To the east of the Gulf of Fréjus, on the border of the Alpes-Maritimes, Saint-Raphaël is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the French Riviera. Stretching along 36 km of coastline made up of beaches, coves, and inlets, Saint-Raphaël is largely located on the Esterel Massif. Offering more than 130 km² of state forest and benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, the town attracts hiking and cycling enthusiasts all year round.
Saint-Raphaël became a seaside resort in the latter half of the 19th century thanks to the construction of the Saint-Raphaël Valescure train station in the town center. Many writers have lived or stayed in Saint-Raphaël, such as Alphonse Karr, Victor Hugo, and George Sand, increasing the town’s notoriety.
During the Belle Époque, many personalities visited Île d’Or, where numerous glamorous parties were held. Private and self-proclaimed kingdom, this island with its sublime red stone tower is located near Plage du Dramont. Hergé, creator of The Adventures of Tintin, is said to have been inspired by this island for his 1937 album “The Black Island.”
On August 15, 1944, part of the Allied landing took place on the beach opposite Île d’Or. Nearly 900 boats and 450,000 men landed between Cavalaire and Saint-Raphaël, destroying German defenses, which were much weaker than on the Atlantic coast.
The districts of Saint-Raphaël
Saint-Raphaël is divided into several districts:
Anthéor and Le Trayas:
At the border of the Esterel Massif and the Mediterranean, the Anthéor and Trayas district offers magnificent wild landscapes where red-rock coves and hidden beaches follow one another. Anthéor is recognizable by its hills meeting the sea, with many houses facing the water. Traversed by the famous Corniche d’Or road, you can reach Cannes along the coast and admire one of the most beautiful panoramas of the French Riviera.
Downtown – feet in the water:
The heart of the town is animated by numerous shops and seaside restaurants. You will find the superb Notre-Dame de la Victoire Basilica built in 1882, the Prehistory Museum showcasing artifacts discovered during underwater excavations, and the Louis De Funès Museum with over 350 personal items of the actor. The waterfront is lined by the Promenade des Bains and several beaches including Veillat Beach. For relaxation, the 20,000 m² Jardin Bonaparte offers a unique panorama of the bay, benches, and playgrounds for children.
Agay:
Quiet and lightly built, Agay is appreciated for its three sandy beaches and the summit of Rastel offering a fantastic panorama of the bay. Agay is a natural gateway to the Esterel Massif, giving access to superb hikes and MTB trails. Many artists lived in Agay, such as Maupassant or Saint-Exupéry.
Le Dramont:
Le Dramont is one of the most visited districts of Saint-Raphaël thanks to Île d’Or and its large beach where the Allies landed on August 15, 1944. Highly appreciated by hikers, walks to Cap Dramont reveal colorful landscapes and the Poussaï harbor.
Boulouris:
Boulouris is a residential district appreciated for its numerous small beaches that resemble coves and are unknown to tourists. Among slightly aging houses, you will discover superb Belle Époque villas.
Valescure:
Valescure, or “Golf District,” is the most sought-after area of Saint-Raphaël. Calm and green, with elegant villas, prestigious hotels, and preserved estates. There are two 18-hole courses, including a centenary course and a 9-hole introductory course for young players.
Tourist activities
Like all seaside resorts, Saint-Raphaël offers many water activities such as jet skiing, kitesurfing, parasailing, boat trips, cruises, and scuba diving. You can also play golf, tennis, or enjoy hiking trails such as the coastal path or mountain biking. For admirers of Belle Époque villas, the town offers two discovery routes, one in Notre-Dame district, the other in Valescure. For the more adventurous, try climbing, treetop adventure, go-karting, or paintball.
Many amusement parks are nearby, such as Luna Park, Aqualand, or Funcity. About 50 km away is Marineland in Antibes, where you will discover orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and a superb aquarium with many shark species.
Remarkable sites:
Notre-Dame Basilica:
The 19th-century Notre-Dame de la Victoire Basilica, located downtown, is the most emblematic monument of Saint-Raphaël. Covering 850 m² with a height of 35 m, it was built with pink sandstone from the Esterel and is easily recognizable thanks to its immense dome and the superb golden statue of Archangel Raphael, proudly standing at its top.
Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology Museum:
The archaeological museum offers a journey through time. Discover prehistoric relics, Roman shipwrecks, and the secrets of the medieval church.
Louis de Funès Museum:
Favored comedic actor of children and adults alike, Louis de Funès remains one of France’s most popular actors. Forty years after his death, his films are still loved by millions of viewers. Visit this fabulous museum with family and explore the actor’s universe, including personal photographs and never-before-seen film sequences.
Île d’Or:
Still private today, it hosted sumptuous receptions during the Roaring Twenties. Located opposite Cap du Dramont beach, this rocky island with a giant tower is said to have inspired Hergé for the Tintin album “The Black Island.”
Coastal path:
The former customs officers’ route, starting at Port Santa Lancia and ending in Agay, lets you discover the full beauty of the Saint-Raphaël coastline between coves and sandy beaches. The hike lasts approximately 2h30.
The most beautiful beaches of Saint-Raphaël
Agay Beach:
Agay’s fine sandy beach is one of the largest and most appreciated in Saint-Raphaël.
Camp Long Beach:
A classified 150 m sandy beach in a closed bay reached via the coastal path.
Landing Beach:
A remarkable site for picnics protected by centuries-old pine trees, with resting areas and a 200-space parking lot. Not ideal for swimming as the shoreline is made of pebbles.
Veillat Beach:
Located downtown, ideal for evening strolls after dinner.
Saint-Aygulf Beach:
Just a few kilometers from Saint-Raphaël, Saint-Aygulf Beach is arguably the most beautiful in the region. Stretching 800 m, it offers views of the entire bay and a gentle slope perfect for young children.
Accommodation
There are many accommodation options in Saint-Raphaël. You will find luxury, family-friendly, or modest hotels. Many vacation rentals are available, from small studios to luxurious villas with heated pools like Villa Giovanna.
Location and access
Located on the French Riviera in the Var department, Saint-Raphaël is 40 km from Saint-Tropez, 40 km from Cannes, and 60 km from Nice airport. Access is easy via multiple transport options.
By plane: Nice airport is the closest and offers access by bus, train, or taxi.
By train: Saint-Raphaël Valescure station is accessible from Paris by direct TGV in under 5 hours. It is well-served by many cities.
By car: Main routes include the national road N7, RN98, and the A8 motorway. Two exits serve Saint-Raphaël: Puget-sur-Argens and Fréjus.
