
Archaeology Museum, Fréjus
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.
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© Office de Tourisme de Fréjus
A once coastal port town that is steeped in history
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.
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.
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).
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.
As well as the numerous Roman ruins to explore, it's also worth taking a hike up to the ruins of the Malpasset dam.
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.
Established in 1971, the Zoological Park Frejus is located in a typical Mediterranean natural landscape and enjoys the mild climate of the Riviera.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy the calm waters and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach area.
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.
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.
The number one mountain bike event in the world, there are a large number of courses on offer, from those especially tailored for children and families, to relay races or tough long trials, and even a triathlon.
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.
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.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Sea fishing trip on a boat with a professional guide. Introduction to the techniques of fishing in the mediterranean sea in a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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.
This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
Leaving Cannes and travelling east along the coast allows you to enjoy the Cap de la Croisette just outside of the centre of Cannes as well as the towns, villages and seaside resorts that are scattered along the Cote d'Azur. A good train service ensures that your journey does not need to be a return, but merely a one way trip.
There is no other way to discover the stunning coast of the Cote d’Azur than by bike. This bike ride is not the most challenging, as no serious hills are conquered, but it is a stunning way to explore the coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur.
Nestled in the large forested valleys just a short drive from Cannes lie amazing trails. These protected trails sit in an area that combine large orange and red rock towers, clear rivers, multiple species of wildlife and fragrant Mediterranean scents, all together resulting in a breathtaking place to be.
Steep cliffs and secret beaches line the coast around Col de l'Esquillon. This walk takes you up into the hills where you can gaze at the surrounding landscape with uninterrupted views of the coast and the hills inland.
Nestled in the alpine foothills of Grasse, this walk takes you from the coast to the top of Grosses Grues 440m. Climbing through vegetation, along rivers, over volcanic formations and past large oak trees, this walk has a lot to offer someone wanting a taste of the outdoors.
A short walk with a small climb taking in the best the bay has to offer. Towering red rocks, deep vegetation and crashing blue waves make this walk a must for all the family.
Walk amongst wild Mimosa which lights up the hillside and remains a symbol of the French Riviera. It is the only flower that brings its brilliant colours to the middle of winter. Not only visible in winter, its scent travels the valley on a hot summers day.
Hike up to the watch tower at 301m, used for the protection against forest fires in the summer months. The route runs mostly on trails in the Peygros Forest where the abundance of Pine allowed the 18th century villagers to fund the construction of the Parish Church of Auribeau.
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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.
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.
Located on the heights of Mandelieu, 9km from Cannes and the famous Croisette, this magnificent fully renovated villa is ideal for relaxing during a peaceful vacation. Situated on a fenced plot of 2800m², it offers a panoramic sea view over the Lérins Islands and the Cannes basin.
On St Paul in Forest, 5 km from Fayence, in a quiet residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 6000m². Private pool with steps (8m x 4m, Depth 120/160 - Alarm). Terraces with garden furniture and sunbeds. Car park. All shops 2 km. Village center 2 km. Sea and beach 35 km
8 km from Mandelieu, 15 minutes from the beaches, on St Jean de l'Estérel in the heart of the "Parc Résidentiel de l'Estérel", beautiful contemporary villa with a magnificent sea view and "Red rocks" located on a Mediterranean garden of 1500 m².
8 km from Mandelieu, in a beautiful private and secure estate, 20 minutes from the beaches. In the commune of St Jean de l'Estérel in the heart of the "Parc Résidentiel de l'Estérel", magnificent renovated villa on 3300 m² of land.
On the heights of Théoule, pleasant villa with a magnificent sea view located on a plot of 1000m² in terraces.
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.
8 km from Mandelieu, in a beautiful private and secure estate, 20 minutes from the beaches. In the commune of St Jean de l'Estérel in the heart of the "Parc Résidentiel de l'Estérel", magnificent renovated villa on 3300 m² of land.
6 km from Cannes, on a luxurious estate located on the heights of Mandelieu
On St Paul in Forest, 5 km from Fayence, in a quiet residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 6000m². Private pool with steps (8m x 4m, Depth 120/160 - Alarm). Terraces with garden furniture and sunbeds. Car park. All shops 2 km. Village center 2 km. Sea and beach 35 km
6km from Cannes, luxurious estate situated on the hills of Mandelieu.
Villa 8km 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", luxurious property with an enclosed park of 1 hectare.
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.
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.
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.
From Nice airport to Cannes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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.
150 vehicles at your disposal for taxi services regionally and across the whole of France 24/7.
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.
Find out all about what is happening in Cannes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Perhaps the best known of all the events is the highly glamorous Cannes Film Festival – certainly worth a day trip to the city just to see which celebrities you can spot. There are also markets, international fairs and plenty of cultural and musical festivals.
See allUpcoming Events