| Around and about the French Riviera |
St Tropez
With the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 6O's the myth of St Tropez was installed for good. Since then St Tropez has become the in vacation spot for chic Parisians and the international Jet Set. Night life is very lively and often one can see helicopters bringing elegant guests to private parties in one of the many luxurious villas on the bay. People watching is a favorite sport here in the summer. Visitors like to sit at the outdoor cafés hoping either to be seen or to see someone else. Competition is rife. Huge yachts line up in the port rivaling to see which is the biggest, the prettiest, the best kept, or has the snappiest crew.
Ramatuelle
Built against the hills, Ramatuelle faces out on to a fabulous vista of the Bay of Pampelonne. The village is closed in by ramparts and you can see the rooftops of pink tiles and the ancient stone houses lined along the narrow streets. Nearby is the famous beach of Pampelonne, stretching out for 5 kilometers and carved with creeks and inlets,all with crystal clear water. The inlets and the creeks are appreciated by those who are looking for more privacy. The cultural life in Ramatuelle is particularly rich, with music festivals and excellent theatre. Many celebrities have fallen in love with this area and have made it their home.
La Croix Valmer
This summer resort is back to back with the cliff road of the Maures in a very green setting. The village has been able to keep its peace and traditions in spite of large groups of tourists. With its seven naturally sandy beaches, La Croix Valmer is reputed for the quality of its swimming waters. (Gigaro beach is one of the greatest and famous). The town owns 220ha of nature reserves and is a magnificent place for walking in the woods or along the coast.
