St Tropez has one of the most famous beaches on the French Riviera. It is situated between Marseilles and Cannes and enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate. It was initially made famous by Brigitte Bardot and soon became a hotspot for the rich and famous. It has a population of just over 5,000 but the many visitors can make it very crowded in the summer months.  Its beaches are always full of the gorgeous tanned bodies of models and celebrities. Rumour has it that topless sunbathing first started on Plage Tahiti and now even bikini briefs appear to be optional.

The nearby mountains offer plenty of activities for visitors. Cycling and horseriding, hang-gliding, climbing, abseiling and paragliding are all possible. The local rivers provide great fishing and in the winter, skiing takes place nearby at Greolieres-les-Neiges and Andon-Thorenc.

St Tropez is also popular with artists. Visit the Musée de l’Annonciade on Place Grammont and enjoy one of the finest collections of modern art by the post-Impressionist masters. Many of the exhibits are paintings of St Tropez and its port, including a famous work by Paul Signac. There are many other paintings on show by Matisse, Dufy and Derain among others.

Shopping is a popular pastime in St Tropez with many fashion boutiques. Visit Choses to buy a fashionable clingy T-shirt dress or browse in the Galeries Tropeziennes. For antique shopping, visit the elegant store of Jacqueline Thienot.

After dark St Tropez buzzes with nightlife. The Café de Paris is popular with the jetsetting yachting fraternity, Chez Maggi is a well known gay bar and Les Caves du Roy is a famous nightclub. Entrance is free but drink prices are extortionate. However you are likely to be rubbing shoulders with millionaires at the bar.