St Tropez

For five decades St Tropez has maintained its status as one of Europe's most glamorous, sultry and sexy resorts. Today's jet set escape is a far cry from the sleepy Provencal fishing village that idled by the Mediterranean here until the 1950s when the massive success of Brigitte Bardot's ‘And God Created Woman' made St Tropez a household name around Europe. From the moment you see the array of millionaire yachts bobbing along the waterfront you know that this is somewhere special, though behind the chic cafes, suave restaurants and buzzing clubs are swathes of unspoilt countryside.

The resort of St Tropez has traditionally attracted the international jet set from spring to autumn, still today managing to remain popular with the moneyed crowd despite a string of rivals. You don't need a Swiss bank account to visit, though, with everyone welcome to sample the balmy French Riviera living.

St Tropez lies in the south of the country on the famous French Riviera. To the west are the cities of Marseille and Toulon and to the east are the city of Nice and its airport.

The resort lies on the Bay of St Tropez between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif des Maures mountains. Behind the busy Old Port is the old quarter with Place des Lices at its heart.

The best beach in the area is 4.5km (3 miles) out of town at the Plage de Tahiti. This sandy beach boasts plenty of bars, cafes and a range of watersports and is popular with everyone from jet set wannabes through to families. Naturists prefer the string of beaches to the west of St Tropez where clothes are very much optional.

The waterfront around the Old Port is a fun place to hang out day and night with people watching the main activity amongst holidaymakers. Back from the sea, Place des Lices tempts with its relaxed bars. Take a seat at one of the square's benches and watch old men playing petanque in a scene that has not changed for centuries.

The resort is not really geared to cater for young children, but teenagers may enjoy the glam. A good way to tire out energetic youngsters is by taking them for a walk on the Sentier Littoral, a walking route that snakes around the coast south of the resort of St Tropez. The path rumbles around the sea over rocks and opens up some quieter coves. La Maison des Papillons (The House of Butterflies) (9 Rue Etienne Berny) is a useful distraction for children too.

There are plenty of shops in the resort catering unashamedly for the passing holidaymaker trade with all sorts of beachwear and souvenirs. There are also many fashion boutiques catering towards the international jet set with big designer names and equally impressive price tags. Look out also for the colourful market that takes over Place des Lices on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

The hub of St Tropez nightlife is on the waterfront, particularly on and around Quai Jean Jaures. Here glitzy bars overflow with people trying to see and be seen as a flurry of pavement tables and chairs spill outside. The beaches also boast a number of bars where holidaymakers can relax. If you are looking for something low key in town, head for Place des Lices, where the atmospheric old school bars are like something out of a movie. Nikki Beach (Route de L'epi, Ramatuelle) (website; www.nikkibeach.com) is one of the most glam spots in St Tropez, a beach bar cum upmarket restaurant where champagne is the drink of choice.

The waterfront of the Old Port overflows with places to eat, with set menus helping to avoid the cost becoming astronomical. Most have outdoor terraces where you can see how the other half live as they enjoy dining on their yachts. A popular spot on the beach is Manureva Bar du Soleil (Route de Tahiti, Ramatuelle). They serve bright and inventive food in chic surrounds that keeps the moneyed set happy as they enjoy the sea views.

The best way to get around the compact resort of St Tropez is on foot, with some of the old town pedestrianised. There is also a local bus service connecting with other destinations locally and SNCF train services for longer journeys. Taxis are also available.

Port Grimaud (website: www.portgrimaud.com) is just a short bus or taxi journey away. This miniature Venice was only built from scratch 40 years ago and has become a favourite with expats looking for a second home in the sun. Boat tours take holidaymakers off on cruises that show off some of the prime real estate, while there are also bars and restaurants for those looking to stay longer.

The legendary Hotel Byblos (Avenue Paul Signac) (website: www.byblos.com) has recently opened a luxurious spa. If you want to really pamper yourself then this is the place to head with standard massages backed up with a range of therapies from all around the globe.

Nice International Airport (NCE)