Fréjus was the first naval base in the Mediterranean for the Romans back in the first century BC, with ruins including an amphitheatre, theatre and aqueduct.
Fréjus
A once coastal port town that is steeped in history
The harbour still has an ancient tower that enabled protection of the fleet and the town itself is filled with Roman ruins and artefacts. An impressive 10,000 seater amphitheatre still hosts events in the 21st century - bullfighting and theatre are amongst the spectacles that are featured. Roman walls, baths, gates and an aqueduct can also be explored by visitors. A fine Roman theatre hosts concerts during the summer.
Arts and culture are further represented in the town with plenty of decent shops and galleries.
The port offers all things nautical from windsurfing to Scuba diving, and there are several beaches along the seven mile coastline.
Events in Frejus
With numerous festivals and events taking place in this small town there will always be some spectacle to hold your interest or to be the reason for a visit to this charming port town.
Perhaps one of the better known events in the area is the Bravades de Fréjus. This takes place each year on the third weekend after Easter and is a feast day in honour of Saint Francois de Paule.
Events in Frejus
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Frejus
The history of this medieval city is very similar to that of Provence.
It was destroyed many times in spite of the presence of the Roman Legions. After the Roman emperor, Julius Cesar gave the port its prosperity it went on to become one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean, however the decay of Rome led to similar decay of the great Roman cities, including Fréjus.
Between the 7th and 9th centuries, Muslim invaders repeatedly raided the city leaving many monuments in ruins, whilst the sea was encroaching more and more on the land thereby eroding the coastline. By the 10th century there was very little left of the colony, and sea-borne silt clogged up the port and led to the formation of a huge swampy plain, which then separated the village from the sea.
In more recent times, Napoleon Bonaparte landed at Frejus on October 9, 1799, returning from Egypt in order to ostensibly defend the French Directory in Paris. During the First World War Fréjus became the main centre for hivernage (wintering) for the Senegalese Tirailleurs, (French Army infantry who were recruited from Senegal).
Sights & Attractions in Frejus
The baptistery of Fréjus Cathedral was built in the 5th century, making it the oldest in the Provence region and one of the oldest in France. The cathedral square itself is a great place to sit, relax and watch the world go by, plus you can enjoy the markets here on a Saturday.
The Archaeology Museum is a good starting point to discover the Roman heritage in the area. They will be able to provide you with details of the main sites to visit, although a walk around town should reveal them all.
- In the south east of the old city is the 3rd century Porte d’Orée, the only remaining arcade of monumental Roman thermal baths
- North of the old town are the ruins of a Théâtre Romain. Part of the stage and the theatre’s outer walls are all that remain
- Similarly, crumbling outer walls are all that are left of the 1st-century arènes (amphitheatre), which once sat 10,000 and has now been entirely renovated as a modern outdoor venue
- North east, towards La Tour de Mare, you'll pass a section of a 40km long aqueduct, which once carried water to Roman Fréjus
As well as the numerous Roman ruins to explore, it's also worth taking a hike up to the ruins of the Malpasset dam.
Sights in Frejus
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Archaeology Museum, Fréjus
Displaying Fréjus’s archaeological heritage, mainly from the Roman period
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
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Parc Zoologique de Frejus (Frejus Zoo)
Zoo where you can see animals from all around the world as well as Mediterranean plants
Established in 1971, the Zoological Park Frejus is located in a typical Mediterranean natural landscape and enjoys the mild climate of the Riviera.
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Fréjus Cathedral, Fréjus
This cathedral in central Fréjus is part of a larger fortified medieval complex
Dating back to the 5th century when the baptistery was built makes it the oldest in the Provence region and one of the oldest in France. At this ancient, Merovingian style baptistery you can still see a 5th century baptismal basin for full immersion, as well as Roman columns.
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Les Calanques de l'Esterel, Saint-Raphael
Dramatic scenery, imposing cliffs and secluded coves near Saint-Raphael
Les Calanques de l'Esterel are rocky inlets and coves that expand from Saint-Raphael to Mandelieu-la-Napoule and drop steeply into the limpid waters of the Mediterranean.
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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire, Saint Raphael
Beautiful church built at the end of 19th century inspired by the church of Saint Sophie in Istanbul
This beautiful church was built as part of the plans by Mayor Felix Martin to "transform" St Raphael into a more attractive town for people to live in and tourist resort. Abbot Bernard commissioned the project to architect Pierre Aublé.
Beaches in Frejus
Fréjus is situated next to the coast, so it has its own beach which leads to the popular coastal resort of San-Raphaël. Scuba diving and windsurfing are just two of the many watersports on offer, and there are miles of wide sandy beaches and calm waters for the family to enjoy.
Beaches in Cannes
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Corniche Esterel Beach
Rocky coastline south of Cannes
The stretch of coast between St Raphael and Cannes is known as the Corniche Esterel. There are many small beaches and coves along this route, some better than others.
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Plage des Rochers Beach, Cannes - La Bocca
Strip of sand beach in the quieter area of Cannes la Bocca
This series of soft sand beaches just west of Cannes have some beautiful red rocky outcrops providing some good snorkelling opportunities and a gorgeous view across the Bay of Cannes to the Esterel Mountains.
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Plage du Midi Beach
Sandy beach, with good access close to centre of Cannes
This long and thin stretch of white sand beach runs the length of the Boulevard du Midi from the parking at the Vieux Port towards Cannes la Bocca.
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Plage du Casino Beach, Cannes La Croisette
Popular free public beaches in the main hotel district of Cannes
Clean and well maintained but free to use. No umbrellas, chairs or sun loungers are provided but you can pick your spot to lay down your towel for the day.
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Plage Mace Beach, Cannes La Croisette
Public municipal beach within main hotel district of Cannes
Enjoy the calm waters and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach area.
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Port Palm Beach
A quiet beach on the Pointe Croisette
Tucked away on the western side of Pointe Croisette, Palm Beach is a quiet and relaxed public beach with a great view and plenty of watersports activity.
Dining in Frejus
Restaurants in Frejus
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L'Or Bleu Restaurant, Theoule-sur-Mer
Michelin-starred dining with surprise menus and breathtaking sea views
L'Or Bleu, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience where cuisine is elevated to the level of art. Set in an elegant, contemporary setting with breathtaking views over the bay of Théoule-sur-Mer, this Relais & Châteaux establishment is the perfect place for a memorable evening.
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La Table du Chateau Restaurant
Refined seasonal cuisine inspired by nature, tradition and the château’s own garden
The Château de la Tour feels like a private residence, offering an intimate and refined experience. With Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, Chef Didier Anies, at the helm, the restaurant is a true destination for elegance, creativity and exceptional cuisine - unique in Cannes.
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Belle Plage Beach Club
Short walk from Town Hall & Palais des Festivals
Belle Plage has a relaxed atmosphere, waterfront ambiance and a traditional cuisine.
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Maema Beach Club
Côte d'Azur beach club with musical ambiance day & night
Maema Plage is ideally located with an exotic decor, bamboo, yucca, cozy atmosphere and beds. The restaurant offers a unique setting in a refined and trendy decor.
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Riviera Beach Club
Located on the Boulevard du Midi (Boulevard Jean Hibert)
Beautifully decorated, the beach club offers stunning views of the Lerins Islands and the Esterel.
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Le XXIV Restaurant
Located in the heart of Le Suquet
The decor is pretty special, it is almost like a private lounge. XXIV menu offers a variety of burgers to suit all tastes.
Nightlife in Frejus
Bars & Clubs in Frejus
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Warm Up Bowling
State of the art bowling alley for those rainy day activities
If you fancy a different and fun night out in Cannes, then head to Cannes Bowling in Cannes La Boca. There are 16 alleys and over 2,500m² of pure bowling entertainment.
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L'Enoteca Restaurant
Elegant wine bar and restaurant serving sophisticated food
With an authentic French feel you will find yourself sitting in this cellar bar surrounded by wine, cheese, paintings by local artists, hanging hams and good food!
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Cotton Jazz Club
Restaurant and piano bar all rolled into one great jazz club
Nestled in the narrow streets of Cannes oldest district, Le Suquet, this jazz bar hosts some great musicians.
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Casino Barriere Le Croisette
Entertainment & leisure complex with bar, restaurant & casino
You will find all games in this casino, including private poker rooms, English roulette, blackjack and various gaming tables.
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Cafe Agnelli Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Chic and hip bar, cafe and restaurant in central Cannes
A fun, hip and affordable option open for lunch and dinner. With chic decor and lots of outdoor tables, this place really buzzes in the summer.
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L'Experience Bar
Bar close to the Palais des Festivals & La Croisette
This small bar serves cocktails, wines and beers from unique wineries and breweries. They also have some savoury nibbles on offer.
Things to do in Frejus
The park of the ancient Roman aqueduct is a wonderful place for walking, picnicking and bike riding.
There is also a safari park near the city (Parc Zoologique de Frejus), and for family entertainment you can also visit the water park Aqualand Frejus, the biggest waterpark along the Riviera.
It's worth taking the 7km hike up to the ruins of the Malpasset dam, which broke in the floods of 1959, killing more than 400 people in Fréjus. For longer hikes, both the Esterel Mountains and the Maures range have wonderful hikes (including the GR51), but they are not easily acccessed from Fréjus town by foot as the area is very built up.
Things To Do in Frejus
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Luxury Jack III Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Parc Zoologique de Frejus (Frejus Zoo)
Zoo where you can see animals from all around the world as well as Mediterranean plants
Established in 1971, the Zoological Park Frejus is located in a typical Mediterranean natural landscape and enjoys the mild climate of the Riviera.
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Valescure Tennis Club, Saint Raphael
A joint golf & tennis club situated to the north of Saint Raphael
Great tennis facilities in a superb setting and with the added bonus of being joined to a prestigious golf club.
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Golf Course De Roquebrune Resort, Roquebrune-Sur-Argens
Luxury 5* golf resort between Cannes & Saint Tropez
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this stunning golf course, with the sparkling waters of the Riviera on one side and the wild Maure mountains on the other.
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Aventure Sous Marine Diving School, Saint Raphael
Diving school situated in the old port of Saint Raphael
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
Yachts & Sailing in Frejus
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Jack III Motor Yacht - 20m Motor Yacht for up to 10 people
Motor yacht in Saint-Raphaël for up to ten people (sleeps four)
Jack III is a sleek and sophisticated 19.76m Riva 63 Vertigo built in 2015, offering an exceptional blend of Italian design, luxury and performance. Based in Saint-Raphaël, she is the ideal yacht for stylish day charters and overnight escapes along the French Riviera, delivering the unmistakable elegance and craftsmanship for which Riva is renowned.
Watersports in Frejus
Watersports in Frejus
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Club Sous l'Eau Diving School, Saint Raphael
Friendly diving centre for enthusiasts & newcomers to the sport
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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Aventure Sous Marine Diving School, Saint Raphael
Diving school situated in the old port of Saint Raphael
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
Where to stay in Frejus
Accommodation is not a problem in Fréjus, there is a good selection of budget hotels, mainly aimed at the business traveller. There is also an abundance of French Riviera style campsites close by.
Holiday Rentals in Frejus
Holiday Rentals in Frejus
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Thea Villa, Agay
5 bedroom Villa in Agay. Sleeps 10
Exceptional villa "feet in the water" to rent with view on the sea and on the red rocks of the Esterel, between Saint Raphael, Cannes and Saint Tropez.
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Moulin De Saint Donat Villa, Callian
6 bedroom Villa in Callian. Sleeps 14
The villa in Callian has 6 bedrooms and has capacity for 14 people.
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Hsud0037 Villa, Saint-Jean-de-l'Esterel
6 bedroom Villa in Saint-Jean-de-l'Esterel. Sleeps 12
8 km from Mandelieu, in a domain 15 minutes from the beaches, on St Jean de l'Estérel in the heart of the "Parc Résidentiel de l'Estérel", beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 3000 m2.
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Hsud0018 Villa
5 bedroom Villa in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Sleeps 10
Located in the commune of Mandelieu-la-Napoule, 500m from the beach and 9 km from Cannes, this sumptuous building is unique in its kind, classified as a "remarkable residence".
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Hsud0784 Apartment
3 bedroom Apartment in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Sleeps 6
6 km from Cannes, luxury domain in the hills of Mandelieu, 4-room apartment of 100 sqm on the 4th and last floor with air-conditioning.
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Hsud0422 Apartment
2 bedroom Apartment in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Sleeps 4
3-room apartment of 70 m² with air conditioning on the 2nd floor
Hotels in Frejus
Hotels in Frejus
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Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel, Theoule-sur-mer
Luxurious seaside retreat with stunning views, perfect for romantic getaways or family escapes
Perched high above the Corniche d'Or in Théoule-sur-Mer, the five-star Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa boasts balconies and terraces that cascade down to a secluded private beach.
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Tiara Yaktsa Hotel
Exclusive five-star retreat with breathtaking Mediterranean views and serene luxury
The Tiara Yaktsa, a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, offers an unforgettable stay with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. With just 22 rooms and suites, it provides an intimate and luxurious setting perfect for a romantic and gastronomic escape.
How to get to Frejus
Often associated with St Raphaël, both towns are located in the east of the Var department of Provence.
If travelling by air the closest airport is Nice Côte d'Azur International, around 45 minutes away. Other smaller airports near by include, Cannes and Saint Tropez. Travelling by car along the A8 motorway, you can take the 'Fréjus & Saint Raphaël' exit and follow signs to the town centre.
Transfers for Cannes
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Private Airport Transfers
Effortless and reliable transfers from Nice Airport to Cannes
From Nice airport to Cannes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Cannes Taxis
Taxi Services
150 vehicles at your disposal for taxi services regionally and across the whole of France 24/7.
Property For Sale in Frejus
Property for Sale in Frejus
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Land (Plot) for Sale
10 bedroom, 9 bathroom, 1350m² plot in Var
An exceptional estate in landscaped grounds
Land (Plot) for Sale
€39,850,000 -
Villa for Sale
4 bedroom, 320.95m² Villa in Tourrettes
This contemporary property, inspired by neo-Provençal architecture, offers approximately 300 sqm of living space and is set within a beautifully landscaped 3,300 sqm garden, providing a private living environment.
Villa for Sale
€4,500,000 -
Villa for Sale
4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 330m² Villa in Var
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
Villa for Sale
€3,750,000 -
Villa for Sale
6 bedroom, 428m² villa in Var
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
Villa for Sale
€9,800,000 -
Villa for Sale
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 240m² Villa in Var
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
Villa for Sale
€3,200,000 -
Villa for Sale
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 242.14m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
Contemporary sea-view property
Villa for Sale
€3,200,000



















































































