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Fréjus

A once coastal port town that is steeped in history

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Frejus
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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.

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  1. History & Culture in Frejus
  2. Sights & Attractions in Frejus
  3. Beaches in Frejus
  4. Events in Frejus
  5. Things to do in Frejus
  6. Cycling in Frejus
  7. Hiking in Frejus
  8. Yachts & Sailing in Frejus
  9. Watersports in Frejus
  10. Families in Frejus
  11. Where to stay in Frejus
  12. Villas in Frejus
  13. Holidays Rentals in Frejus
  14. Hotels in Frejus
  15. Campsites in Frejus
  16. How to get to Frejus

History & Culture in Frejus

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).

Sights & Attractions in Frejus

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.

  • In the south east of the old city is the 3rd century Porte d’Orée, the only remaining arcade of monumental Roman thermal baths
  • North of the old town are the ruins of a Théâtre Romain. Part of the stage and the theatre’s outer walls are all that remain
  • Similarly, crumbling outer walls are all that are left of the 1st-century arènes (amphitheatre), which once sat 10,000 and has now been entirely renovated as a modern outdoor venue
  • North east, towards La Tour de Mare, you'll pass a section of a 40km long aqueduct, which once carried water to Roman Fréjus

As well as the numerous Roman ruins to explore, it's also worth taking a hike up to the ruins of the Malpasset dam.

Sights in Frejus

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Beaches in Frejus

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.

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Events in Frejus

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.

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Things to do in Frejus

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.

Things To Do in Frejus

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Cycling in Frejus

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Hiking in Frejus

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Yachts & Sailing in Frejus

Watersports in Frejus

Watersports in Frejus

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Where to stay in Frejus

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.

Villas in Frejus

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Holidays Rentals in Frejus

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Hotels in Frejus

Hotels in Frejus

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Campsites in Frejus

How to get to Frejus

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.

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Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Saint-Tropez 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 Riviera town.

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Upcoming Events

Saint-Tropez is well-known for its annual sailing regattas, including the Rolex Cup and the Voiles de Saint-Tropez. There are also some more traditional festivals that you can attend such as the Bravades. Musical events are mainly focused on classical and jazz music and the very popular Place des Lices market takes place every week.

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the main market square in sarlat la caneda
Le Challenge Interclubs Regatta, Golfe de Saint-Tropez
International Air Festival 2020, Frejus
What's On in Saint Tropez September 2018
Les Voiles de St Tropez
Chestnut Festival, Collobrieres