Nestled along the French Riveria and a short drive from Nice or Cannes, St. Tropez is one of the liveliest towns along the coast during the summer. Vacationers delight in the sandy beaches, culture, gourmet food and hot nightlife of St. Tropez. The wealthy Plage Port Grimaud is the best beach to see and to be seen lounging in a Burberry bikini. Plage de Tahiti is notorious for its "unspoken" clothing-optional policy and risqué atmosphere.

The best beaches for families can be found at Plage de la Bouillabaisse, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Jumeaux, which also offer beachside playgrounds. Plage de Pampellone is 3 miles of beautiful beaches, bars and places to stop for snacks.

Not a beach person? Lunch like the French in a cozy café overlooking the harbor and take in the people and the ritzy yachts in the harbor. Prowl around the open-air markets for hidden antique treasures, break out the credit cards for shopping at the upscale boutiques, or curb your spending and settle on a quality bottle of olive oil or wine from Provence.