Les Issambres - French Riviera beach resort

 Les Issambres beaches France [Photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/roquebrune_lesissambres/]

Les Issambres is a popular French Riviera beach resort, situated on the beautiful coastline of the Bay of St. Tropez. This French Riviera resort provides a calm and tranquil holiday base and is especially popular with the French, Scandanavian, German and British holidaymakers.  The 8kms of fine sandy beaches at Les Issambres are sandwiched between the Mediterranean sea and the wooded hills of the Massif des Maures.

Eastwards along the beach is a popular sailing center with boat rentals and a sailing school. This French Riviera resort has a number of restaurants and a good range of shops. There is a ferry, Les Bateaux Verts, that takes passengers to the harbour or Saint Tropez.

 

The development of this French Riviera resort

On August 15, 1944, the beaches of Saint Tropez, Sainte Maxime and Les Issambres were central to the Allied landing in the South of France (Operation Dragoon) and were used as a logistical base for the liberation of Southern France during World War II. The history of the invasion is well documented. Near to La Garonette, there is a memorial of the beach landing, honouring the American troops.

Development along the coast of Les Issambres began in the 1930s with the building of a number of prominent hotels. To an extent the development has enveloped the villages of St. Aygulf, Val d'Esquieres and Les Issambres with Sainte Maxime, but the local geography has spared the area of over-development. Amongst the more modern buildings, there are still many traditional white-washed Provence homes and and the area has a relaxed feel to is, especially within the narrow winding streets of the town. You can still find plenty of space and tranquillity on your South of France beach holidays.

 

Les Issambres, South of France beach holidays

The beaches of Les Issambres are quite narrow and are interspersed between rocky headlands. You can therefore often find a small beach that isn't too crowded, provided you know where to look. There are many inlets (Calanques) and rocky coves along this coast, but Les Issambres also has several fine sandy beaches (with no rocks!) stretching for 8 kilometres. There is a public park along the sea front in Les Issambres, so the best plan is often to park up and then search for a convenient place to base yourself. The water is so clear on this site of the Bay of St Tropez that snorkel, goggles and nets will keep your kids amused for hours.

Perhaps the two best beaches in Les Issambres are Farniente Plage and Plage de la Gaillarde, but these can get quite busy. For those who get quickly bored on the beach (like me!) there is a public walkway that stretches all the way to St. Tropez. 

 

South of France beach holidays: Les Issambres port

The port of Les Issambres has a marina for 440 boats and an active sailing centre where you can be trained and also hire yachts. There is also a wide variety of water activities including diving and snorkelling which are available all year round.
 

French Riviera resort: Les Issambres town centre

Les Issambres beaches France [Photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/roquebrune_lesissambres/]There is a good selection of well appointed shops in this French Riviera resort, including a post office, bank, a butcher, pharmacy and a small supermarket. Every Thursday there is a fish market and local produce markets are held weekly too. Les Issambres also has a popular Tennis Club where courts are available for hire. The club house has some spectacular views.

Les Issambres has a surprising number of reasonably priced good restaurants (and the surrounding villages). You can also indulge in a spot of 'people-watching' (or leering as my wife calls it) in many of the cafes along the seafront promenade. St. Aygulf has a choice of inexpensive places to eat on the main Square and Sainte-Maxime is full of restaurants to cater for every taste. 

In terms of beach clubs, Les Voiles is currently one of the favourite 'places to be seen'. However, the more relaxed Le WYC continues to be popular. Barco Beach is a nice place for families with children, because there is a nice playground at the restaurant. 

 

 

 

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Where to next . . . ?

If you are visiting the South of France this summer, then get the inside track on the best Places to see & visit in the South of France in 2026 (written by people who live in Southern France all year around). Read about the best restaurants to eat at, get local information on the best beaches to visit and discover the best tourist sites, markets and festivals to see during your stay.

 

Best beach bars in South France Find the best beach bars & restaurants in South France to visit during 2026. From glitzy private beach clubs on the French Riviera to Oyster shacks on the Languedoc coast	Best restaurants South France Discover our favourite restaurants to eat at in South France from Michelin star restaurants to beach restaurants and local restaurants where you can still enjoy a Plat de Jour for €13 euros.
Best festivals in South France  The summer comes alive in the South of France with crazy festivals. Discover everything from large music festivals to local festivals celebrating the humble apricot and Water Jousting!	Best markets in South of France Search out the best local markets to visit during your stay in the South of France this summer. We cover everything from local village markets to antique fairs and truffle markets in Provence.
Villas with private pools in South France Book a villa in the South of France for this summer through Go Languedoc and avoid all the hefty additional bookings fees of Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com.	Best tourist sites to visit in South France in 2026 Read about the best tourist sites to visit during 2026. Our articles cover Provence, the French Riviera and the old Languedoc region of Southern France.

 

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