Chic in St Tropez

The south of France heaves with holidaymakers in August, and villas by the sea get gobbled up first. Mas de l?Oumede is an especially delectable one, standing proud in gardens on a hillside in Parc de l?Oumede, an unspoilt patch behind Pampelonne beach. It comes with air con indoors and lots of breezy activities outside ? a large pool, a tennis court, a children?s play area and boules. The villa sleeps 13 and costs £12,950, with cooks, nannies and other help at the ready (for extra readies), through The Villa Book (0845 500 2000, www.thevillabook.com). Ryanair (0871 246 0000, www.ryanair.com) flies to Toulon, 42 miles from St Tropez.