Five challenges to take on Pampelonne beach in Ramatuelle

Ten years and now? The municipality of Ramatuelle held a grand evening celebrating the first decade of its Pampelonne development plan and also the inauguration of its Light Anchorage Zone. After viewing the film shown in the Géode and multiple speeches, a jurist, lawyer, magistrate, architect, sociologist, and landscaper took to the stage to share their analysis of the evolution of the 4.5km beach and outlined the challenges ahead.

1. Protect marine and terrestrial biodiversity

The entire objective of the newly inaugurated Zmel is to address one half of this priority: the underwater aspect. Thanks to this system, boats, especially large vessels, will no longer have to drop their anchors on the bottom of the bay, tearing up seagrass with each departure.

From now on, they will be able to moor on 210 buoys screwed into the ground. An urgent measure, especially since the bay has already lost 20 hectares (and a hundred damaged) of this refuge environment for juvenile fish and very effective in capturing _CO2 .

On land, with the Coastal Law and then the development plan, permanent establishments were demolished, replaced by mobile structures, removed in winter. This change made it possible to regulate and limit human impact on the landscape by leaving spaces dedicated to local biodiversity. Nature is beginning to reap the benefits, as evidenced by the sand lilies thriving along the beach.

The objective is therefore to maintain these efforts by ensuring compliance with the measures put in place and by continuing the scientific monitoring of wildlife. The director of the Rhône-Mediterranean-Corsica water agency, which contributed 3.2 million euros (out of a total of 7.5) to the development of the Zmel, expresses the wish to: " Renew partnerships to work towards the restoration of Posidonia ."

2. Prevent coastline retreat

Recalled several times by the speakers, the Court of Auditors 2025 report highlights a lack of initiative on the integration of the retreat of the coastline into the strategy of Mediterranean communities.

Addressing this growing threat is intrinsically linked to preserving biodiversity. Posidonia and plant species rooted in the sand structure the soil and limit beach erosion. Nature will do the rest, slowly but surely. " Ensuring the maintenance of the dune means preserving the beach ," insists François Fouchier, regional delegate of the Conservatoire du Littoral.

Furthermore, Ramatuelle, like several other cities in the Gulf, has voluntarily registered on the list of municipalities affected by this phenomenon. This register triggers a two-year countdown during which hazard maps must be created in order to integrate them into urban planning documents.

3. Ensure a local economy focused on tourism

While the new face of Pampelonne has now become part of the daily lives of beachgoers, its transformation has left "trauma" among some professionals, according to the operators' lawyer, Maître Rebuffat: " The human side was very complicated. But today we need regulations, we need organization."

Greater clarity helps avoid conflicts and integrate establishments into climate issues that, without preparation, will have a direct impact on their business. This streamlining of exchanges between beach operators and the municipality will prove essential when new operating contracts are awarded in the next term.

4. Secure a changing body of water

It was the maritime prefect, Christophe Lucas, in light of his duties, who brought this more pragmatic issue, safety at sea, to the table. With the significant traffic in one of the world's most famous bays—with peaks of 350 boats at a time—vigilance must remain regarding the safety of swimmers and boaters. He particularly drew attention to the development of new water sports, which will need to be regulated.

5. Set an example for coastal cities

" Exemplarity " was the word on everyone's lips. A self-congratulatory gesture that reflects a shared desire to "lead the way," faithful to the history of Pampelonne, a pioneering seaside tourism destination.

To this end, the municipality hopes to transform this "round table" into a biannual meeting where professionals, politicians, scientists, authorities, and other experts will debate the reconciliation and sharing of coastlines. The ambition is even to invite cities from across the Mediterranean and other maritime coasts.