The May bank holidays are just around the corner! It's time to get away from it all for a long weekend. Discover the Esterel Côte d'Azur destination in 4 days: must-see places, good tips and ideas for making the most of it without missing a thing!
Have a good breakfast in your hotel or campsite, and head for Saint-Raphaël town centre. There are plenty of car parks in the centre. Off you go!
The old town was once known as the "village district". Made up of narrow streets, its cobbled streets immediately transport you back to the Saint-Raphaël of yesteryear. A typical Provençal flower and vegetable market is held here every day. It's a great opportunity to discover the recipes and scents of the south! [ List of markets ].
Stop off at the Museum of Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology. Amphoras, scuba gear, jars, pottery... hundreds of items from the Bronze Age are on display. Climb the steps of the Tour Carré to admire the view over the city (free admission, tour lasts around 1 hour, on your own or with a guide, 9am-12.30pm/14pm-5pm, closed on Sundays and Mondays).
Heading towards the port, pass by the Basilique of Our Lady of Victory, built at the end of the 19th century and elevated to the dignity of Basilica in 2004 by the Vatican. Its impressive Byzantine-Moorish architecture makes it one of the city's most beautiful monuments.
The Vieux Port was completely renovated a few years ago. A pleasant pedestrian promenade runs along it from the harbourmaster's office to the Veillat and Beau Rivage beaches. At the end of the Vieux Port, the esplanade Bonaparte is a lovely place to stroll and relax. It offers superb views over the Gulf of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël.
See all the activities in Saint-Raphaël: kayaking, buggies, cycling...
After all that sightseeing, we're sure you'll be very hungry! Here are 3 restaurants serving local produce from the Var, which are particularly popular with locals and holidaymakers alike:
La Rapugue is a wine bistro in the heart of the old town of Saint-Raphaël that will delight your taste buds with a menu that changes with the seasons and features the very best wines!
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A varied menu and excellent cuisine at very reasonable prices. Everything is good at Chez Gaston!
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If you're looking for originality, the Mugs is for you! The decor of this establishment will not leave you indifferent. Le Mugs is a trendy place with quality dishes. We tested it for you.
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From Saint-Raphaël, take the coastal road to Théoule-sur-Mer. About ¼ of an hour down the road, stop off at Plage du Débarquement. You'll undoubtedly have one of the best views of the Ile d'Or, a red rocky island facing the Cap du Dramont, made famous by its tower, which is said to have inspired Hergé to write his album "Tintin et l'Ile noire" (Tintin and the Black Island).
Climb the Roquebrune-sur-Argens rock face, a listed site of national interest, for a breathtaking view of the Estérel and Maures massifs. The 3 Crosses hike (difficult level) is a not-to-be-missed itinerary. After a picnic on the shores of Lac Perrin, don your swimming costume and spend the afternoon trying out water sports for a whole new experience! Or get on board a canoe and paddle down the River Argens to the sea!
The Roquebrune rock, a listed site of national interest, is located in the communes of Roquebrune-sur-Argens and Le Muy. It stands between the Maures and Estérel massifs, with the Argens River at its foot. Its highest point, at 372m, is accessible after a difficult hike and offers a 360° view of the Argens valley, Fréjus, l'Estérel and the Alps in the distance.
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Pedalo, kayak, paddle... There's no shortage of water sports activities on the Roquebrune-sur-Argens coast! Let yourself glide over the water in a canoe or kayak on the Argens river, a Natura 2000 site. No doubt you'll spend the afternoon in a natural and rejuvenating setting!
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You can start the day with a stroll through the historic centre of Fréjus. The traditional market is held every Saturday morning, providing an opportunity to do a little shopping and admire the cathedral of Saint-Léonce, listed as a historic monument since 1862.
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The Fréjus arenas: Initially designed to host human and animal combat shows, the amphitheatre is one of Fréjus' major buildings. Its remains are still visible today and were the subject of a conservation and enhancement project between 2008 and 2012.
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Listed as a historic monument since 1886, the Fréjus aqueduct carried spring water from Mons over a 40km stretch. It was built in the 1st century AD and all that remains today are a few pillars and arches. They can be seen at the Villa Aurélienne and along the voie Aurélienne.
DécouvrirThere's nothing like a good restaurant serving local specialities to fill your stomach! Or how about a crêperie? Here's a selection of good value restaurants:
A friendly restaurant with a festive atmosphere, ideally located in the heart of Fréjus, on Place Paul Albert Février. You'll discover French cuisine with a southern flavour, using fresh seasonal produce.
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Located in Saint-Aygulf, Le Botafogo is a bar-restaurant serving Brazilian specialities in a do Brasil atmosphere!
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Located right in the heart of Port-Fréjus, Le Sépia offers a breathtaking view. On the menu, a wide choice of seafood, wild fish and French products.
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Come aboard at the Port of Saint-Raphaël and discover l'Estérel from the sea! This trip will give you speed, thrills and the chance to discover the creeks and coves in places that are inaccessible to any other boat. Enjoy a swim and observe the underwater world.
DiscoverAfter 3 intense days, we'll give you a little respite to enjoy your morning at the campsite or hotel. Take the opportunity to... do nothing! Yes, that's what holidays are all about.
In the afternoon, head for Les Issambres, the coastal district of Roquebrune-sur-Argens. From the Grand Boucharel beach, take the customs path, better known as the Coastal trail. The path runs alongside Saint-Aygulf, the Fréjus district. The path winds its way between the sea and the Var coast a few metres above the waves (bring good, flat, non-slip shoes). It's a great way to end your holiday, on a path that's accessible to everyone.
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In May, Estérel Côte d'Azur is transformed into an even more irresistible and captivating destination with a multitude of cultural, artistic and gastronomic events. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of our region during the May bridges and create unforgettable memories around every corner. Whether you're a lover of culture, nature or gastronomy, there's something for everyone during your stay with us!
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If our programme doesn't appeal to you, don't worry! We've put together a selection of ideas for alternative breaks to give you a tailor-made experience and make the most of the May bank holidays. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or you're looking for original activities, we've got something for you. Whatever your preferences, our ideas for alternative breaks, nature walks and activities promise moments of relaxation and discovery, making your Esterel Côte d'Azur break even more special. And we bet you'll already want to plan your next stay with us!
At the end of these 4 days, you can leave with the memory of an excellent May holiday and the feeling of having made the most of your stay!
See you soon in Estérel Côte d'Azur!
Check out our special offers for the May bank holidays.
Dig your brains out and escape from the room you'll be locked in during the game!
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Water park, pedalo, kayak, paddle and blob jump for all the family!
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Try out this unusual activity at Fréjus Base Nature! A 15-minute introduction is followed by a 1-hour supervised ride to discover the Port of Fréjus, the Base Nature and the surrounding area.
DécouvrirPoursuivez votre lecture en découvrant les autres articles du blog Estérel Côte d'Azur
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The Pays de Fayence (Fayence district) has many great provencal villages. All of them have a particularity such as the view from Mons or the artistic streets of Tourrettes. Do no forget to stop in Seillans that has the label of "Most beautiful village in France"
North of the A8 motorway, you will find the Pays de Fayence. Saint-Cassien lake, a real oasis of freshness in the Var, awaits you! Take a break at the Lake House before visiting the villages of Bagnols-en-Forêt, St-Paul-en-Forêt or Tanneron.
The city of Roquebrune-sur-Argens is the most westerly of the destination. It includes three districts: La Bouverie, at the foot of Gorges du Blavet; The village, overlooked by its magnificent rock, and Les Issambres, with its nautical activities by the sea.
Les Adrets de l'Estérel is a small town located at the extreme southeastern Var. Bordering the Maritimes Alpes, it is composed of large green forests. The town overlooks the bay of Cannes and has an exceptional view on the Lérins Islands and the Corniche de l'Estérel.
Puget sur Argens is a small village located in the middle of many wineries. Its commercial area, near the village, includes many shopping center. North of the village, the Bois du Defens give rise to several walks.
Welcome to Les Issambres, the district of Roquebrune-sur-Argens located on the coast. True paradise with its 8 km of beaches and creeks, this family seaside resort, already frequented at the time by the Romans, is located between the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Fréjus-Saint Raphaël.
Frejus, located halfway between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, is at the heart of the Côte d'Azur. Based on a sandstone buttress of the Esterel massif, the town dominates the valleys of Argens and Reyran. Frejus has the appearance of a small Provencal town whose new districts extend to the sea.
65km from Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport, Saint-Raphaël is located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. This seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast is at the bottom of the great Esterel mountains. Saint Raphael, whose city center is by the sea, is divided into different neighborhoods that have all their characteristics and their personalities.
