Ramatuelle is one of the best-kept secrets in the South of France. Just minutes from glamorous St Tropez, Ramatuelle is a beautiful little village which sits quietly in the hills overlooking the Mediterranean. Founded back in the Middle Ages, the hilltop village was originally built so the locals could escape the Saracen pirates who terrorised the region and waters around St Tropez. The village was destroyed during the 16th Century and rebuilt in the early 1600s, but you can still find see traces of its past if you look closely enough. Ramatuelle is built in the same ‘snail’ shape as nearby Mougins, and the little town is as Mediterranean as they come. From spring through to late summer the streets with their charming little boutiques and cafés are scented with jasmine, bougainvillea and honeysuckle. The village square is surrounded by narrow passageways, stone fountains and a traditional village wash house, this is the real Provence. Leave the city behind and get ready for a taste of authentic village life in pretty Ramatuelle.

Although Ramatuelle was discovered by the jet set in the 1950s when St Tropez put the whole region on the map, the village has managed to remain completely unspoilt. Surrounded by lush green hills, shady pine trees and acres of vineyards and olive groves, the little village makes a welcome change from the sun-drenched coastline during the hotter months. The narrow streets provide some much-needed shade in the summer, and in winter the sheltered Place de l’Ormeau is ideal for a morning coffee. Like much of the French Riviera, Ramatuelle has a strong connection to the art world, and there are lots of little workshops, and galleries dotted about all over the village. One of the quirkier galleries is a cave dug into the rocks in the heart of town which has an interesting display of primitive art. Similarly, the village has lots of lovely little boutiques with locally produced goodies and handcrafted items on offer. On Thursdays and Sundays, the Place de l’Ormeau is taken over by the village market. Spend a lazy morning browsing stall after stall of delicious fruit and vegetables, freshly-baked bread and locally-pressed olive oils, before popping home for lunch in the sunshine.

When it comes to eating out, Ramatuelle has more than its fair share of restaurants and bars. Down on Pampelonne, you’ll find some of the best beach restaurants around offering everything from fresh seafood platters to spicy Thai specialities. In the centre of the village, enjoy classic Mediterranean and Provençal cuisine or traditional Italian dishes. Ramatuelle might be small, but it has some excellent restaurants and bistros. And when it comes to nightlife Ramatuelle is no slouch either. There are two theatres and concert halls where the town’s music festivals are held, plus of course all the chic beach clubs with their live music and endless summer parties down in neighbouring Pampelonne. In fact, with some of the best music festivals on the French Riviera every year, Ramatuelle is the ideal location for music lovers and concert fans. Speaking of beaches, you’ll love being so close to the famous Pampelonne plages, enjoy the most beautiful coastline in the world practically in your back garden. With miles of golden sand, all the very latest watersports and some incredible dive sites on offer, the whole family will enjoy a day out at the beach once you live just minutes away from the coast.

The village is, of course, close to St Tropez, but it’s also just a short hop down the coast to nearby Cannes and Nice. Enjoy a day out in the big city with friends or spend a weekend shopping in the high-end boutiques of Monaco. One of the biggest advantages to life on the French Riviera is the fantastic selection of places to visit within a couple of hours of home. And if you fancy going a little farther afield, Italy and Corsica are both easily accessible from Ramatuelle. Pop over for the weekend or take a few days to explore some of the prettiest villages and towns in this part of the Mediterranean. When winter arrives, leave the coast behind and head up to the Southern Alps for some serious snow time. Stations like Isola 2000, Auron and Valberg are only a couple of hours drive or a short helicopter ride away from Ramatuelle. Once you live here, you’ll be able to make the most of the ski season just like the locals do. Secluded and quiet but with so much to do and see, this little village in the heart of Provence is the perfect place to set up home in the French Riviera. 

Life in Ramatuelle is peaceful and exclusive, with only 2000 residents living in the village. This is the ideal place to purchase a home if you’re looking to escape the crowds down on the coast and experience life in an authentic hilltop village in Provence. Leave city life behind you and swap traffic jams and busy streets for leisurely strolls around the village square and long lunches in the sunshine with friends.  

Culture fans will love the wide range of events the village organises every year. Watch some of the biggest names in the world perform at the yearly jazz festival held in the village amphitheatre. But a word of warning, keep an eye out for flying seat cushions after a performance, locals used to throw them on stage to show their appreciation for the musicians! Another fun musical event not to be missed is the Musique au Balcon series in June. Artists from all over the world spend Thursday evenings performing on the Balcon de la Fontaine for local residents and passers-by, they do say all the world’s a stage after all! In fact, music is such a big part of life in Ramatuelle that even the town’s monthly antiques sale has performances from local singers and musicians. Shopping for trinkets has never been so much fun!

Thanks to its Provençal heritage, Ramatuelle also holds a number of traditional festivals throughout the year. Try locally made wines from the vineyards around the village at the Fete de la Vigne et du Vin every May. Or support local farmers and winegrowers in July at the Journée Rosé de Provence festival accompanied by Provençal music and dancers. One of the most popular events in August is the traditional summer ball held in the village square. Get your glad rags on and dance the night away with your new neighbours. This is the perfect opportunity to meet people as the entire village usually turns out for the party which has been held every summer for hundreds of years.

Sports fans will love Ramatuelle as there is an incredible range of things to do in and around the village. Down in Pampelonne, try out every kind of watersport you can think of from jet skis to paddleboards, diving to yachting. The warm waters of the Mediterranean are the perfect place to take up kayaking or windsurfing while the hills around the village are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The town also has its own boules clubs if you fancy trying out the favourite local game (accompanied by a glass of pastis naturally) and a tennis club for a few rounds with friends. If you like walking, you’ll love the hiking trails around the Massif de Maures and the coastal path from Cap Camarat to l’Escalet with its glorious views of the Mediterranean. Discover hidden treasures in the hills around the village, from the Paillais windmill to the second highest lighthouse in France in Cap Camarat. There’s always something new to see when you’re out and about in this part of the world.

And speaking of hidden treasures, the village also has its own share of historical gems to explore. In the centre of the village, you’ll find a tiny Arabian-style prison which locals claim was built by Napoleon III, although sceptics have said it looks awfully like a Saracen hammam…. There are two churches from the 16th century to visit with some lovely stained glass, and an original Saracen doorway is still set into the walls under the village ramparts. Slightly less ancient, but no less picturesque, the stone wash house is worth a peek for its intriguing past as a village meeting place where family disagreements were settled in public and sometimes by a full-on fight. And in the Place Gabriel Péri, the metal Eiffel staircase is a rare example of Ramatuelle’s prosperity and modernity over the years. Most Provençal villages couldn’t afford to use metal for building in the 18th and 19th centuries, but then again Ramatuelle as we know, is no ordinary village.

Down on the coast, it’s not just the miles of golden sand which will make you fall in love with Pampelonne. The coastline around Ramatuelle is also the perfect place to discover hidden coves and secret little inlets. Charter a yacht and explore the islands between Cannes and St Tropez for a fun day’s sailing. Spend time swimming or scuba diving through the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean and check out the exotic marine life under the surface of the sea. Or alternatively work on your tan up on the shore with a good book and the occasional ice cream, that’s the beauty of the French Riviera, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The luxury real estate in and around Ramatuelle is just as fabulous as you’d expect. To help you choose your perfect Provençal property, we’ve put together a selection of contemporary and traditional villas for you to consider.   

In our selection we have a superb 7 bedroom villa with sea view which can be the perfect family home for you. Located in a residential and privileged neighbourhood, just within approx. 5 minutes by car from the center of Saint Tropez and the Pampelonne beaches, this property with a given surface of ​​approximately 550 sqm has been extended recently to offer total comfort at home. The house offers several terraces, a superb fully landscaped park with helipad, a heated swimming pool, an outdoor jacuzzi area, a car park and 2 lock-up garages. The property benefits from 2 entrances comprising a main access and a service entrance, a fully fitted cinema, an indoor relaxation / spa area with a jacuzzi, a sauna and a hammam as well as a gym room. This modern beauty features voluminous spaces and has been designed with a grand touch of elegance, class and quality.

If you’re in love with the Provençal style, we have lots of charming sea view villas  in Ramatuelle for you. Located on the hillside with a privileged location overlooking the Pampelonne bay and the surrounding countryside, the house was completed in 2006, it is divided on 2 levels and offers a land with approx. one hectare. All the living rooms and bedrooms benefit from the sea view (except the small bedroom on the 1st floor). The property offers an infinity pool,  very beautiful and old pieces of ironwork. The floors are white marble – terrace included.

If you’re looking for a plot of land in Ramatuelle, we have a 1380 sqm plot one minute walking distance from the beach and famous Club55. Permit for a villa of 403,21 sqm living space, not including terrace and rooftop with 5 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, an open plan living room with kitchen,
a gym, a wine cellar and an optional home cinema. A flat sea view from the rooftop and master bedroom. Planning by famous local architect Antony Ugo.

Those are just a few of our Ramatuelle properties for sale. Browse the full collection above and get in touch with our real estate agency for more information or to arrange a visit.

What’s not to like about Ramatuelle? From the great location to the picture perfect scenery, you’ll love this idyllic little village. Whether you’re buying as a long-term investment or simply looking for a slice of the good life, Ramatuelle is the ideal choice. Here are some of the reasons why you can’t go wrong by purchasing a property in this part of the world:

• The climate: Long sunny days followed by warm evenings in the summer and mild temperatures with blue skies in the winter. Ramatuelle’s Mediterranean climate is one of the best reasons to consider a move to the French Riviera.
  
  
• The region: Sitting high on a hill above the Mediterranean Ramatuelle is located in the lovely Var region with its mountains and beaches. Experience the traditional Provençal lifestyle for yourself in this pretty 16th Century village.
  
  
• The location: Close to the Toulon-Hyères and Marseille Provence airports, Ramatuelle is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Head down the coast towards Monaco and Italy for the day or up into the mountains during ski season, you’ll love everything the region has to offer.
  
  
• The pace of life: Village life is relaxed and peaceful. The hills around Ramatuelle are filled with vineyards and olive groves while the village square is just the place for a coffee or cheeky aperitif.
  
  
• The social scene: Glamorous St Tropez is just a few minutes away from Ramatuelle. Enjoy some of the best restaurants and nightlife on the French Riviera, right on your doorstep.

Ramatuelle has a very busy social life. Living in the village you’ll be able to enjoy live concerts, art shows, fireworks and much more throughout the year. And with lively St Tropez just down the road, you’ll never be short of things to do. Here are just a few of the yearly highlights to pop in your diary:  

• Ramatuelle: Santon exhibition ~ March
• St Tropez: ARMEN Regatta ~ March
• St Tropez: Au Large de St Tropez Regatta ~ March
• St Tropez: Coupe de l’Hippocampe ~ April
• Ramatuelle: Les Arts du Rire ~ Avril
• Ramatuelle: Bal du Pin de Mai~ May
• Ramatuelle: Fête de la Vigne et du Vin ~ May
• St Tropez: Antiques Show ~ June
• Ramatuelle: Fête de la Musique ~ June
• Ramatuelle: Musique en Liberté ~ June
• St Tropez: Les Soirées de la Citadelle Concerts ~ July
• Ramatuelle: Jazz à Ramatuelle ~ August
• Ramatuelle: Festival de Ramatuelle~ August
• Ramatuelle: Grand Bal~ August
• St Tropez: Les Voiles de St Tropez Regatta ~ September & October
• St Tropez: Paradis Porsche ~ October
• St Tropez: Theatre Festival ~ December
• Ramatuelle: Christmas market ~ December

Buying a luxury real estate in Ramatuelle can seem confusing at first but it’s actually a very straight-forward procedure.

The purchase process is set up to protect both buyer and seller and usually only takes a couple of months from start to finish. From putting in an offer to collecting the keys to your new home we’ll be with you every step of the way, so the only thing that you’ll need to do is find your perfect property from our fantastic selection.

To help you understand how it works, we’ve visualised the purchase process in France on the following infographic. 

• Buying Property in Ramatuelle

Now you’ve seen what Ramatuelle has to offer, the next step is finding your perfect property in the area. For more details about the French Riviera or to arrange a viewing of any of the real estate featured, please get in touch with us. Our team will be more than happy to help you find your new home in France.