I hope you’re having a wonderful August! Currently, I’m sitting poolside at a private villa a block from the beach in Saint-Tropez. I’m not quite sure how I ended up here, with a sweet guard dog at my feet and the bright blue sky of the Côte d’Azur blinding my corneas, but it’s better than I could have imagined!

I’ve been to France more than a few times, but this is my first visit to the bustling beaches of Saint-Tropez. Once a tiny fishing village, the town was made famous by “It Girl” Brigitte Bardot in the 1960’s and has since become the glitziest location on the French Riviera. The bay is littered with obscenely large yachts, and the beaches are speckled in celebrity and model covered mattresses. Everyone’s tan, Ferraris and Lamborghinis stand out in a sea of chauffeured Mercedes, women climb aboard their yachts with deckhands carrying suitcases stacked up to their necks, and our neighbor’s frequent helicopter use is causing ire among the locals.

Being holed up in a beautiful house has been a treat, and as I watch the gardener trim the Cypress trees, I can’t believe this is some people’s every day life. I’d probably find it a bore after a while, but this week has left me rested, more tan than I’ve been in years, and feeling incredibly indulged. I’m happy, but also looking forward to getting back to real life. Saint-Tropez, merci pour le soleil!

I hope you find time to share in a little overindulgence this weekend – whether it’s a trip to an exotic location, or simply snoozing in your favorite lawn chair on Sunday – get outside and enjoy it!

Have you visited Saint-Tropez or other spots on the French Riviera? Share your story in the comments below! Image via.