A sunrise photoshoot at Pampelonne

At six in the morning in June, Pampelonne is another place. The beach clubs are closed, the sand is raked and empty, the sea is flat, and the sky over the water turns from grey to pink to gold in about half an hour. It is the most beautiful light on the peninsula and the one almost nobody sees. Here is how to plan a sunrise photoshoot on Pampelonne: when to arrive, where to park, which part of the beach to choose and what to bring.

Why shoot at sunrise on Pampelonne?

Because the beach faces the open sea to the east, and the official Gulf of Saint-Tropez tourism site lists it among its sunrise spots. At first light you get four and a half kilometres of fine sand with nobody on it, soft light that flatters skin, and a sea that is usually at its calmest. By 10:00 in summer the same beach is full, and in the evening the light is behind you.

What time is sunrise at Pampelonne? (2026)

We start shooting at civil dawn, about half an hour before the sun clears the horizon, because the pink light comes first. Here are the times for 2026:

The sweet spot is September: sunrise after 7:00, so no 4:30 alarm, a sea still at 22°C, and a beach that empties quickly after the summer.

Where should you park, and which part of the beach?

Pampelonne runs through five sectors, from north to south: Les Moulins, Les Tamaris, Patch, Les Barraques and Bonne Terrasse, each reached by its own road from the Ramatuelle side. The municipal car parks, at Tahiti, Les Tamaris, Boulevard Patch, Chemin de Garonne and Bonne Terrasse, are free before 11:00 and after 17:00, which means a sunrise session costs nothing in parking.

What are the rules on the beach at sunrise?

Pampelonne is a protected natural area, and since the 2019 reorganisation 23 beach establishments operate on it under a state-approved beach plan, with structures taken down in winter. The public sand is open to everyone; the clubs' decks and loungers are private, and we never use them without the venue's agreement. Dogs on a lead are allowed all year. Lifeguards only start late in the morning, from about 10:45, so there is no supervision at sunrise: a quick swim is your own responsibility. Drones are subject to the national rules; we do not fly them on the beach.

What should you wear and bring?

Light, flowing fabrics in white, cream, pale blue or soft pink, the colours of the sky at that hour; a long dress or an open linen shirt moves beautifully in the morning breeze. Bring a light jumper for the first twenty minutes, it is cooler than you think before the sun is up, and sandals you can take off. For couples, a blanket and two coffees make the most natural props of all. More in our guide on what to wear for a photoshoot.

How does a sunrise session with Riva run?

We meet at the car park about forty minutes before sunrise, walk to the sector we chose together, and start shooting at first light. The best colour lasts around thirty minutes; one hour covers the whole sunrise. Afterwards, the village is a short drive away and the cafés on the port are opening: many clients add a second hour in La Ponche, still empty at that time. The flying dress shoot works beautifully here too, see the flying dress photoshoot in Saint-Tropez.

Frequently asked questions

What time is sunrise at Pampelonne beach?

In 2026, around 06:49 on 15 April, 05:51 on 15 June, 06:37 on 15 August and 07:11 on 15 September. First light comes about half an hour earlier, and that is when a photoshoot should start.

Is Pampelonne good for sunrise or sunset?

Sunrise. The beach faces the open sea to the east and the official Gulf of Saint-Tropez tourism site lists it as a sunrise spot. The evening light is behind the beach, not over the sea.

Is parking free at Pampelonne in the morning?

Yes. The municipal car parks of Pampelonne are free before 11:00 and after 17:00, so a sunrise visit costs nothing in parking.

Can you do a photoshoot on Pampelonne beach?

Yes, on the public sand, which is open to everyone. The beach clubs' decks and loungers are private and need the venue's agreement. Sunrise is the best moment: the beach is empty and the light is soft.

How much does a sunrise photoshoot at Pampelonne cost?

With Riva, 790 € all taxes included for one hour and 30 edited photos, enough to cover the whole sunrise, or 1,290 € for two hours with a second location in the village.

More reading: the hidden coves near Saint-Tropez, the best photo spots in Saint-Tropez, and the flying dress photoshoot.