Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez

Nikki Beach opened on Pampelonne in 2002 and is the loudest of the beach clubs on this stretch, at 1093 Route de l'Epi in Ramatuelle. The layout is built around a pool rather than the sand, with Balinese daybeds ringing the water and conventional loungers out towards the beach, so you can pick your level of involvement. Lunch runs in two distinct seatings and the difference is deliberate: the first, from midday, is a relatively normal restaurant meal, while the second from mid-afternoon is when the resident and guest DJs take over, the tables clear and the club turns into a daytime party. Everything shuts at eight in the evening. The food is Mediterranean and the drinks list runs long on champagne and magnums, which tells you most of what you need to know about the spend. Fixed dates dominate the calendar, with the anniversary party on 4 August, Bastille Day and Independence Day drawing the biggest crowds. Arrival by sea is straightforward, with the club publishing its own mooring coordinates. Dress is swimwear or smart casual; sportswear and men's briefs are not welcome. Book ahead for anything in July or August.