Lighting up the heart of the French Riviera is the lively and scenic resort town of Saint-Raphaël. It has a set of fascinating archaeological sites and exhibits that add grace to the glamor of the gorgeous beaches and port area. Go hiking through the outskirts of the town to appreciate its green hills, rocky bluffs and views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Sign up for a scuba outing and dive with the colorful fish in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Swim from shallow sandy bottoms to depths of 160 feet (50 meters) and explore a sunken minesweeper near Le Lion de Mer. Back on the mainland, learn about the history of Le Dramont, where World War II landing operations took place. Relax on the beach to enjoy the hot, sunny summers and inspect the ruins of the 16th-century watchtower.
Head to the center of the town, which is anchored by the Vieux Port and its Jardin Bonaparte park. Stroll along the piers and admire the lavish yachts. Ride the Grande Roue de Saint Raphaël, a large Ferris wheel overlooking the harbor. Admire the façade of the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire, with its grandiose dome and Moorish features. Try your luck on the slot machines at the adjacent Grand Casino, Casino Barrière.
The stunning scenery in the outskirts enhances golf experiences. Bring your clubs to Valescure for the Valescure Golf Club, a 19th-century course inaugurated by British aristocrats. You can also play tennis in this picturesque setting. Get a closer look at the region’s dramatic cliffs by hiking along the coastal paths of nearby Agay.
Find this scenic resort town jutting out from the Côte d’Azur, between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Ride the train along the coast to the Saint-Raphaël-Valescure Station or get a taxi from neighboring Fréjus.
Saint-Raphaël has wonderful coastal scenery and a lively harbor area.
