Saint-Raphaël, the natural seaside resort of the Var

Published on July 30, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Saint-Raphaël is a renowned seaside resort in the east of the Var department, attracting travellers in search of sun, seaside fun and nature walks!

In addition to its marinas, golf courses and beaches, the town boasts a natural treasure: the Estérel massif...

Saint-Raphaël is sure to satisfy all your travel desires!

The port in the center of Saint-Raphaël and the basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire

Summary

A busy resort
Saint-Raphaël, a superb natural setting
Where to stay near Saint-Raphaël?

A busy resort

🌊 Situated by the sea, along the Mediterranean, Saint-Raphaël is resolutely sea-focused.

🎣 So you can buy fresh fish from the fishermen at the Vieux-Port fish market every morning from 7am.

⏰ Its colourful markets are held all year round. In particular, the Place République market takes place every morning from 7am to 1pm (except Mondays in winter).

There is also a weekly market in the Boulouris and Agay districts.

As an added bonus, Saint-Raphaël's many harbours provide year-round entertainment.

🎆 However, it's from April to October that the town is at its busiest. During this period the city offers a variety of entertainment (concerts, festivals, fireworks).

The Saint-Raphaël seafront promenade with its fine sandy beach

Saint-Raphaël, a superb natural setting

🏖️ The town boasts a number of fine sandy beaches, including one right in the centre of town (Plage du Veillat).

If you're craving peace and quiet and nature, head for the magnificent Estérel massif. This is famous for its incredible red rocks.

The interior of the Estérel region is made up of rolling hills. Here you'll find the beautiful Estérel state forest.

⛰️ Several footpaths lead into the massif (beware of access closures in summer due to the risk of fire).

If you only have one hike to make, take the walk to the summit of the Pic de l'Ours (488 metres above sea level).

The view from the orientation table is breathtaking.

The Estérel coastline is another must-see in the area!

The contrast between the red of the rocks and the blue of the Mediterranean Sea is superb ( photographers beware!).

As you stroll along the seafront, you'll pass through the popular Boulouris and Agay districts.

Along the way, a number of good addresses will ensure you have a well-deserved break!

🍴 The Urban Beach restaurant by the beach in Boulouris and the Saint-Raphaël restaurant at Villa Matuzia in Agay are two of the best.

The extraordinary coastline of Saint-Raphaël, between the Esterel and the Mediterranean...

Where to stay near Saint-Raphaël?

⭐ For the perfect break, head to Les Roches Rouges 4*. This superb hotel faces the Mediterranean Sea, in the sought-after Boulouris district.

🛌 The modern-design rooms invite you to relax and unwind.

In this sense, we note the absence of television.

So you can make the most of the beautiful sea view from your terrace.

🏊 Outside, the swimming pool awaits you for a relaxing moment!

🍴 In addition, to satisfy a small hunger the restaurant of the hotel Le Récif welcomes you for lunch and dinner.

You can also park your car at the hotel.

Les Roches Rouges

Les Roches Rouges, a Beaumier hotel is a 5-star hotel with direct access to the sea. It has 2 swimming pools, one of which uses natural seawater.

From

£359

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Practical information

⏰ When should you visit the seaside resort of Saint-Raphaël?

Saint-Raphaël is an upmarket seaside resort that can be visited all year round.

It is at its busiest in summer, from late June to early September.

What's more, the seawater is at its warmest at this time of year. It's also the season of choice when it comes to entertainment in the resort.

To combine good weather with a calmer atmosphere, opt for the months of May and September.

Otherwise, winter has its charms, so it's nice to enjoy the sunny days on the Côte d'Azur.

🚌 How do I get to Saint-Raphaël?

🚘 Saint-Raphaël is more than 880 kilometres from Paris.

To reach Nice, allow 68 kilometres or around 1 hour's drive (without traffic jams) ...

The main access routes are the A8 motorway and the D559 road.

🚈 If you choose to travel by train, the SNCF runs services from Paris to Saint-Raphaël station. Several TGV trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station.

✈️ This part of the Var is easily connected to the capital by air, thanks to Nice airport.

🚗 Where can I park to take advantage of Saint-Raphaël's many attractions?

There are a number of pay-and-display underground car parks in Saint-Raphaël town centre (towards the train station in particular).

And don't forget to pay your parking meter if you park in an above-ground space.

For parking in the Boulouris and Agay districts, as for the whole seaside area, try to get here early!

In any case, you'll often have to pay!

by Editorial Team

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