Sights in Saint-Raphael — 4 of Our Favourites

During the Roman times Fréjus, or Forum Julii as it was known then, named after Julius Caesar, was a prosperous port city. It was given to the Roman army's 8th Legion which added to the wealth in the area and thus the creation of many Roman buildings and features. There are numerous well preserved architectural features including an amphitheatre, theatre and an aqueduct that brought the water supply to the residents.

Many excavations have taken place over the years across the city and are continuing today. The finds are well preserved within the archaeological museum where they are displayed in context and with historical reference.

Inaugurated in 1887, it was named in honour of the famous Lepanto sea battle in 1571, when the Holy League defeated the fleet of the Ottoman Empire (and where famous Spanish writer Cervantes, author of Don Quijote, lost his hand). The Vatican elevated it to the rank of Basilica in 2004.

Created with a mixture of Byzantine style, Moorish influence and inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the church is a very striking building in the centre of St Raphael. Built mostly in pink sandstone from the Esterel mountain range, it covers an area on 950 square metres and at its highest point is 35 metres tall. On its façade there is a statue of the archangel Saint Raphael, protector of the town

Masses are said regularly, and the active parish surrounding this church hosts aperitifs following special Sunday celebrations.

The first bishop of Fréjus was Saint Leontinus of Fréjus who started the church here for the first time, hence it's referred to as Cathedrale Saint Leonce.

The cloisters were built between the 11th and 14th centuries: a series of pointed arches resting on double Corinthian columns surround the small patio. The ceilings are painted with beautiful small medieval images made in the second half of the 14th century. They depict the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ, Saint Peter, canons, priests, demons, angels, animals and fantastic creatures like a mermaid, a dragon or a centaur. There are also very interesting depictions of normal people, such as a butcher, a juggler or a knight.

Entry into the cloister is charged for, and if you're there on a Saturday you may be lucky enough to catch one of the many weddings that take place within the cathedral.

Discover imposing rocky cliffs and multiple wild coves characterised by the contrast between the red colour of the granite rock and the turquoise blue sea. Easily accessible, they form one of the most remarkable landscape of the Côte d'Azur. Many ancient shipwrecks also lie in the shallow waters near the coast.

You can hike along these impressive formations and enjoy the breathtaking views over the Mediterranean sea, or book a boat trip and take a look at them from the sea. But don't forget your snorkelling gear, you won't be able to resist the turquoise waters.