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And there's no better way to kick off the festivities than on a plush chaise at Nikki Beach (Route de Epi Ramatuelle), where waiters in white keep the alcohol flowing, and the drink of choice is champagne. But hitting the beach amongst the jet set is, well, no day at the beach. Nikki Beach and the other desirable beach clubs all require reservations that must be made weeks in advance.

"These places are always full," according to Franck Pizza, head concierge at Chвteau de la Messardiиre, one of the town's most popular resorts.

Even a reservation doesn't guarantee admission. "There is still a selection at the door," Pizza says. That's when looking the part becomes key. "It's not formal, you just have to be sexy." Bikinis and beachwear are a must, just as long as you wear it well.

And if you do get in, bring your Black Card. "Drinks are totally overpriced," warned Peter Frank, editor in chief of Concierge.com. A basic bottle of bubbly starts at $300 -- while Cristal will set you back $800.

On St. Tropez, there are of course parties day and night, and the first round of revelry generally kicks into gear on the beach sometime after 4 pm. At that point, there is often more champagne sprayed than swallowed.

And nowhere is the beach-party scene more legendary than at la Voile Rouge (Moorea Beach), a beachfront club where securing a table is be close to impossible. But that's OK since most people prefer to stand and be seen anyway.

There's even a makeshift catwalk that runs down the center of Voile Rouge where people can vogue while "women in sexy thongs and spiked heels dance on tables," said Frank.

Once you're warmed up, it's time for a (very) late lunch. Slide into a white banquette at Cinquante Cinq (Boulevard Patch) and sample the grilled fish and