At the beginning of the 20th century Saint Raphaël was a grand and glamorous resort that was sadly blitzed during the Second World War, destroying many of the Belle Époque buildings, so the atmosphere of the town is not exactly Saint Tropez.
Saint Raphaël
Traditional French beach resort, close to the town of Fréjus
The jet-setters loss is the family holidaymakers gain, as it's now far more affordable.
Situated in the Var department in the region called Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, it remains an important sailing centre and is also renowned for its diving schools. Saint Raphaël hosts a daily food market, and arts and crafts stalls are on display during the summer.
There are a number (36 in total) of small beaches in the area, and plenty of walking trails and other activities in the countryside behind the town.
Events in Saint-Raphael
Events in Saint-Raphael
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Saint-Raphael
Saint Raphaël is rich in history, dating back to its ancient past as a seaside resort for the Romans. You can learn all about the local area in the Museum of Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology, located in the San Rafeu church.
In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte and his forces arrived by ship from Egypt, prior to his coup d'état in Paris, and landed at a fishing village that was the commune of Fréjus Saint-Raphaël.
The coastal rail link between Saint-Raphaël and Nice passes over a viaduct that sits right on the shoreline at Anthéor. These tracks were of strategic importance to forces during World War II for supplying materials to units in France. Three separate air raids by English air forces were carried out on the viaduct between September 1943 and February 1944, involving a total of 31 Lancaster bombers operating some 700 miles from base. All the raids failed in their objective and the rail link was not severed.
In the latter half of the 19th century the town developed into a seaside resort popular with artists, sportsmen and women, and politicians, who all flocked there for the beneficial climate.
Sights & Attractions in Saint-Raphael
In addition to his 1799 stopover, Napoleon Bonaparte also stopped here on his way into exile on the island of Elba and there's a small memorial in the port.
A walk around the town will reveal some stunning buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, one of the most spectacular being the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire - a 'must see' if you are in St Raphael.
The neighbouring town of Fréjus is renowned for its Roman ruins and is well worth a visit.
Sights in Saint-Raphael
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Archaeology Museum, Fréjus
Displaying Fréjus’s archaeological heritage, mainly from the Roman period
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
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Les Calanques de l'Esterel, Saint-Raphael
Dramatic scenery, imposing cliffs and secluded coves near Saint-Raphael
Les Calanques de l'Esterel are rocky inlets and coves that expand from Saint-Raphael to Mandelieu-la-Napoule and drop steeply into the limpid waters of the Mediterranean.
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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire, Saint Raphael
Beautiful church built at the end of 19th century inspired by the church of Saint Sophie in Istanbul
This beautiful church was built as part of the plans by Mayor Felix Martin to "transform" St Raphael into a more attractive town for people to live in and tourist resort. Abbot Bernard commissioned the project to architect Pierre Aublé.
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Fréjus Cathedral, Fréjus
This cathedral in central Fréjus is part of a larger fortified medieval complex
Dating back to the 5th century when the baptistery was built makes it the oldest in the Provence region and one of the oldest in France. At this ancient, Merovingian style baptistery you can still see a 5th century baptismal basin for full immersion, as well as Roman columns.
Beaches in Saint-Raphael
With numerous beaches along the St Raphaël coast you will not be short of places to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and explore the rockpools and cliffs.
The bay of St Raphaël and the marine nature reserve of Agay also have a host of dive sites and there are various dive schools you can use as a great way to explore the area further.
Beaches in Saint-Tropez
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Salins Beach
Beautiful shingle beach shaded by huge pine trees north of Pampelonne beach
Located north of the infamous stretch known as Pampelonne beach and about 7km from the town of Saint-Tropez, Plage des Salins is a little slice of wilderness.
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Canoubiers Beach
Wide sandy beach that is the local's favourite destination
This beach is situated around the coastline from Plage des Graniers, and sits close to the main road of Route des Salins, so access from St-Tropez town is fairly easy.
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Graniers Beach
Small cove which has retained all of its natural wild side
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
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La Ponche Beach
Small beach fronting the oldest part of Saint-Tropez village
Plage de la Ponche and its neighbour Plage de la Fontanette are two lovely beaches which you can access directly from the heart of the village.
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Bouillabaisse Beach
Delightful fine sandy beach at the entrance of Saint-Tropez
La Bouillabaisse is a more low-key option to the swanky beach clubs on Pampelonne beach and is situated closer to the town of Saint Tropez.
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Pampelonne Beach
Longest, most famous and most popular beach in Saint-Tropez
Pampelonne Beach is the beach most people associate with Saint-Tropez. This is where you will find the A-listers, the famous beach clubs, and the super yachts resting in the bay.
Dining in Saint-Raphael
Restaurants in Saint-Raphael
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Barco Beach Beach Club, Sainte Maxime
On the beautiful sandy beach La Nartelle
Barco Beach has unique "A la Plancha" eating. This is everybodys favourite with beautiful fish, seafood and meats literally grilled at your table.
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La Badiane Restaurant, Sainte Maxime
Gourmet restaurant at the heart of Sainte Maxime
This restaurant boasts an elegant dining room where you can enjoy a seasonal balanced menu based on regional produce with simple but very imaginative dishes.
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Plage des Salins Beach Club
Simple beach club is a fairly remote & wild bay close to St Tropez
A little corner of paradise under a few parasols this beach club is located on the quiet and tranquil beach of Salins.
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Les Graniers Restaurant & Beach Club
Beautiful surroundings, a quiet beach & good food at this small restaurant
A good ambience and the ability to dine with your feet in the sand on the stunning Golfe of Saint Tropez, this beach club is situated on a small beach close to the town of Saint Tropez.
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La PeSQuiere Restaurant
Family-run restaurant offering simple & traditional cuisine
This family business created by Jacques Cadel and now run by his daughter Marie-Anne, offers a simple and traditional Provencal cuisine. It has managed to stay clear of fashions and to preserve its conviviality.
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La Ponche Restaurant
Restaurant with sea view terrace in Saint-Tropez
The gourmet restaurant’s secluded dining room offers a splendid view on Saint-Tropez’s bay. In total secrecy, the hosts can dream along as they admire beautiful landscapes that resemble works of art.
Nightlife in Saint-Raphael
Saint Raphaël is overwhelmingly a family resort destination, so it's not a wildly exciting place at night. There's the Casino Barrière de St-Raphaël if you fancy a gamble, or the young crowd can be found at La Reserve Club or Coco Club.
Bars & Clubs in Saint-Raphael
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Dom Perignon Bar
Trendy & refined bar located in the luxurious Sezz Hotel
Le Bar is situated in the stylish Sezz Hotel.
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L'Esqui Nightclub
The not to be missed, a gay-friendly nightclub of the Old Town
The only official Gay Club in Saint Tropez is located near the port, in the heart of the old town. Entertaining locals and visitors since 1998.
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Kelly's Pub La Grotte
Every town has an Irish bar...and this is it in St Tropez!
If all the glitz and glamour is getting a bit much, retreat to the Irish pub, where casual clothes are welcomed and you’ll look a bit of a prat in a dress made of glitter.
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Les Caves du Roy Nightclub
Most prestigious nightclub in France located within the Hotel Byblos
Set within the chic 5 star Byblos hotel is one of the most exclusive night spots in Saint Tropez.
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Le Quai Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Trendy restaurant & cocktail bar on St Tropez port
It’s the hottest bar scene in town from April through the summer. This modern and upscale restaurant attracts Cristal-chugging yacht owners and stiletto-strutting beach club models.
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Senequier Restaurant
One of the most popular & famous cafes in the St Tropez port
A favourite with former president Jacques Chirac this café is the perfect place from which to people watch, and the coffee is pretty excellent too.
Things to do in Saint-Raphael
With so many beautiful place to visit, why not take a boat trip? There are many that can take you to St Tropez for the day, or perhaps the Island of Sainte-Marguerite, or even just a sight seeing trip along the coastal cliffs and caves.
With numerous beaches along the St Raphaël coast you will not be short of places to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and explore.
If you are into golf or tennis, or perhaps both, then you are in luck as there is a club for both in St Raphaël, situated just north of the town - Valescure Golf and Tennis Club.
Things To Do in Saint-Raphael
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Luxury Jack III Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Valescure Tennis Club, Saint Raphael
A joint golf & tennis club situated to the north of Saint Raphael
Great tennis facilities in a superb setting and with the added bonus of being joined to a prestigious golf club.
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Club Sous l'Eau Diving School, Saint Raphael
Friendly diving centre for enthusiasts & newcomers to the sport
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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Aventure Sous Marine Diving School, Saint Raphael
Diving school situated in the old port of Saint Raphael
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
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Fishing Trip
Coastal or big game fishing from the port of Frejus
Sea fishing trip on a boat with a professional guide. Introduction to the techniques of fishing in the mediterranean sea in a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Yachts & Sailing in Saint-Raphael
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Jack III Motor Yacht - 20m Motor Yacht for up to 10 people
Motor yacht in Saint-Raphaël for up to ten people (sleeps four)
Jack III is a sleek and sophisticated 19.76m Riva 63 Vertigo built in 2015, offering an exceptional blend of Italian design, luxury and performance. Based in Saint-Raphaël, she is the ideal yacht for stylish day charters and overnight escapes along the French Riviera, delivering the unmistakable elegance and craftsmanship for which Riva is renowned.
Watersports in Saint-Raphael
Watersports in Saint-Raphael
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Aventure Sous Marine Diving School, Saint Raphael
Diving school situated in the old port of Saint Raphael
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
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Club Sous l'Eau Diving School, Saint Raphael
Friendly diving centre for enthusiasts & newcomers to the sport
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
Where to stay in Saint-Raphael
There are plenty of two and three star hotels in the town offering good value accommodation. Behind St Raphaël are several campsites, catering for families and the budget traveller.
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Raphael
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Raphael
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Bleu Azur Villa, Les Issambres
5 bedroom Villa in Les Issambres. Sleeps 10
Contemporary villa with swimming pool and double view of the sea and the hill, located in Les Issambres not far from the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
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Marouette Villa, Saint-Aygulf
4 bedroom Villa in Saint-Aygulf. Sleeps 8
The villa in Saint-Aygulf has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
Hotels in Saint-Raphael
Hotels in Saint-Raphael
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Saint Amour La Tartane Hotel
Stunning residence nestled in a park near the beach
Nestled in a park just a few minutes from the vibrant heart of Saint-Tropez, this hotel is a stunning residence with boundless charm.
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La Bastide des Salins Hotel
Charming Provencal farmhouse located in a protected environment
Beautiful Provencal house nestled in an amazing park of two hectares, has survived the centuries to become an exceptional hotel of charm.
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Le Pre de la Mer Hotel
Charming designer hotel close to both the town centre & beach
This four-star hotel is ideally located and offers a luxurious and serene setting for your holiday in Saint Tropez.
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Sezz Spa Hotel
Luxury design boutique hotel with a full-service spa & gourmet restaurant
Relax in a luxury and contemporary design hotel in a lush wooded park near the beaches of Pampelonne and the town of Saint-Tropez.
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Villa La Begude B&B
Charismatic Bed & Breakfast close to the beaches & Saint Tropez
Charming bed & breakfast guesthouse located 150 metres from the Canoubiers bay and only 1.5 km from the bustling centre of Saint Tropez.
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Le Yaca Hotel
5 star hotel set in beautiful 18th-century Provencal houses
This hotel welcomes you in a warm atmosphere in the heart of Saint-Tropez village and offers a refined setting and stylish rooms and suites.
How to get to Saint-Raphael
Located halfway between Cannes and Saint Tropez, San-Raphaël lies is on the main trainline that runs along the Riviera from Italy to Marseilles, and also connects the South of France to Paris.
It's also the train station you would have to stop at to get on one of the buses or boats that run to Saint Tropez.
If driving, Saint Raphaël is very accessible as it's just off the A8 motorway, whilst buses connect here for Nice, Saint Tropez and other Riviera towns.
Transfers for Saint-Tropez
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Private Airport Transfers
Effortless and reliable transfers from Nice Airport to Saint-Tropez
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Private Airport Transfers
Top-of-the-range transportation service
For more than 10 years, Millenium Transport has been the leading firm in terms of top-of-the-range transports with driver and provides a high quality of service in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of international clients who make the French Riviera so famous.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Property For Sale in Saint-Raphael
Property for Sale in Saint-Raphael
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Villa for Sale | STZ250296
4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 147m² Villa in Var
Waterfront Villa in Sainte-Maxime
Villa for Sale | STZ250296
€3,300,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250332
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 134.77m² Villa in Var
Unique waterfront location for this villa, just minutes from the center of Sainte-Maxime.
Villa for Sale | STZ250332
€2,400,000 -
Villa for Sale | stz260388
2 bathrooms, 450m², Villa in Sainte-Maxime
A rare private estate near Saint-Tropez, this exceptional 19th-century Provençal property embodies all the charm and authenticity of Provence across nearly 9 hectares of land.
Villa for Sale | stz260388
€3,490,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ240169
7 bedroom, 7 bathroom, 571.19m² New luxury estate in Saint-Tropez, moments from the beach in Var
New luxury estate in Saint-Tropez, moments from the beach
Villa for Sale | STZ240169
€8,700,000 -
Hotel for Sale | STZ250294
12 bedroom, 614.69m² hotel in Var
Located just 100 meters from the sea, this unique property, currently operated as a charming 4-star hotel, enjoys a spectacular view of the sea and Saint-Tropez.
Hotel for Sale | STZ250294
€6,600,000 -
Villa for Sale | stz260386
5 bedroom bathroom, 220m² Villa in Saint Tropez
Just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Saint-Tropez and the iconic beaches of Les Canebiers and Les Graniers, this exceptional property perfectly embodies the Tropezian art of living: a subtle balance between vibrancy and tranquility, comfort and authenticity.
Villa for Sale | stz260386
€5,500,000












































































