Located on France's Mediterranean coast, this ancient Roman settlement has preserved its amphitheatre, forum and twin aqueducts, while its beaches draw summer visitors.
In Fréjus, you can watch summer concerts in a 1st-century Roman amphitheater, swim at Plage du Pacha's calm waters, or sail from the 750-berth Port Fréjus marina. Walk through the medieval cathedral complex with its 5th-century baptistery, shop at the morning markets for Provençal produce, or join thousands of cyclists at the October Roc d'Azur mountain biking event.
Beaches and Swimming Spots
Plage du Pacha's shallow, calm waters make it safe for children to swim. You'll find cafes and restaurants along the palm-lined promenade at Plage des Sablettes near Saint-Raphaël. Base Nature beach includes volleyball courts, running tracks, and grassy areas for picnics.
Markets and Local Shopping
Browse through stalls of regional cheeses, cured meats, and Provence wines at the Wednesday and Saturday morning markets, which start at 7:00 AM in the town center. In summer, vendors sell crafts and local products at the evening market along the port. Local artists display their work in galleries along Rue des Artistes.
Medieval Religious Complex
The 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Léonce dominates Place Camille Formigé. Inside, two separate naves from different centuries connect through an archway. The adjacent 5th-century baptistery ranks among France's oldest. You can see ceiling frescoes in the monastery, while the former bishop's palace now serves as the town hall.
Roman Architecture
The 1st-century amphitheater still hosts performances in its 12,000-seat arena. Walk along sections of the 40-kilometer aqueduct that brought water to ancient Fréjus. The Golden Gate marks where Roman thermal baths once stood, and the Lantern of Augustus likely guided Mediterranean trading ships to shore.
Getting Around and Day Trips
Drive to Nice (65 km) or Aix-en-Provence via the A8 autoroute. Take buses to Cannes (45 minutes, €2-5) or Saint-Tropez (1 hour, €3). The local train station connects to nearby towns, while Saint-Raphaël-Valescure station serves longer routes. In summer, a tourist train runs between the port and old town.
Seasonal Events
Visit Aurélienne Park in April for the Flower Festival's plant market and garden displays. Join or watch traditional French bowling games during June's International Festival of Petanque. The July Theatre Festival stages performances throughout town, including shows in the Roman amphitheater.
