 
    Brocante Le Jas des Robert (flea market)
The Brocante (or flea market) Le Jas des Robert has become a must-see place for the bargain hunters of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez.

© SeeSaintTropez.com

© SeeSaintTropez.com

© SeeSaintTropez.com
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 Brocante (or flea market) Le Jas des Robert has become a must-see place for the bargain hunters of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez.
 
    Envied by many towns, La Grande Braderie de Saint Tropez is, under any circumstances, an event not to be missed.
 
    In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
 
    Between 40 to 60 yachts participate, which despite the at times variable weather conditions, is always a success.
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.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    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.
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.
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.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
    This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
 
    This loop starts at Cogolin and ends in Saint Tropez, taking in 11th century castles, villages, vineyards and beaches along the way. there are several cols to cross so try not to do this in the heat of the day!
 
    Discover the wild side of St Tropez with this walk around its peninsula. This path leads you through rugged coastline and across beaches of fine white sand and takes you to places that would otherwise be accessible only by boat.
 
    Since the 17th century the 3 watermills provided flour to the people of the region. Discover this charming valley bordered by olive trees.
 
    This historical circuit takes in many of Grimaud's historical buildings, many of which are tucked away and nestled within the old narrow streets of the village.
 
    Enjoy magnificent views of Grimaud and the surrounding hills on this short walk.
 
    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.
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.
 
    Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
 
    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.
 
    Acarre Limousine offers transfers from the airport, train station and other taxi services whether it is from the beach or to a nightclub.
 
    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.
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.
See allUpcoming Events