Bronzing Barney: Neil Patrick Harris works on his Riviera tan as he strips off for boat trip with his family and David Furnish

With his role in How I Met Your Mother and being a father to three-year-old twins, Neil Patrick Harris doesn't get much down time.
So during his current holiday in France, the actor has been making the most of his relaxation by enjoying the good things in life.
After lunching with his partner David Burtka and their friend David Furnish with their respective children, Neil stripped off to work on his tan.

This is the life: Neil Patrick Harris soaks up the sun as he cruises off the coast of St Tropez with friend David Furnish (front)

Family fun: Neil cuddles his son Gideon in the shade

Sitting on their chartered yacht as it sailed away from st Tropez, the TV star showed off his svelte physique as he chatted in the sunshine with long-time pal David on Friday.
Meanwhile, his civil partner Burtka, 38, was in the shade playing with the twins Gideon and Harper.
Also joining the cruise was Furnish's two sons Zachary, three, and Elijah, seven months, whose second father Sir Elton John was missing out on the holiday.

Missing Elton: David looked like he was enjoying his time, but must have been wishing his civil partner was there too

Down in one: The How I Met You Mother actor sips on a refreshing drink

The legendary singer is currently at one of his homes recovering from an appendectomy, which prompted him to cancel some of his concerts.
Earlier on Friday, they lunched at Club 55, a frequent haunt for Elton and Furnish, who own a home in NIce.
The two couples have been friends for many years now, and Furnish proved that by copping a cheeky feel of Neil's derriere during a charity event a few months earlier.

Daddy day care: The fathers made sure their children wear wearing lifejackets

But Burtka and John needn't have worried about any wondering eyes between their other halves, as it was just a little joke between the Canadian film producer and his Broadway star friend.

Neil certainly cleared that up on a recent appearance on Conan O'Brien's talk show.

the How I Met Your Mother actor told the veteran host: 'I liked it. Everyone likes a good goosing.

Family fun day: Furnish and Elton John's son Zachary sat next to a nanny

'It suddenly became a story, like "Oh, no! He touched his bum," but I guess when you’re gay, you kind of get the bum touching free card.'

Clearly having a merry time, the only downside seemed to be for Burtka, who had awry meeting with a squidgy sea dweller.

Tweeting on Thursday afternoon, the actor said: 'On vacation with the family and not two seconds into the water I get stung by a jellyfish! #everytime'.

The three dads: The Davids and Neil proudly showed off their children on dry land

Back to the sea life: David and Zachary had been at Club 55 for lunch