Gassin

Classified as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages en France (the most beautiful villages in France), this hilltop town gives you spectacular panoramic views over the Massif des Maures and St-Tropez's bay. In winter, before the summer haze drifts in and after the mistral has given the sky a good scrub, you may be able to make out a brilliant-white chain of Alps looming on the horizon. There's less commerce here to distract you; for shops, head to Ramatuelle.