Ramatuelle · La Croix-Valmer · NATURE & HERITAGE
White sand joins the headland to the shore, with blue water on both sides: Cap Taillat is one of the Saint-Tropez peninsula’s most majestic landscapes. Between Ramatuelle and La Croix-Valmer, the isthmus, coves and open Mediterranean views make the walk worthwhile. Wild scenery does not mean solitude: July and August are very busy. Choose your starting point and timing before setting out.
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Cap Taillat · Ramatuelle · La Croix-Valmer
Area reference
This marker shows the natural headland, NOT vehicle access. Start on foot from l’Escalet / Canadel or take a longer hike from Gigaro. Choose your trailhead in the guide and check forest-access restrictions.
Location reference : Cap Taillat · Coastal headland. Checked on .
Location source and access information ↗Suggested destination : Plage de l’Escalet, Ramatuelle, France
The marker identifies an area or a visit reference; it does not guarantee an entrance or vehicle access. Check the access notes above.
Choose your starting point and travel mode in Google Maps. Check the final approach on site.
Joined to the coast by a sandy isthmus, Cap Taillat has a distinctive outline between Briande and Bonporteau bays. Clear water and the indented shoreline create a remarkable sense of space. Our advice: leave time to enjoy the changing views from the path rather than treating the cape as another beach to tick off.
Start at l’Escalet beach car park and follow the coastal path towards Cap Taillat. Ramatuelle Tourism gives around 40 minutes to reach the site: an approach estimate, not a complete outing including the return, swimming and exploring the headland. Allow extra time for your pace. Parking is at the start, never beside the isthmus.
CEN PACA also lists a start at the end of Avenue Cartaya, near Pointe de Canadel. It avoids the first rocky, exposed stretch from l’Escalet beach, which is discouraged for young children. The remaining path is still unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Check local signs and parking arrangements.
In La Croix-Valmer, start at Gigaro beach by the entrance to the Cap Lardier estate. Follow yellow waymarks towards Cap Lardier, then La Briande beach and the Cap Taillat isthmus. This is a substantial hike, much longer than the approach from l’Escalet. The tourist office’s “Les 2 Caps” route returns along forest tracks: consult its full route before choosing your outing.
A separate official route, Port-Cros National Park’s “Circuit des 2 caps”, starts at Gigaro’s information point, climbs through forest towards Colle Basse, reaches Taillat via Chemin de la Douane and returns via Cap Lardier, Brouis and Jovat. The Park lists 14.8 km, 5 hours and 494 m of ascent for the entire loop, excluding long breaks. These figures apply neither to a one-way walk to Taillat nor to the other “Les 2 Caps” loop. Download the matching GPX.
You can also approach along the coast from the Camarat lighthouse area via l’Escalet. Ramatuelle Tourism describes this connection on its “Côté mer” page. Plan it as a long hike with a return journey, rather than a shortcut to the beach. For a first visit focused on Taillat, we suggest starting near l’Escalet or choosing a waymarked Gigaro circuit.
In July and August, expect busy beaches, paths and bays. The landscape remains spectacular, but this is not a secret cove. Our advice: set off early to reduce exposure to heat and parking pressure, without expecting guaranteed peace. Spring or the shoulder season can be more rewarding when conditions and trail access allow.
Plage de la Douane offers a fine view of the cape and its former customs house; swimming is unsupervised. Bring water, proper footwear and sun protection for the whole outing. Rough seas can expose or submerge sections of the coastal path. Check the daily forest-access map before leaving and respect closures. Keep to marked paths; fires, camping and removing natural material are prohibited in this protected site.
NEXT MOVE
MAKE IT HAPPEN
WHERE
Ramatuelle · La Croix-Valmer
Reference to check when planning access : Cap Taillat · Coastal headland.
View map and access ↓TO PREPARE
Check the programme, any booking requirement and conditions for your companions.
FOR YOUR DATE
Confirm hours, prices and availability with the venue or its tourist office.
L’Escalet and Canadel are on the Ramatuelle side. Gigaro, in La Croix-Valmer, offers a longer hike via Cap Lardier or a forest circuit. Choose the full route first: their distances are not interchangeable.
Ramatuelle Tourism gives around 40 minutes for the approach from l’Escalet, excluding the return. From Gigaro, the National Park’s Circuit des 2 caps is a complete 14.8 km, 5-hour loop, excluding long breaks.
Yes, especially in July and August. An early start can reduce heat and parking pressure; consider spring or the shoulder season for a quieter visit.
Cars stay at the trailheads. The rocky path is unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Starting at Canadel avoids an initial exposed stretch, but the remaining walk is still on uneven ground.
Visit advice: LE GOLFE. Date of the guide’s reference information : 5 October 2026.
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BEACH · Ramatuelle
L’Escalet in Ramatuelle is a smaller beach of rocky coves, swimming and coastal walks towards Cap Taillat. Check road access, parking and sea conditions first; this is not a Pampelonne-style beach-club day.
Photo: Lucas Mevius / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
EAT · Ramatuelle
A refined Mediterranean table above the coast at La Réserve Ramatuelle, suited to travellers looking for a polished, quieter alternative to the energy of Pampelonne.
Photo: Grégoire Gardette / La Réserve Ramatuelle · Usage éditorial lié à La Réserve Ramatuelle
DO · La Croix-Valmer
Plan the Cap Lardier circuit from Gigaro: an 8.2 km loop, around 3½ hours, scrubland and coastal paths. Official track, starting point and access checks.
Photo: Johan N / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0