Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Traditional French beach resort, close to the town of Fréjus
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.
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.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Saint-Tropez, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
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.
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.
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.
Barco Beach has unique "A la Plancha" eating. This is everybodys favourite with beautiful fish, seafood and meats literally grilled at your table.
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.
A little corner of paradise under a few parasols this beach club is located on the quiet and tranquil beach of Salins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Le Bar is situated in the stylish Sezz Hotel.
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.
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.
Set within the chic 5 star Byblos hotel is one of the most exclusive night spots in Saint Tropez.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
The course was designed by the renowned architect Harry Colt.
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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.
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
Jack III is a stunning Riva 63 Vertigo motor yacht built in 2015 and is currently based in Saint-Raphaël, France. With its sleek and stylish design, Jack III is an epitome of luxury on water. This 2-cabin motor yacht can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people in 2 spacious double cabins.
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St 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.
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.
The villa in Saint-Aygulf has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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.
The villa in Saint-Aygulf has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
Nestled in a park just a few minutes from the vibrant heart of Saint-Tropez, this hotel is a stunning residence with boundless charm.
Beautiful Provencal house nestled in an amazing park of two hectares, has survived the centuries to become an exceptional hotel of charm.
This four-star hotel is ideally located and offers a luxurious and serene setting for your holiday in Saint Tropez.
Relax in a luxury and contemporary design hotel in a lush wooded park near the beaches of Pampelonne and the town of 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.
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.
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.
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
Acarre Limousine offers transfers from the airport, train station and other taxi services whether it is from the beach or to a nightclub.
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.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
Contemporary villa with sea view in a secure estate in Sainte-Maxime
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.
Exceptional provençal property in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Elegant property located in a private estate, within walking distance of the village
Villa with private pool in the centre of the village of Saint-Tropez
Exceptional Property with Sea View and Pool in Saint-Tropez
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.
See allLatest News & ReviewsSaint-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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