Situated at the foot of the magnificent Estérel massif, Saint-Raphaël has seduced the civilizations of the Mediterranean basin in the past just as much as it enchants today's visitors to the Côte d'Azur. The charm of the seaside towns of the Grande Bleue, the vestiges of the past, the pleasures of water sports and the red rocks of the Estérel make it a destination of choice in south-east France. Here are 11 must-sees on how to make the most of this Mediterranean gem and its surroundings.
1. Explore Saint-Raphaël's neighborhoods
Saint-Raphaël invites you to take a tour of its different neighborhoods. Starting with the old town, home to tall houses and monuments such as the Romanesque church of San Rafeu, whose presbytery houses the Archaeological Museum. Later, we head for Agay, the entrance to the Estérel massif. Here you'll find a magnificent beach with turquoise waters. Le Dramont is another district not to be missed, if only for the view of the Île d'Or, topped by a crenellated tower. Not far from the city center, Santa Lucia is home to a harbor that's a boating paradise.
Click here to book your guided tour of Saint-Raphaël by tourist train!
2. Climb to the top of the San Rafeu tower
This tower, one of the town's most beautiful monuments, was built in the 13th century on the south transept arm of theSan Rafeu church, on the initiative of the Bishop of Fréjus. A symbol of authority and 25 m high, it invites the curious to climb its 129 steps. The effort is well worth it, with a sublime panorama of the town of Saint-Raphaël, the domes of the basilica, the peaks of the Estérel and the Roquebrune rock. Of course, climbers shouldn't forget to take their cameras with them!
3. Setting up your towel on one of Saint-Raphaël's beaches
When you think of a Côte d'Azur town, you think of the beaches lining the Mediterranean Sea. There's plenty to choose from in Saint-Raphaël, one of France's trendiest destinations for sunbathing, with no fewer than thirty beaches within easy reach and some of the most beautiful on the Côte d'Azur. Plage du Veillat is the town's main sandy beach. From the sand, you can reach the town's sites of interest in no time at all. Plage de la Garde Vieille has a more intimate feel, with a few rocks around and translucent water. On the Corniche d'Or, Plage de la Pescade is also appreciated for its hidden side, with the added bonus of a shady spot under the pine trees.
4. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica
In the 19th century, Saint-Raphaël underwent a veritable urban boom, notably under the impetus of Mayor Félix Martin, who was keen to transform the town. It was at this time that the Notre-Dame basilica was built, as the old church of San Rafeu was no longer large enough to accommodate all the citizens. The architect Pierre Aublé, in charge of construction, decided to give the building a Byzantine-Moorish look, which he particularly liked. The dome is reminiscent of that of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia church. The original monument was built largely from Estérel pink sandstone.
5. Follow the coastal path
Lovers of hiking and breathtaking views should not miss the coastal path when visiting Saint-Raphaël. It's one of France's favorite spring, summer and autumn destinations. Between the port of Santa Lucia and Camp Long beach, they follow the old customs route and enjoy the beauty of the coastline. Between the seaside and the Estérel massif, the path unveils sensational panoramas of craggy relief, coves, fine sandy beaches, touches of Mediterranean vegetation, the Ile d'Or and the Bay of Agay. Be sure to bring good shoes and see some water with you.
You can also opt for this boat trip departing from the port of Santa Lucia , which will give you an incomparable view of the volcanic coast and the caves of l'Estérel.
6. Spend some time at the musée archéologique de saint-Raphaël
Saint-Raphaël's Museum of History, Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology is housed in the former presbytery of the San Rafeu church. The sublime medieval appearance of the building, with its ramparts and loopholes, is well worth a visit. Once inside, visitors will discover ship reconstructions, objects from underwater excavations off Agay and Anthéor, and tools and artifacts dating from the Paleolithic to the Metal Age. A true journey through the centuries. The visit is also an opportunity to climb to the top of the fortified tower for a panoramic view of the sea.
7. Relax in the Jardin Bonaparte
The Jardin Bonaparte in Saint-Raphael looks like a garden suspended over the sea. This public park is a wonderful place to stroll, with a panoramic view over the bay and the old port. With its 20,000 m2 of well laid-out gardens, the park features walking areas, playgrounds and street furniture for relaxing. It's a must-see spot in the city for picnics, entertaining the kids or coming to cool off at the end of the day in summer. Yet another reason to consider Saint-Raphaël as one of the best destinations to stop for a few days in spring.
8. Enjoy a boat trip in Saint-Raphaël
This is a must for any vacation in the city. Boat trips let you discover all the beauty of the Var coast from the sea. Those with a boating license can rent one. For others, skippered outings are available to enjoy the area's most beautiful coves, offshore water sports or a sunset over the Esterel rocks. You can even climb aboard a glass-bottomed boat to observe the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea.
Click here to book a guided cruise to discover the most beautiful sites on the Saint-Raphaël coast!
9. A mini road trip on the Corniche d'Or
Visitors to Saint-Raphaël, whether for May bank holidays or summer vacation, shouldn't hesitate for a moment to take to the road and follow the Corniche d'Or. Inaugurated in 1903, this magnificent road links Saint-Raphaël to Cannes. It borders the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the red rocks of the Estérel massif. The itinerary is perfect for wind-in-your-hair driving and contemplating the beauty of the landscape. Along its 38 km, the Corniche d'Or reveals secret coves, steep cliffs and superb homes. It also boasts several belvederes where you can stop for memorable views. No wonder it has been used as a film set on several occasions.
10. Hiking in the Estérel massif
This is one, if not THE jewel of the area. The Estérel massif can be recognized by the red color of its rocks, which sometimes rise to the sky, sometimes plunge into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Kilometers of trails offer a choice of hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. In all cases, the scenery is breathtaking, not only from a geological point of view, but also because of the fragrant Mediterranean vegetation and the striking contrasts with the sea. Climbing is also available on the Estérel massif.
11. Discover the seabed on a scuba diving session
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, scuba diving is a great way to discover the richness of Saint-Raphaël's seabed . At the foot of the Estérel massif, the translucent waters of the Mediterranean are home to exceptional aquatic fauna and flora, as well as surprising rock formations. You'll come across groupers, starfish and gorgonians. And the more adventurous can explore some of the wrecks, from ancient ships to those dating back to the Second World War.
Where to stay in Saint-Raphaël?
As one of the Côte d'Azur's top destinations, Saint-Raphaël has no shortage of places to stay to enjoy the city, the Mediterranean and the Estérel massif.
- Hôtel du Soleil, for a Mediterranean villa atmosphere
This magnificent Belle Époque-style building bookable here is just 1.2 km from Saint-Raphaël. The family-friendly hotel offers rooms and studios with all the comforts you could wish for. In fine weather, breakfast can be enjoyed al fresco in the pleasant garden. Bicycles are also available for hire, for trips to the beach and exploring the surrounding area.
- Le Nouvel Hôtel, for its ideal downtown location
This small hotel offers excellent value for money. Especially as it's right in the center of town and just a 1-minute walk from the sandy beach. The casino, monuments, bars and restaurants are all within easy reach. The rooms are decorated without fuss. They are very comfortable and bright. A full breakfast gets the day off to a good start. Click here to book your stay.
- Best Western Plus Hôtel La Marina, for the pool
The hotel is conveniently located at the eastern end of the marina. The rooms are modern and come in soothing colors you can book here. Most have balconies, with a choice of views of the boat masts or the pool. In fine weather, the pool is a delight for holidaymakers. There's also an outdoor sauna, billiards table and table tennis. Another advantage is the restaurant with a small terrace, where the chef serves regional cuisine.
Which beautiful villages to visit around Saint-Raphaël?
Port-Grimaud is40 km from Saint-Raphaël. It's one of the most beautiful villages around the Var town. The village is known as the "Little Venice of Provence". This is due to the presence of numerous bridges and canals reminiscent of the Serenissima. Take the time to walk along the streets and over the bridges to admire the pretty, colorful facades, the boats that live in harmony with the buildings and the incredible cast-iron pillars that support the upper-level terraces between the Place des Artisans and the Place du Marché. Port-Grimaud may be a relatively new village, but it's full of little details that catch the eye of strollers: a wooden bridge, a splendid fountain in Place François Spoerry and Victor Vasarely's stained glass windows in the church of Saint-François d'Assise.
Have you enjoyed discovering Saint-Raphaël and are you wondering what to do in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region? Discover the must-sees of the Var and the 15 most beautiful villages in the region.
Book in advance below the trendiest activities to do during a stay in Saint-Raphaël :
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