Saint-Tropez Ultralight Seaplane Base

The closure was an administrative decision by the French Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) as part of a nationwide suppression of several ULM (Ultralight) seaplane bases. While the official decree does not state a specific reason for this location, the closure is understood to be due to a combination of factors: increased regulatory scrutiny of ULM operations, significant safety concerns related to heavy and conflicting maritime traffic in the congested Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and potential noise and environmental complaints in the highly sensitive and exclusive resort area.

The site is no longer an active airfield. The designated water area at coordinates 43.272776, 6.608889 is now used for general maritime activities, including navigation, anchorage, and mooring for the numerous yachts and boats that frequent the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. There are no visible remaining structures or dedicated infrastructure (such as a specific pontoon or ramp) on the adjacent shoreline near Plage des Graniers that would indicate its former use as a seaplane base. The area has fully reverted to general public and private maritime and coastal use.

The Saint-Tropez Ultralight Seaplane Base was a small, specialized facility designated for ULM (Ultralight) seaplanes and amphibious aircraft. Its significance was primarily local and touristic. During its active period, it offered a unique platform for recreational flying and aerial tourism, providing sightseeing flights ('baptêmes de l'air') over the iconic Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the French Riviera. It catered to a niche market of private aviation enthusiasts and tourists seeking a novel experience. The base was not used for scheduled commercial transport or military purposes, and all operations were conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

There are no known official plans or credible proposals to reopen the seaplane base. The factors that led to its closure, such as extreme maritime congestion, stringent environmental regulations, and the potential for noise complaints, have only intensified since 2007. Given the high-density, high-value nature of the area and the availability of the nearby La Môle – Saint-Tropez Airport (IATA: LTT, ICAO: LFTZ) for conventional private air traffic, the prospects for re-establishing a seaplane base at this specific location are considered extremely low to non-existent.