Saint-Mandrier doesn't try to impress anyone. This peninsula town watches Toulon's naval base across the water and minds its own business selling fresh fish to locals who've been coming to the same restaurants for thirty years. Luxury villas in Saint-Mandrier exist here because someone figured out that pristine coastline plus zero tourist buses equals a pretty good deal.
The French Navy still trains in these waters. You'll see their boats during morning runs and hear them during sailing practice. Fishermen launch at dawn and return with catches that end up in village restaurants by lunchtime. Everything runs on tides and weather rather than marketing schedules.
Villa shopping here means looking for boat access first, pool second. Rocky shores make private beaches valuable, but most people end up preferring pools anyway. Luxury villas in Saint-Mandrier come with parking that can handle boat trailers, outdoor showers for washing off salt water, and kitchens designed for cleaning fish.
Nobody comes here to be seen. Mobile coverage can be spotty. The nearest luxury shopping requires driving to Toulon or further. Perfect if you want to disappear for a few weeks.