Discover the palm-fringed St Tropez — without the extravagant price tag

IT doesn’t take long to slip into holiday mode at Les Prairies de la Mer on the coast of southern France. 

In fact, as we completed check-in at the palm-fringed reception kiosk, the atmosphere was so tranquil I was instantly in the mood for a chilled glass of rosé — a local specialty. 

Luckily for me, there was a well-stocked supermarket at the entrance, where people were picking up fresh baguettes and other lunchtime supplies in what seemed the standard holiday uniform: Swimmers and flip flops. 

This feeling of relaxation stayed with me for the four nights we spent there, despite the holiday park being larger and busier than most we have stayed at in France. 

Then again, its popularity was to be expected. With its beachfront position on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Les Prairies de la Mer is prime French Riviera real estate. 

Port Grimaud, also known as the Provençal Venice, was on our doorstep and Saint-Tropez only 15 minutes away by car. 

It’s a popular holiday location for families from all over Europe and I spotted number plates from the Netherlands, Germany and, of course, France. 

But there were only a couple of British registrations, despite this region being an easy drive or flight from the UK. Nice Cote d’Azur Airport is an hour and a half away.

The resort’s cluster of mobile homes is conveniently located in front of the swimming pool and recreation area. This is a large, leafy space that includes tennis and beach volleyball courts, football pitches, playground and a petting zoo. 

My daughters, aged four and two, quickly discovered the horse-riding circuits and adopted a gentle Shetland pony called Ketch, who patiently guided them around a loop at the outer edge of the campsite. From our mobile home, the beach was a leisurely ten-minute stroll away.

 With a gentle breeze and soft golden sand (not like the pebbles on the shores towards Nice), it was busy, but not to the extent that we felt uncomfortable. 

Abba and Elvis 

All the on-site facilities that make for a great family holiday park are there — a kids’ club (for over-fives), games area, outdoor bars and restaurants. There is one where you can eat while dangling your toes in the sand. 

The daily timetable of activities is varied and includes aquafitness and petanque tournaments. There is also a spa offering massage and beauty treatments.

My daughters loved the splash pool, petting zoo and mini disco.

 But the nightly dose of live music was the biggest hit as they danced with new friends to Abba and Elvis in front of the stage.

Our three-bedroom Da Vinci Lounge mobile home had a large, shady terrace and felt new inside. The mattresses looked like they hadn’t been slept on and there was a fresh set of crockery in the cupboards. Outside, the barbecue meant we could whip up our own feasts.

Across the road is Port Grimaud, a pretty marina complex built in the Sixties. 

Venetian-inspired bridges connect a network of canals that are lined with boutiques and ­restaurants. 

We took our time exploring it on foot, stopping to enjoy a scoop of ice-cream. 

There are also plenty of companies offering boat rentals, as well as Les Bateaux Verts, the ferry firm that runs Port Grimaud boat excursions and a ­frequent shuttle to Saint-Tropez.

A break at Les Prairies de la Mer is as good as a St Tropez holiday — without the extravagant price tag.