The 11 essential things to do in Saint Raphael

Have a holiday in the most famous region of France! We will guide you with these 10 essential things to do in Saint Raphael.

Nestled at the edge of the Mediterranean and in the heart of the Estérel, this superb red rock massif, Saint-Raphaël corresponds to the typical image of a city on the Côte d’Azur. And we are not the first to visit Saint-Raphaël and to appreciate his appeals.

All the civilizations of the Mediterranean basin have left their traces of which you can still see some remains. And many illustrious personalities have also been attracted to the sweetness of living of this port of Var. It must be said that there is everything you need to spend a dream holiday here.

Between outdoor activities, discovering the coastal landscapes and even the seabed, culture and stuffing, the cocktail can only be successful. And to give you some ideas to put in your program, here is a selection of 11 essential things to do in Saint Raphael.

1. The different neighborhoods

Old town

This is obviously the first neighborhood to visit in Saint-Raphaël. Before being a city taken by tourists, Saint Raphael was a village inhabited by peasants. From that time there is no longer much left except the old quarter and the old port today dedicated to pleasure.

It easily recognizes its small streets with high houses that create a welcome shadow in the summer. Here are some of the city’s monuments such as the San rafeu church and the archaeological museum. Finally, to smell and taste Provence in the literal sense of terms, come and take a tour in the markets with flowers and vegetables.

Agay

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who visited Saint-Raphaël, already told Agony that it was a paradise. The Greeks also liked it because its name comes from the word that means “favourable”. That's for the reputation. And for practice, it is a charming rade considered to be the entrance into the massif of the Estérel.

With its long sandy beach and turquoise waters, it has success of course. Those who wish to get away from the crowd will always be able to climb up the hill following the hike of the Rastel d’Agay. The view is splendid.

Dramont

This neighborhood is a lot of things and it is one of the prides of the inhabitants. First of all, this is where you can see the best island d’Or The treasure of the city. You can’t miss it, it’s a small piece of ochre rock land surmounted by a crenate tower. Alas, she is private, her first owner was even a seigneur.

Dramont, it is also its beach where one of the episodes of the landing of Provence, less known than that of Normandy , but who contributed equally to the Liberation. Besides the sea, you also have access to an artificial lake arranged to enjoy water sports.

Antheor Le Trayas

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Saint-Raphaël. But you have to make a little road because it is 15 km from the centre. Here the Estérel literally plunges into the Mediterranean, which gives birth to several layers with sublime décor.

Near the viaduct of the Corniche road, you see the houses of the village of Antheor, appreciated by artists since the nineteenth century. A little further, you will see Le Trayas, just as wild, close to Theoule-sur-Mer.

Santa Lucia

Less than 2km from the city centre, the port of Santa Lucia is the paradise of nauticalism and pleasure navigation. He even boasts of being the third port of the French Riviera. It is here in particular that you embark to rally, by the sea, other coastal cities or to reach Corsica and Sardinia.

Just beside you find a cute creek under the pines and little crowded. It is because it is not easy to access and is surrounded by rocks.

Boulouris

It is the area of the beaches with no less than 9 stretches of sand shaped by the rocks. It is also a very residential area, perfect for families. Its name comes from “ballery” which refers to the game of balls of course.

This gives an idea of the neighbourhood's vocation. Very nice walking trails are also accessible from the beaches.

2. Basilica Notre-Dame

It was in the 19th century that the city experienced its urban development under the leadership of the mayor of the time. His idea worked well, so much so that the old church had become too small for the new inhabitants.

The architect Pierre Aublé was tasked with building a new one that was inaugurated in 1887. The latter decided to give him a neo-byzantine style, including a dome that recalls that of Sainte-Sophie to Istanbul . It is really an original building to visit in Saint-Raphaël. During the holiday season, its façade is the object of superb luminous animations.

3. San Rafeu Tower

Panoramic view alert on the city's rooftops from this tower you can see in Saint-Raphaël! It was built on one side of the transept of the old church of the city in the thirteenth century. With its strong appearance, it was there to symbolize the power of the bishop.

To reach the top, you have to climb 129 steps but it is worth a look. From above, you have a breathtaking view of the basilica cupolas, the Estérel massif and even to the bay of Saint-Tropez.

4. The Museum of Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology

The museum is located in the old presbytery and nothing but the building itself is impressive because there are still traces of the ramparts and fortifications. The Mediterranean has always been a crossroads of commercial exchanges since Antiquity and many of the wrecks in the seabed off Saint Raphael.

The museum exhibits objects found during underwater archaeological excavations with ship reconstructions. There is also a whole section dedicated to the Paleolithic which has also been found in the area.

5. The coastal path

It is the ideal path to make in Saint-Raphaël to discover the beauties of its coastline. You can leave the port of Santa Lucia following the yellow marking. The finish is at Camp Long Beach. Apart from a small crossing of the road, the ride takes place between the seaside and the Estérel massif, on the old customs road.

You wind between the coves and the beaches with a superb view of the Dramont, the island of Gold, the bay of Agay and also a few points of the Estérel. Small warning however, it must be done with good shoes.

6. A boat ride

Visiting Saint-Raphaël is also enjoying the beauty of its coastline. After walking on the trail, another option is to take the broad!

Indeed, rent a boat will allow you to explore the Mediterranean coast, its coves and beaches. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Saint-Raphaël!

7. A diving session

Whether you are neophytes, beginners or confirmed, why not discover Saint-Raphaël in a submarine version? The rocky concretions of the base of the Estérel massif offer refuges of choice for fauna and flora.

Sea stars, gorgones, Spanish bench and small merous await you to put your eyes full of it. As for those who want additional adrenaline, no problems, there is gogo wreck in the corner. Between ancient or military ships of the Second World War, you have a choice.

You can also enjoy other activities such as a boat ride, ascent parachute or an afternoon trip jet-ski in Saint-Raphaël !

At the spot the mark of the Christian For example, there are no less than 13 antique wrecks!

8. The Corniche d’Or

This name refers to the road between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes through the Estérel massif. It winds along the shredded coast of red rocks and offers exceptional panoramas on the calanques that mark it.

Clearly, this is the most beautiful mini road trip you can do in Saint-Raphaël. Moreover, it is possible that you have already seen images because the road has served many times decor for cinema.

9. Le massif de l’Estérel

It is impossible to pass by its red landscapes when you visit Saint-Raphaël. Before the formation of the Mediterranean Sea, the Estérel was, in reality, a piece of Africa, which then detached. The ensemble forms fascinating rocky chaos that plunge into the sea and create coves.

In places, they are also shredded peaks that rise to the sky. Today, the massif is silled by many hiking trails but also mountain bike trails. All for the greatest chance of visitors.

10. The garden Bonaparte

Located on the old port, the Bonaparte garden is the ideal place to visit in Saint-Raphaël to stroll along the sea. The day is particularly appreciated by the young audience because of its many playgrounds.

But in the evening, when it is quieter, it becomes perfect to stroll to the fresh in the greenery and admire the last lights of the day.

11. Green Island Garden

If you are looking for a real garden to visit in Saint-Raphaël, you have to go to the Valescure district in the Pierre Fernez garden. The corner is quite secret, few tourists know it, which makes it even more enjoyable.

It is a botanical garden abundantly bloomed. The visitor walks through Mediterranean trees such as olive trees, palm trees but also eucalyptus and trees of Judea. In short, it would be a shame to pass by this oasis.

How to get to Saint Raphael?

By plane

With 3 airports less than 2 hours drive, it is easy to visit Saint-Raphaël by plane. The closest is that of Nice , followed by Toulon then Marseille . The connections are daily.

There is only one to choose what’s best for you by going, for example, on a comparison of flights like Ulysses .

From Nice airport, you can get to Saint-Raphaël via the line bus 3003 . From Toulon Airport, you will have to borrow the line bus 102 to Toulon train station, then a train will take you to Saint-Raphaël. Finally from Marseille Airport, you will find the line bus 10 then the line L088 to Marseilles Saint-Charles, then a shuttle will take you to Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël.

By train

The TGV is now passing through Saint-Raphaël, which makes the city accessible in less than 5 hours from Paris. There is also a very good network of TER that connects all the cities of the French Riviera between them.

Saint-Raphaël is also accessible from Switzerland with the TGV Lyria and from Italy with the THELLO.

By car

We can’t make any clearer, to go to Saint-Raphaël by car, we have to take the highway of the sun, the A8 . That is said.

Where to stay Saint Raphael ?

As the region is the tourist destination par excellence for both French and foreign, there is everything to stay. But there’s a “but”, it’s that prices fly away from the approach of high-season and that availability leaves fast. So think to book in advance using a a hotel comparison where you can refine your choices.

Otherwise, think about campsites or campsites AirbnB in neighborhoods such as Boulouris, or Anthéor. You can also choose a charming cottage in the hinterland.