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Plage du Débarquement Dramont

4.4
·116 reviews·Saint-Raphaël, France

A historic WWII landing site with stunning red rock coastlines, clear waters, and the iconic Île d'Or.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
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Meraviglioso 💖

Plage du Débarquement Dramont

Best Time

Summer evenings

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic WWII landing site with stunning red rock coastlines, clear waters, and the iconic Île d'Or.

4.4
(116 reviews)

"Large sand and pebble beach with views of the Golden Island."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Water Shoes Essential

Pebbles on the beach and in the water make water shoes a must for comfortable swimming.

🌳 Shaded Picnic Spots

The pine forest behind the beach offers great spots for a picnic with natural shade.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Île d'Or Views

Île d'Or Views

Facing the beach

This picturesque island, rumored to inspire Tintin, offers stunning views and a glimpse into ancient maritime routes.

WWII Landing Site

WWII Landing Site

The beach itself

Walk the shores where 20,000 soldiers landed in 1944, a poignant reminder of history.

Cap Dramont Hike

Cap Dramont Hike

Starting from the beach

An easy coastal hike offering breathtaking panoramas of Agay Bay and the Esterel massif.

Pine Forest Shade

Pine Forest Shade

Behind the beach

Enjoy shaded picnics under the pine trees, a perfect respite from the Mediterranean sun.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Pebbles

This beach is known for its mix of sand and medium to large pebbles, both on the shore and in the water. Water shoes are highly recommended for comfortable swimming and exploring. The pine forest behind the beach offers welcome shade.

A Slice of History

Plage du Débarquement Dramont is a significant historical site, serving as a key landing spot during the Provence landings in WWII. The nearby Île d'Or also holds ancient Roman maritime history.

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring/Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant for hiking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Requin enorme à st Raphaël ! #2023 #pov #tendance #french #capesterel #free #océan #frejus #sud #Paysagemagnifiques #pourtoi #requin #video #saintraphael #agay #trend
@doudzi83
139K likes • 4.4M views

👟 Water Shoes Essential

Pebbles on the beach and in the water make water shoes a must for comfortable swimming. Reddit

🌳 Shaded Picnic Spots

The pine forest behind the beach offers great spots for a picnic with natural shade. Reddit

✨La beauté du littoral Raphaëlois est sans égale… Si tu es de passage sur la Côte d’Azur, tu dois absolument découvrir les plages et calanques de cette commune aux mille couleurs ! 😀Tu es déjà parti(e) à l’aventure dans ce coin là ? (Ou tu préfères rester sur la plage tranquille ? ✌️) 📍Saint-Raphaël, Côte d’Azur, France ✅ Abonne-toi pour découvrir les pépites de la Côte d’Azur à ne pas manquer !  ...
@ben.lamotte
24.3K likes • 481.1K views
🥾 Le Cap Dramont à Saint-Raphaël : une randonnée facile offrant des vues à couper le souffle ! Le départ se fait depuis la plage du débarquement, en passant par le port du Poussaï, le Belvédère de la Batterie, pour finalement atteindre le sémaphore offrant un magnifique panorama sur la mer ! 📷 Ville de Saint-Raphaël @borsottopascal #fiersdesaintraphael #villesaintraphael #villedesaintraphael #m...
villesaintraphael
790 likes • 14.5K views

📸 Sunset Photography

This beach is a picturesque spot, especially beautiful for sunset photos. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Coastal Path Views

Hike the Cap Dramont for stunning views of the bay and Esterel mountains. Instagram+1

🥾 Petite balade avec de superbes vues sur la baie d’Agay et le massif de l’Esterel. 📍 Tour du Dramont Départ: Parking de la plage du débarquement (Saint-Raphael 83) 🔁 Dirige-toi vers la plage. 1️⃣ Prends à gauche dans les galets (marques Jaunes) jusqu’au port du Poussaï. Traverse le port et monte l’escalier pour rejoindre un chemin. 2️⃣ Prends à droite, le chemin monte doucement offrant des vue...
theblondetrips
440 likes • 12.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Water Shoes Essential

Pebbles on the beach and in the water make water shoes a must for comfortable swimming. Reddit

🌳 Shaded Picnic Spots

The pine forest behind the beach offers great spots for a picnic with natural shade. Reddit

📸 Sunset Photography

This beach is a picturesque spot, especially beautiful for sunset photos. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Coastal Path Views

Hike the Cap Dramont for stunning views of the bay and Esterel mountains. Instagram+1

💧 Crystal Clear Water

Enjoy the clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(116 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Plage du Débarquement Dramont for its picturesque scenery, clear waters, and historical significance as a WWII landing site. The pine forest offers welcome shade, and the nearby Cap Dramont hike provides stunning coastal views. However, the beach's pebbly nature, both on shore and in the water, can make swimming less comfortable without water shoes.

"Beach is very big but full of medium and big stones. Also in the water so it's not easy to enter the water to take a swim. But it's also full of pine trees which is very nice and you can have a sade.The water is cristal clear.
Recommend."

Sonja Petrovic

"Super chill place will try to come back in warmer season to swim. The toilets were closed when I last visited."

Paulo Sagun

"Love this beach and the sound of the waves on the rocks...great place to swim in summer...historic landing spot in ww2"

Neb Ulus

What People Like

Picturesque scenery
Clear turquoise water
Historical landing site

What People Dislike

Pebbles on beach
Pebbles in water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The beach is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's located in the Dramont area of Saint-Raphaël. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient. TikTok

Yes, parking is generally available near the beach, though it can fill up during peak season. Arriving early is recommended. Instagram

While specific bus routes can vary, it's advisable to check local Saint-Raphaël transport schedules. Some visitors mention it's easier to access by car. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy hiking the coastal path (sentier du littoral) from the beach, which offers beautiful views. Instagram+1

While the beach itself is pebbly, the surrounding coastal paths and roads can be suitable for cycling, offering scenic routes. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to Plage du Débarquement Dramont is free of charge. You can enjoy the beach and its surroundings without any admission fees. Reddit

Beaches in France are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific official opening hours for Plage du Débarquement Dramont. TikTok

Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always check local regulations for any temporary closures or rules, especially during events. Instagram

While the beach itself is free, activities like boat tours or specific events (like Spartan Race) may require advance booking. Instagram

Toilet facilities may be available, but some visitors have noted they can be closed, especially outside peak season. It's wise to be prepared. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

It's a large beach characterized by a mix of sand and medium to large pebbles, both on the shore and in the water. The water is known for being crystal clear. Reddit

The clear water is great for swimming, but the pebbles can make entering and exiting the water a bit challenging. Water shoes are highly recommended. Reddit

This beach was a major landing site for the Provence landings on August 15, 1944, with 20,000 soldiers from the 36th Texas Division disembarking here. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned, the clear waters and coastal location suggest potential for activities like paddleboarding or kayaking, especially if you bring your own equipment. TikTok

The Île d'Or is a small island visible from the beach, historically important as a Roman maritime route and rumored inspiration for Tintin's 'The Black Island'. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are beach restaurants and cafes in the vicinity, offering dining with sea views. One TikTok highlights a recommended beach restaurant in Saint-Raphaël. TikTok

Absolutely! The pine forest behind the beach provides shaded areas with tables and benches, perfect for picnics. Reddit

Expect typical Mediterranean cuisine, with seafood being a popular choice. Beachside eateries often offer casual dining options. TikTok

During the summer season, you might find vendors or small shops near the beach selling snacks and drinks. Bubble tea is also available nearby. Instagram

Many restaurants in the South of France offer a variety of dishes, and it's usually possible to find vegetarian options, though it's always best to check menus or ask. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The beach itself, the Île d'Or, the coastal views from Cap Dramont, and the sunset are all fantastic subjects for photography. Instagram+3

Yes, the dramatic coastline, Île d'Or, and the clear blue waters make it an excellent location for drone shots, capturing stunning aerial perspectives. Instagram

The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views of the turquoise water. TikTokInstagram

The beach itself, as a WWII landing site, offers a historical context for photos. Look for any remaining markers or interpretative signs. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the Île d'Or. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plage du Débarquement Dramont offers a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue that can appeal to families. The pine forest behind the beach provides much-needed shade for picnics and a cooler place for children to play. While the pebbles can be a challenge for little feet, bringing water shoes will make beach time much more comfortable for everyone. The clear, shallow areas of the water can be good for supervised paddling. Reddit

Consider exploring the Port du Poussaï for a gentle walk, and the historical aspect of the WWII landing site can be a valuable educational experience. The easy sections of the Cap Dramont hike might also be manageable for older children, offering exciting views. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities can be limited outside peak season. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by history, Plage du Débarquement Dramont is a must-visit. This beach was a pivotal location during Operation Dragoon in WWII, where thousands of Allied soldiers made their landing. You can walk the same sands and imagine the events that unfolded here. Instagram

Don't miss the Île d'Or, with its ancient Roman maritime connections and rumored Tintin inspiration. The nearby Cap Dramont semaphore also offers historical context and incredible views, allowing you to survey the landscape as strategists might have done. Instagram

📸 Photographers

This location is a dream for photographers. The dramatic red rocks of the Esterel, the vibrant turquoise sea, and the iconic Île d'Or create a stunning visual palette. Capture the expansive beach, the rugged coastline, and the charming Port du Poussaï. Instagram+1

The golden hour around sunrise and sunset provides magical light for capturing the landscape. Drone photography is particularly rewarding here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the coastline and the island. Instagram The historical significance also adds a layer of narrative to your shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Plage du Débarquement Dramont

Plage du Débarquement Dramont is steeped in history, most notably as a crucial site for the Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Provence during World War II. On August 15, 1944, approximately 20,000 soldiers from the American 36th Infantry Division landed on these shores, marking a significant turning point in the liberation of Southern France. The beach's strategic importance is a somber reminder of the past, offering a tangible connection to historical events. Instagram

Beyond its WWII significance, the area also boasts ancient history. The nearby Île d'Or is believed to have been an important stop on Roman maritime routes. Legends even suggest it inspired Hergé's famous comic book, 'The Black Island,' adding a touch of mystique to the landscape. This blend of recent and ancient history makes the beach a compelling destination for those interested in more than just sun and sea. Instagram

Visitors can reflect on this rich past while enjoying the natural beauty. The presence of historical context adds a unique depth to the experience of visiting Plage du Débarquement Dramont, transforming a simple beach outing into a journey through time. Instagram+1

Exploring the Cap Dramont Coastal Trail

The Cap Dramont coastal trail offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Esterel massif and the Mediterranean coastline. Starting directly from the Plage du Débarquement, this hike is accessible and rewarding, even for casual walkers. The path winds through varied terrain, leading you past the charming Port du Poussaï and offering increasingly spectacular vistas. Instagram+2

The trail ascends to viewpoints like the Belvédère de la Batterie, providing panoramic views of the Baie d'Agay and the iconic Île d'Or. The highlight for many is reaching the semaphore at the summit, where the 360-degree views are simply breathtaking. You can see the vibrant red rocks of the Esterel mountains meeting the azure sea, a truly iconic Côte d'Azur landscape. Instagram+1

This hike is a perfect complement to a beach day, allowing visitors to appreciate the dramatic natural scenery and historical significance of the area. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, as parts of the trail can be uneven, and bring water, especially during warmer months. Instagram+2

The Unique Geology and Marine Life

The coastline around Plage du Débarquement Dramont is characterized by the striking red volcanic rocks of the Massif de l'Esterel. This unique geological formation creates a dramatic contrast with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, making the landscape visually stunning. The underwater topography, with shipwrecks near the Île d'Or, also hints at a rich marine history. Instagram+1

While the beach itself is pebbly, the clear waters are inviting for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors often comment on the crystal-clear water, which allows for good visibility of the seabed. The presence of pine trees offering shade adds to the natural appeal, creating a serene environment. Reddit

For those interested in marine exploration, the waters around the Île d'Or are known to have interesting underwater features, including historical shipwrecks from Roman times. This adds another layer of discovery for adventurous visitors. Instagram

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