La Toison d’Or or Au Paradis des Campeurs: which campsite to choose on the French Riviera?
Two seaside addresses, two opposite holidays. La Toison d’Or, in Ramatuelle, is a festive 5-star spa resort set on the legendary Pampelonne beach, decidedly upmarket: lodges right on the sand, pool, spa, kids’ clubs in summer. Au Paradis des Campeurs, in Les Issambres, is a human-scale 4-star campsite: calm, leafy, open all year, dog-friendly, a 2-minute walk from La Gaillarde beach. The right choice depends on the kind of holiday you’re after.
| Criterion | Au Paradis des Campeurs (Les Issambres, 4★) |
La Toison d’Or (Ramatuelle, 5★) |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Nature campsite, 7 ha | Resort & spa 5★, lodges on Pampelonne beach |
| Atmosphere | Calm, intimate, leafy | Festive in summer (gateway to Saint-Tropez), quieter off-season |
| Open | All year round | Seasonal (late March to mid-October) |
| Beach access | La Gaillarde beach, 2-minute walk | Directly on Pampelonne beach |
| Accommodation | Sea-view lodges (private spa or pool by category), mobile homes, pods | Upmarket “Kasaï” lodges (sea view, private pool or swim-spa, rooftop by model) |
| Bare pitches (tent, van, motorhome) | Yes | No (lodges only; motorhomes and vans not allowed) |
| Shared swimming pool | No | Yes — pool + spa area, hammam, sauna |
| Entertainment & kids’ clubs | No | Yes — kids/teens clubs in July-August, sports coach, evenings |
| On-site dining | Azéa restaurant (panoramic sea view), snack bar, grocery | Café Flora restaurant, bar, grocery |
| Dogs | Welcome — dog-friendly beach 100 m away + forest | Allowed (€20/day, 1 max), but not on the beach |
| Environmental commitment | Clef Verte (Green Key) label since 2020 | No known environmental label |
| Beach & swimming quality | Clear, calm water and peaceful swimming — ~4 km from the marina, no jet-skis or towed buoys off the beach | Lively Pampelonne beach — beach clubs, watersports and anchored boats; festive atmosphere |
| Sunrise, sunset & views | Hilly site, open aspect: both sunrise and sunset, views of the Estérel and Cap du Dramont from the beach | East-facing beach: sunrise over the sea; lodges with sea or vineyard views |
| Bikes / car-free / train | Bike rental, free if you arrive by train (Saint-Raphaël-Valescure station + bus 876, La Gaillarde stop 50 m from reception) | No bike rental; Pampelonne is poorly served by public transport — car recommended |
| Ideal for | Couples, families & independent campers seeking calm and nature | Families and couples wanting Pampelonne, resort comfort and a festive scene |
| 2026 rates | Pitch rates · Accommodation rates | Premium 5★ resort & spa |
Two campsites, two philosophies
Au Paradis des Campeurs
A 4-star, 7-hectare campsite on a human scale, built for rest. Sea-view lodges with a private spa or pool, mobile homes, pods and genuine pitches for independent campers — all about 4 km from the nearest marina: clear, calm water with no jet-skis or towed buoys.
- Open all year round
- La Gaillarde beach, 2-minute walk
- Clef Verte (Green Key) label since 2020
- Dog-friendly beach 100 m away + forest
La Toison d’Or
A 5-star spa resort set on Pampelonne, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Upmarket “Kasaï” lodges — some right on the sand, others with a private pool or swim-spa — pool, spa, kids’ clubs in summer and a festive beach to the beat of the beach clubs: the address for those who want Pampelonne and serious comfort.
- Directly on Pampelonne beach
- Spa area, hammam, sauna
- Kids’ & teens’ clubs (July-August)
- Open late March to mid-October
Where are the two campsites located?
Both addresses line the same Mediterranean, but in different areas: Au Paradis des Campeurs in Les Issambres, on the French Riviera towards Fréjus / Saint-Raphaël; La Toison d’Or in Ramatuelle, on Pampelonne beach, in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Around forty minutes’ drive (about 30 km) separates the two.
How to choose between them?
Calm or entertainment?
For the festive Pampelonne beach, its beach clubs, a pool and kids’ clubs in summer, choose La Toison d’Or. To sleep in peace, away from music and motorised water sports, in clear and calm water, choose Au Paradis des Campeurs.
Travelling with a dog?
Au Paradis des Campeurs lives up to its nickname, the “dogs’ paradise”: forest right next door and a dog-friendly beach 100 m away. At La Toison d’Or, dogs are allowed in the accommodation (€20/day, one per unit) but banned from Pampelonne beach (prefectural order).
Travelling off-season?
Au Paradis des Campeurs is open all year; La Toison d’Or closes from mid-October to late March.
Camping in a tent, van or motorhome?
Au Paradis des Campeurs offers genuine pitches for independent campers; La Toison d’Or only offers lodges (motorhomes, caravans and vans are not allowed on site).
See our accommodation See our pitches
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between La Toison d’Or and Au Paradis des Campeurs?
Which campsite is open all year near Saint-Tropez?
Which French Riviera campsite allows dogs on the beach?
Which campsite is the quietest, without jet-skis or nautical noise?
Can you camp in a tent, van or motorhome near Pampelonne?