Saint-Tropez may have built much of its mythology around Pampelonne, but the best way to enjoy its most famous beach is sometimes to escape the spectacle surrounding it. La Serena, the signature beach of Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez, is the hotel’s sun-drenched seaside extension, carrying its distinctive art of living from the heart of the village to the water’s edge, where long lunches, sea bathing and the art of farniente set the rhythm of the day.
Located around fifteen minutes from the centre of Saint-Tropez, La Serena sits on the legendary sandy shores of Pampelonne, immortalised by Roger Vadim’s And God Created Woman. Here, the Mediterranean is remarkably inviting, with crystal-clear water and fine sand setting the scene for a proper day by the sea.
The aesthetic is deliberately restrained. Light wood, clean lines and bohemian details keep the focus on the natural surroundings, while generously comfortable sunbeds make it very easy to settle in for several hours. Despite its association with Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez, La Serena is not simply an address for hotel residents. It is a destination in its own right for anyone looking for a relaxed escape on Pampelonne, away from the louder, party side of Saint-Tropez.
At La Serena, however, the restaurant is reason enough to come. The kitchen is firmly Mediterranean, with an emphasis on seasonal produce, local sourcing and short supply chains. Seafood naturally plays the leading role. A sea bream tartare combines grapefruit and passion fruit with carrot, ginger and matcha, while red tuna crudo is kept bright with olive oil, coriander, red onion and lime. The prawn carpaccio, served with pickles and finger lime, is precisely the kind of dish one wants between swims.
For those who enjoy gourmet delicacies, the menu also features Roumégous oysters, Kaviari Kristal caviar and King crab served with lime mayonnaise. Creamy burrata with heritage tomatoes keeps things reassuringly simple, with a summer-truffle version for those who prefer their beach lunch with a little more decadence.
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Pasta looks towards the sea too. Linguine with spider crab comes with lobster bisque and cherry tomatoes, while lobster risotto is finished with fresh herbs. Grilled calamari and octopus arrive with artichokes, confit tomatoes and Taggiasca olives, while the daily catch provides another uncomplicated way to enjoy the Mediterranean.
Not everything is devoted to seafood. A French Wagyu burger, beef fillet and slow-cooked pork ribs give the menu breadth, while the summer truffle pizza combines fior di latte with truffled burrata cream and rocket.
Dessert is best approached with company. A giant rum baba arrives with fresh fruit and Chantilly cream, while waffles with salted caramel and melted chocolate are designed for the centre of the table. There is also brioche façon pain perdu with Maison Barbarac vanilla ice cream and a red-fruit pavlova.
The bar follows the same unhurried philosophy, moving from fresh juices to made-to-order cocktails and a carefully selected wine list. As afternoon stretches towards golden hour, music accompanies the view without turning the beach into a party scene. La Serena is about atmosphere rather than volume—conversation, a swim between courses and perhaps another cocktail before leaving.
A selection from Sunday Saint-Tropez, the family-run fashion house known for its linen, cotton and silk resortwear, adds another local touch.
La Serena is for those who come to Pampelonne to actually enjoy the beach. Soft sand, transparent Mediterranean water, comfortable sunbeds, good food and an intentionally relaxed mood are the essentials. In Saint-Tropez, where louder pleasures are never difficult to find, La Serena makes a persuasive case for slowing things down.
Address: 1 Trav. de la Gendarmerie, 83990 Saint-Tropez
Phone: 04 83 09 60 00