Assouline, St. Tropez Soleil, book

The legend of St. Tropez begins with a dog, a rooster and a martyr; and it leads to movie stars, world-renowned artists and prominent authors. Located on the glittering French Riviera, St. Tropez has enjoyed the spotlight for more than half a century, for better or worse, with celebrities flocking to this idyllic locale for its beaches and a dose of Mediterranean sunshine. A picturesque oasis, St. Tropez has served as the inspiration for a who's who of prominent writers from Françoise Sagan to Colette; as well as renowned artists Paul Signac and Henri Matisse; and even filmmakers. But St. Tropez would not be the same without then belle du jour Brigitte Bardot, her films and lovers and many other famous couples including Annabel and Bernard Buffet and Bianca and Mick Jagger.