Sailors and sun-seekers make their entry to the Côte d'Azur at Saint-Raphaël, a coastal resort located between St. Tropez and Cannes. Far less crowded than its headline-grabbing neighbors, this nautical paradise still has all the makings of a bonafide French Riviera resort—elegant belle époque mansions, golden sandy beaches, and an oceanside casino. If you tire of tanning and water sports, other top things to do in Saint-Raphaël include playing a game of golf, exploring the beachside night markets, or heading inland to explore the Roman ruins of neighboring Fréjus.
Summer temperatures can reach upwards of 87⁰F (30⁰C) along the French Riviera, and July and August bring droves of sun-seekers and yacht cruisers to Fréjus Saint-Raphaël. It’s best to avoid the school holidays if you don’t like crowds—late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are cool enough for sightseeing but often still sunny enough to hit the beach and enjoy a game of golf.
Buses and trains run between the towns of Fréjus and St-Raphaël, and both centers are easy to get around on foot. Having your own transport is useful for beach-hopping and exploring the rest of the French Riviera. If you don’t want to hire a car or moped, you can always grab a taxi or take a boat cruise along the coast.
Ocean views and sandy beaches await along Saint-Raphaël’s marked coastal path. Follow the seafront trail from Port Santa-Lucia all the way to the bay of Agay. It’s about a 5-mile (8.5-kilometer) hike, and you’ll pass the historic Baumette lighthouse and the Ile d’Or (Gold Island), and take in views of the red rock Estérel cliffs.
