At the beginning of the 20th century Saint Raphaël was a grand and glamorous resort that was sadly blitzed during the Second World War, destroying many of the Belle Époque buildings, so the atmosphere of the town is not exactly Saint Tropez.
Saint Raphaël
Traditional French beach resort, close to the town of Fréjus
The jet-setters loss is the family holidaymakers gain, as it's now far more affordable.
Situated in the Var department in the region called Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, it remains an important sailing centre and is also renowned for its diving schools. Saint Raphaël hosts a daily food market, and arts and crafts stalls are on display during the summer.
There are a number (36 in total) of small beaches in the area, and plenty of walking trails and other activities in the countryside behind the town.
Events in Saint-Raphael
Events in Saint-Raphael
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
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 Saint-Raphael
Saint Raphaël is rich in history, dating back to its ancient past as a seaside resort for the Romans. You can learn all about the local area in the Museum of Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology, located in the San Rafeu church.
In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte and his forces arrived by ship from Egypt, prior to his coup d'état in Paris, and landed at a fishing village that was the commune of Fréjus Saint-Raphaël.
The coastal rail link between Saint-Raphaël and Nice passes over a viaduct that sits right on the shoreline at Anthéor. These tracks were of strategic importance to forces during World War II for supplying materials to units in France. Three separate air raids by English air forces were carried out on the viaduct between September 1943 and February 1944, involving a total of 31 Lancaster bombers operating some 700 miles from base. All the raids failed in their objective and the rail link was not severed.
In the latter half of the 19th century the town developed into a seaside resort popular with artists, sportsmen and women, and politicians, who all flocked there for the beneficial climate.
Sights & Attractions in Saint-Raphael
In addition to his 1799 stopover, Napoleon Bonaparte also stopped here on his way into exile on the island of Elba and there's a small memorial in the port.
A walk around the town will reveal some stunning buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, one of the most spectacular being the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire - a 'must see' if you are in St Raphael.
The neighbouring town of Fréjus is renowned for its Roman ruins and is well worth a visit.
Sights in Saint-Raphael
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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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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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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.
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Les Calanques de l'Esterel, Saint-Raphael 
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.
Beaches in Saint-Raphael
With numerous beaches along the St Raphaël coast you will not be short of places to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and explore the rockpools and cliffs.
The bay of St Raphaël and the marine nature reserve of Agay also have a host of dive sites and there are various dive schools you can use as a great way to explore the area further.
Beaches in Cannes
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Corniche Esterel Beach 
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 
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 
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 
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 
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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Ile Sainte Marguerite Beach 
Ile Sainte Marguerite Beach
An island with a mixture of rocky coves and sandy beaches
Ile Sainte Marguerite may not have ice cream shops and parasols all over the place but it has far more character and hidden charms than your average beach, with its bright blue water, fragrant forests, cool breezes, and smugglers coves.
Dining in Saint-Raphael
Restaurants in Saint-Raphael
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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 Saint-Raphael
Saint Raphaël is overwhelmingly a family resort destination, so it's not a wildly exciting place at night. There's the Casino Barrière de St-Raphaël if you fancy a gamble, or the young crowd can be found at La Reserve Club or Coco Club.
Bars & Clubs in Saint-Raphael
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Warm Up Bowling 
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 
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 
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 Saint-Raphael
With so many beautiful place to visit, why not take a boat trip? There are many that can take you to St Tropez for the day, or perhaps the Island of Sainte-Marguerite, or even just a sight seeing trip along the coastal cliffs and caves.
With numerous beaches along the St Raphaël coast you will not be short of places to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and explore.
If you are into golf or tennis, or perhaps both, then you are in luck as there is a club for both in St Raphaël, situated just north of the town - Valescure Golf and Tennis Club.
Things To Do in Saint-Raphael
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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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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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Fishing Trip
Coastal or big game fishing from the port of Frejus
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.
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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.
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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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Yachts & Sailing in Saint-Raphael
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Jack III Motor Yacht - 20m Motor Yacht for up to 10 people
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.
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Watersports in Saint-Raphael
Watersports in Saint-Raphael
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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.
Read more about Aventure Sous Marine Diving School, Saint Raphael
Where to stay in Saint-Raphael
There are plenty of two and three star hotels in the town offering good value accommodation. Behind St Raphaël are several campsites, catering for families and the budget traveller.
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Raphael
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Raphael
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Thea Villa, Agay
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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Hsud0036 Villa, Saint-Jean-de-l'Esterel
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.
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Hsud0050 Villa
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.
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Hsud0019 Villa, Saint-Jean-de-l'Esterel
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.
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Hsud0037 Villa, Saint-Jean-de-l'Esterel
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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Hsud0041 Villa, Les Adrets-de-l´Esterel
In the town of Adrets, in a domain 15 minutes from the beaches, comfortable new villa situated on a 3000m² terraced plot with a beautiful sea view.
Hotels in Saint-Raphael
Hotels in Saint-Raphael
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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.
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Chateau de la Tour Hotel
Timeless charm, sea views and refined relaxation on the edge of Cannes
Set in a peaceful 5,000 m² park filled with lavender, the four-star Château de la Tour Hotel offers a serene escape by the Mediterranean. Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Cannes, it’s just five minutes from the lively city centre and the famous film festival and congress venues.
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Des Orangers Hotel
Contemporary hotel nestled in the heights of Le Suquet, offering stunning views of Cannes
Located just 350m from the beaches and five minutes from the Croisette, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of bustling Cannes.
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Albert 1er Hotel
Peaceful, intimate hotel just minutes from Cannes' key attractions
The Albert 1er Hotel is a peaceful retreat just 10 minutes' walk from central Cannes, the train station, and restaurants.
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Chalet de l'Isere Hotel
Peaceful stay in central Cannes with unique rooms and modern comforts
The hotel enjoys an excellent location paired with a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for relaxing.
How to get to Saint-Raphael
Located halfway between Cannes and Saint Tropez, San-Raphaël lies is on the main trainline that runs along the Riviera from Italy to Marseilles, and also connects the South of France to Paris.
It's also the train station you would have to stop at to get on one of the buses or boats that run to Saint Tropez.
If driving, Saint Raphaël is very accessible as it's just off the A8 motorway, whilst buses connect here for Nice, Saint Tropez and other Riviera towns.
Transfers for Cannes
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Private Airport Transfers
Nice Airport to Cannes from €110 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
With years of Alpine transfer experience through its sister brand, this private airport transfer service brings reliable, professional travel to the Côte d'Azur, with trained, English-speaking drivers who know the local area. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, including Mercedes models and spacious people carriers, offer Wi-Fi and complimentary mineral water, while airport meet and greet, flight and traffic monitoring, free child seats and clear pricing help make your journey easier. With automated pick-up reminders, door-to-door service and twenty-four-hour summer telephone support, you can arrange your transfer with greater peace of mind.
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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 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 Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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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.
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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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Property For Sale in Saint-Raphael
Property for Sale in Saint-Raphael
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Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
An exceptional estate in landscaped grounds
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Villa for Sale | val260153
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.
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Villa for Sale | CAN260199
Contemporary sea-view property
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Villa for Sale | VAL240033
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
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Apartment for Sale | can260194
In a prestigious residence perched on the heights of Mandelieu‑La‑Napoule, discover an exceptional apartment enhanced by a spacious terrace.
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Villa for Sale | VAL250082
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.
