Thanks to our good friends the Lloyd-Jones inviting us to share their holiday, we trecked down to the French Riviera, also known as the Cote d' Azure. We travelled through some beautiful wine areas before stopping in St. Tropez for the afternoon.

Everything you have ever heard about St. Tropez is true. The harbor gets filled with so many yachts that they have to turn boats away from visiting. The area is just packed with cars, people, and small shops. St. Tropez has the unique distinction of being the only town on the French Riviera that faces north. This unusual situation is one reason why St. Tropez is so popular with artists and other creative types.  But prepared:  St. Tropez is very expensive and even more so with the weak dollar.  Here's a quick survival guide.

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Our villa was just a short distance away and we overlooked a gorgeous harbor. From the hilltop you could see St. Tropez and St. Maxime on either side. The Italians and French who created the 'Med lifestyle' certainly had it right: sit back and enjoy the sun and mild breezes while watching the boats on the water below. Maybe take a little nap in between sumptuous meals featuring great wines.

For us it was even better because we had our godson Harry along with his parents Jeremy and Vicky, as well as his sister Isabel and grandfather Michael Smith.

Simple put, we can't wait to go back!