DESCRIPTION

The town of Saint Raphaël is often associated with its neighbour «Forum Julii» (Fréjus). This is for a good reason: in addition to being side by side, they have a shared history... or at least in part. While Fréjus is renowned for its military port and status as a trading post, Saint Raphaël swiftly made its reputation as a seaside resort. Long considered as the «residential suburbs of Fréjus», the development of Saint Raphaël began in the Ninth Century. As Fréjus Port was silted up, Saint Raphaël provided a good alternative. In addition to Napoleon, the town has also seen a good many political figures pass through, including George Clémenceau, Albert the First of Belgium, as well as great artists such as Alphonse Karr, Victor Hugo, Théophile Gautier, George Sand, and many others. Sumptuous villas have been built here, after all, the town enjoys an ideal location. On one side, there is the sea with sandy or pebble beaches, calanques (steep rocky inlets) and small well-hidden creeks. On the other, there is the Rade d’Agay (harbour) which opens the way to the Esterel Massif. Listed as an outstanding natural site, especially known for its red rocks and assortment of Mediterranean plants, the Esterel Massif offers a magnificent landscape for hikers to explore.

ENTERTAINMENT

Saint Raphaël is a water-sports, diving and golfing resort, and puts on many events throughout the year. Of particular note is the Trophées Photos Sous-marines (Underwater Photo Competition), the New Orleans Jazz Competition, the Soirées Musicales des Templiers (Knights Templar Musical Evenings), the Semaine du Cinéma Européen (European Cinema Week), Fétes de la Lumières (Light Festival), and so on.

Saint Raphaël is not only a French water-sports’ resort, a diving and golfing resort, the Esterel resort and a “town of games,” but also a town of business tourism with its Palais des Congrès (convention centre) and also a town of festivals and cultural events.

LEISURE

A sight-seeing ‘must’ in Saint Raphaël is the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire (basilica), the Jardin Bonaparte (gardens) and the Archaeological Museum. You can also stroll about the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) and visit one of the many markets: Marché de la Place de la République, Marché de la Place Victor Hugo, Marché du Vieux Port,etc. The town also has a water complex where you can go on trial dives and sea safaris. As far as golf is concerned, the Beaurivage mini-golf course provides a nice course for enthusiasts. Otherwise, there are many courses along the coast.

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

Saint Raphaël, a town in the department of Var in Provence is often associated with Fréjus. Saint Raphaël is located in the East of the department, very close to the Alpes-Maritimes and thus to the towns of Mandelieu, Cannes, Grasse and Nice. To the West is Saint-Tropez, Hyères and Toulon.

By air :
Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport is around 45 minutes from Saint Raphaël. There are the alternatives of Toulon - Hyères Airport one hour away by car; Cannes - Mandelieu Airport; and Saint-Tropez La Mole Airport.

By road :
A8 motorway passes Saint Raphaël.

By train :
Saint Raphael Valesclure station is served by the TER and Paris-Ventimiglia TGV.

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