This Mediterranean coastal town on the French Riviera lies between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, with a sheltered marina and long stretches of sandy beaches along the Var coastline.
Saint-Raphaël stretches along 36 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline in southeastern France. The red cliffs of the Esterel Massif drop dramatically into the sea, creating secluded coves like Anthéor. In the old quarter, vendors sell fresh produce at the daily Provençal market next to the 12th-century San Rafeu church. You can watch fishing boats arrive at three different ports while eating fresh sea bass at waterfront cafes.
Beaches and Coves
Saint-Raphaël has four main sandy beaches: Veillat in the center, Boulouris, Le Dramont, and Agay. The coastal path extends 12 kilometers from Port Santa-Lucia to Plage du Pourrousset, winding past red porphyry cliffs and Mediterranean pine forests. Between the main beaches, you'll discover smaller coves at Anthéor and Le Trayas with clear waters reaching depths of 3-5 meters, making them ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Walking the Old Quarter
The streets around San Rafeu church form the historic center, where local farmers sell produce and flowers at the daily market from 7:00 to 13:00. Climb 129 steps up the church tower to reach a viewing platform overlooking the bay and the Esterel mountains. The Archaeological Museum, located in the church's presbytery, displays Roman amphorae and maritime artifacts from local shipwrecks. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire Basilica, built in 1887, combines Romano-Byzantine elements with its distinctive twin towers.
Esterel Massif Trails
The red volcanic rocks of the Esterel Massif create jagged peaks along the coast. You can hike to Mont Vinaigre (618 meters), the highest point, or Pic de l'Ours (492 meters). Shorter walks through maquis shrubland and cork oak forests take 1-2 hours. The Corniche d'Or road connects Saint-Raphaël to Cannes, with marked parking areas at trailheads every few kilometers.
Water Activities
Three ports - the old port, Santa Lucia, and Agay - serve as departure points for boat trips and water sports. Diving sites include the Roman galley wreck at -28 meters near the Ile d'Or, a small island with an 1897 stone tower. Local operators run daily snorkeling trips to Cap du Dramont's rocky reefs, and you can rent kayaks at Agay port to explore the coastline's caves and inlets.
Transportation and Access
The Saint-Raphaël-Valescure train station receives TGV trains from Paris (5 hours) and regional services from Nice (40 minutes) and Cannes (25 minutes). Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is 45 kilometers away, with hourly bus connections to Saint-Raphaël. In town, buses connect the main beaches and neighborhoods. The flat town center puts the old port, beaches, and shops within 15 minutes' walking distance of each other.
