s celebrity diners at the number one lunch spot near Boulevard Patch were regulars Sir Elton John and his family, comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and his wife Isla Fisher and international artist Bono, who lives not a million miles away from Saint Tropez in Eze-sur-Mer.
In fact, tables covered by the restaurant’s signatory blue and white cloths are such a premium that reservations for lunch must be made well in advance over the summer months, as do bookings for the white sunbeds which adorn the club’s private beach under casually hung white sails.
The whole look is one of shabby chic, with a simple piece of drift wood with the words Club 55 painted on serving as the welcome sign to the restaurant.
Simple too is the menu at Club 55, with freshly caught fish, grilled steaks and huge salads made up of vegetables from the owners’ garden being amongst the favourites on the single page menu.
Prices at the restaurant are fairly standard for Saint Tropez but with views, ambiance and service to ensure memories that last a life time, there are rarely any complaints.
One of the first famous guests to fall in love with Club 55 was a young Brigitte Bardot, who came to Saint Tropez to film the classic movie And God Created Woman in the summer of 1954. Legend has it that Bardot and her then husband Roger Vadim, the film’s director, used to come to the restaurant every day for lunch.
Then just a simple wooden shack on the beach, the restaurant was adopted as a canteen for all those on the set of And God Created Woman, and the rest, they say, is history…
For reservations contact +33 (0)4 94 55 55 55 or visit the website club55.fr
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