Saint-Raphaël is a beautiful seaside town located just some kilometers from Frejus. It is an old town on the coast and there is ample evidence that affluent Romans spent their summers here about 2,000 years ago. Today, it is regarded as a calm resort on the French Riviera. This resort is very well-maintained and clean and also has a tiny harbor. The harbor has beaches on both sides. In fact, both locals and tourists prefer this town. There are amazing hotels available for tourists wondering where to stay in Saint-Raphaël.
But aside from a fascinating history, the town of Saint-Raphaël is also known for its natural marvels, tasty cuisine, and unforgettable entertainment. For that reason, when you visit this town on your French Riviera vacation, you should make sure to see all that this town has to offer. To help you get started, here is a list of the best things to do in Saint-Raphaël, France.
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1. Go kayaking near Agay Beach
Enjoy a peaceful time amidst nature with this kayaking tour in the crystal-clear turquoise water of the picturesque Agay Beach. Gaze at the stunning landscape of red rocks from the sea and try to count the shoals of fish underwater that can be seen with the naked eye.
The qualified and attentive instructor will take you to discover the little paradise of coves, caves, and secret passageways that await you. In addition to exploring the coastline and the gorgeous scenery, you will also learn about geographical and historical facts about the region from your guide.
Book Tours : Rando Kayak · ★4.96
2. Embark on a scenic boat excursion at Port Santa Lucia
Enjoy unsurpassed views of the French Riviera from Port Santa Lucia on this picturesque boat tour. As you cruise past the volcanic Massif de l'Esterel, you will discover secluded creeks known only to seafarers.
Get ready to explore the jaw-dropping beauty of the Mediterranean seabed on the breathtaking snorkeling experience of a lifetime. Look out for the diverse marine populations, including the sea turtles. End a day of fun and adventure with drinks and music on a speedy ride back to Saint-Raphael.
3. Take a hike through Le Sentier du Littoral
Le Sentier Du Littoral is essentially a coastal trail in Saint-Raphaël that anyone can hike through. With a distance of 11km (6.84mi), this rocky trail allows you to get unobstructed views of the Lion de Mer, the Ille d'Or, and the Piton du Dramont. Aside from that, you will also discover the typical flora and fauna and learn about the different medicinal and edible plants in the area.
Long story short, the Sentier Du Littoral hike is perfect for people who enjoy physical activity and those who have an inclination towards botany. If this attraction in Saint Raphaël resonates with you, then you should include this on your bucket list.
Le Sentier Du Littoral
Address: Port Santa Lucia, 83700 Saint-Raphaël
Website: Le Sentier Du Littoral
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
4. Look around inside Musée Louis De Funès
This attraction appeals to a certain group of people — the fans of Louis De Funès. If you don’t know who Louis De Funès is, he was a well-renowned French actor and comedian. During the entirety of his career, he had been credited in over 150 films and 100 stage productions, and his performance had influenced the lives of so many people.
For that reason, when he died, Clémentine Deroudille decided to create a museum dedicated to honoring the legacy of Louis De Funès by showcasing his life and work. Now, the museum is beloved by visitors — both casual tourists and avid fans.
Even if you aren’t a fan of Louis De Funès, you should still consider checking Musée Louis De Funès out to discover the life and impact of one of the most famous comedians in the world.
Musée Louis De Funès
Address: Rue Jules Barbier 83 700 Saint-Raphaël – France
Website: Musée Louis De Funès
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6 EUR (7 USD)
5. Participate in the several fun activities at Les Lacs Adrénaline
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
What to do in Saint-Raphaël? To be more specific, what exciting things can you do there? Actually, this quaint town offers so many fun and exciting activities. In fact, you can find a great number of them in Les Lacs Adrénaline.
Les Lacs Adrénaline literally translates to “the Adrenaline Lakes,” and the reason behind this name is that this attraction offers a wide variety of fun activities that everyone of all ages can enjoy.
Since Les Lacs Adrénaline is situated in a beautiful location with two lakes, a pine forest, and massive spaces, its list of activities includes tree climbing, pétanque, canoeing, and giant zip lines above the lake. There are also a water park and mini-golf course. Long story short, you have a long list of activities to choose from!
So, if you ever want to get physical while you’re in Saint-Raphaël, then you should come to Les Lacs Adrénaline. You’ll surely have a marvelous time.
Les Lacs Adrénaline
Address: Le Dramont, Chemin des Sangliers, 83700 Saint-Raphaël
Website: Les Lacs Adrénaline
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily during spring and summer holidays); Wed, Sat, & Sun: 10am - 6pm (outside school holidays); open on request for groups (autumn and winter)
Price: 7 EUR (7.73 USD) onwards
6. Indulge yourself on scrumptious meals at La Table Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you in the mood for some fine dining — with mouthwatering French meals? If so, you should frequent La Table Restaurant often during your Saint-Raphaël vacation.
The chefs at La Table Restaurant only want one thing: satisfaction from their customers. That’s why they put a lot of heart and passion into the dishes they create, and they also always opt for fresh raw products. As a result, when you dine at this restaurant, the meals you consume are not only top of the line but also healthy at the same time. To top it all off, they also serve an extensive selection of desserts and wines.
The dining experience at La Table Restaurant is one you will never forget, so make sure to drop by when you’re in town.
La Table Restaurant
Address: 47 Rue Thiers 83700 Saint-Raphaël France
Website: La Table Restaurant
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 7:30pm - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
7. Hike or bike along the trails at Massif de l'Esterel
The Esterel Massif is a mountain range in the Mediterranean coastal belt in the departments called Alpes-Maritimes and Var in southeast France. This mountain range has Cannes and Mandelieu as its neighboring cities on the east while Frejus and Saint-Raphaël lie on its west side. The mountain range is composed of rocks and soil that appear to be of volcanic origin and is primarily composed of porphyry. The latter gives a red color to the hills. You will find that the terrain here is rugged and has oak forests and deep ravines.
With a height of 618 m (2,027 ft), Mount Vinaigre is the highest peak of this massif. The mountain range spreads across a sprawling area of 320 sq km (124 sq mi) out of which about 130 sq km (50 sq mi) are officially protected in the National Forest of Esterel. You can enjoy activities like mountain biking trails and hikes in the natural reserve. The mountains of Esterel also house the holiday village called Cap Esterel.
Massif de l'Esterel
Website: Massif de l'Esterel
8. Check out the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire
It is one of the 10 minor basilicas situated in France’s lle-de-France region. It is convenient to access the place, with “Bourse” as the nearest Metro station. This sanctuary boasts many beautiful paintings by Louis-Michel van Loo, an 18th-century French painter. Part of the already destroyed monastery was damaged in 1858. The mayor’s office and a police station were built in their place.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire
Address: 19 Rue Jean Aicard, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France
9. Go on a boating journey with Les Bateaux de Saint-Raphael
This is the sole ferry boat company that operates from Saint-Raphaël to Saint-Tropez, the two French Riviera towns. This ferry company also operates between Cannes and Sainte-Marguerite as well as to the coves that are situated between Agay and Saint-Raphaël and to an island called Porquerolles at present. The route may vary with the change in seasons. The ferry service between Saint-Raphaël and Saint-Tropez is operational from April to November. The service is more frequent during the summer season. You can always check their website for the latest schedule.
Les Bateaux de Saint-Raphaël
Address: Gare maritime, Quai Nomy, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France
10. Stroll around Jardin Bonaparte and marvel at the wonderful sights
This garden is located on the town’s Vieux Port right above a car park with the same name. The garden Bonaparte is a prominent place of interest on Saint-Raphaël Bay. You can walk along a concrete walkway to reach this beautifully landscaped garden and experience a calmness that relaxes both your body and mind. It is a well-maintained garden with adequate seating arrangements.
You can stroll around this lovely place and watch the yachts sailing in the harbor. An English lady runs the adjoining hotel where you can place your orders for the following day. This big public garden is situated on the harbor’s south. Often the garden also hosts photo exhibitions. The garden also has a large play area for your children.
Jardin Bonaparte
Address: Prom. René Coty, Saint-Raphaël, France
11. Discover the town's collection of archeological findings at Musee Archeologique
It is regarded as the biggest Alsacian museum that displays a rich collection of archaeological findings in the region from the Prehistoric era to the Merovingian dynasty. This famous museum is situated in the Palais Rohan’s basement. Musee Archeologique also showcases an overview of the region’s human habitat starting from the most ancient traces of human settling and dwelling.
The museum also focuses especially on Argentoratum and its outposts like Seltz or Saliso along the Rhine. One of the most famous objects in this museum is in the style of the legendary Caius Largennous. You will also find displays so the findings from sanctuaries of the Gallo-Roman in Mackwiller and on the Mont Donon and Merovingian findings on Erstein.
Musee Archeologique
Address: Rue de la Vieille Église, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France
Website: Musee Archeologique
12. Try your luck on a few games at Casino Barriere de Saint-Raphaël
This mid-sized casino in Saint-Raphaël is officially known as Casino Barriere de Saint-Raphaël. The casino boasts 175 slot machines, which is a considerable number. However, the total live game tables are few. This casino offers certain classic and popular casino games like Roulette and Blackjack. However, the casino does not have poker cash games. If you want to visit the casino, you should be aware that you can play on the slot machines between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Casino Barriere de Saint-Raphaël
Address: Square de Gand, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France
Website: Casino Barriere de Saint-Raphaël
13. Splash some memories at Waterworld lac du dramont
Are you in a mood for some thrill and want to unwind yourself? Then you should visit this wonderful water park with an impressive collection of modules and spreads over an area of 1,200 square meters (13,000 square feet). There is a host of playful courses on water for various age-groups. All the activities are family-oriented while its entrance is reserved for couples, children below 18 years of age and families. The park authorities may refuse the entry of a group of adults into this water park.
Waterworld lac du dramont
Address: Saint-Raphaël, France
14. Lounge on the shores of Tiki Plage, a gorgeous private beach
Saint-Raphaël is famous for its pristine beaches that attract both locals as well as visitors from other nations. One of the prominent ones is Tiki Plage, which is a private stunning private beach. It is located right in the heart of the French Riviera between Agay and Saint-Raphaël. The cove is sheltered and that makes the water as clear as crystal. If you are fond of snorkeling, then this is the right place for you. Your kids will love this family-friendly beach with an ice cream kiosk. Adults can also spend time at the beachside bar and enjoy the WiFi access.
Tiki Plage
Address: Rue Marie-Louise Robinson, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France
Website: Tiki Plage
Scintillating Saint-Raphaël
Saint-Raphaël seems to have it all, from its beautiful beaches to a vibrant old town just behind the harbor. It’s a definite must-visit for anyone who just wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and instead, experience the island side of life. So if you want to experience the clash between old and new, come on down to Saint-Raphaël and have a blast!
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