Travelling by train in Estérel Côte d'Azur: our itinerary ideas
Forget the car, Estérel Côte d'Azur offers you a different and eco-responsible experience thanks to an unforgettable train journey along the sea. Board the TER (regional express train), let the scenery roll by and make a few stops to discover the wonders of our coastline.
5 itineraries to discover the Esterel Côte d'Azur by train
Take the TER Les Arcs - Draguignan - Cannes line, which passes through 7 stops in Estérel Côte d'Azur: Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël Valescure, Boulouris, Le Dramont, Agay, Anthéor and Le Trayas. We've put together 5 itineraries for you to discover the heritage of Fréjus, the centre of Saint-Raphaël and its coastline. For each stop, you'll find a selection of iconic places to see and things to do around the station. It's a great way to discover the destination while preserving the environment. Don't hesitate any longer and take off on an adventure by train!
Take the TER Les Arcs - Draguignan - Cannes line, which passes through seven stops iin we've put together five itineraires for you to discover the heritage of Fréjus, the centre of Saint Raphael and its coasline For each stop, you'll find a selecion of iconic places to see and thibgs to do around the station while presenving the environneent
Itinerary 1: Fréjus, Provencal town and seaside resort
- Duration: 1 day
- Arrival at Fréjus station
- Return to Saint-Raphaël station
Historic centre of Fréjus
Stage 1 : First of all, head for the Amphitheatre, Fréjus' most emblematic monument. Built in the early 2nd century, this major edifice of the Roman town Forum lulii is a symbol of the colony's power.
Stage 2: Continue your visit to the historic centre of Fréjus. Here you'll discover colourful alleyways that smell of Provence. In the heart of the historic centre, admire the Sainte-Léonce cathedral. You can visit its cloister to discover its amazing painted ceiling adorned with a unique bestiary.
Stage 3: To find out more about the history of Fréjus, visit one of its museums! Immerse yourself in local culture and traditions at the Musée d'histoire locale et des traditions or discover the secrets of Fréjus in Roman times, Forum lulii, at the Musée archéologique de Fréjus.
Fréjus by nature
Stage 4: In the afternoon, continue your journey by walking to Port-Fréjus and discover its Mérou land circuit.
Stage 5: Enjoy the fine sandy beaches of Fréjus.
Our advice :
- Bring a swimming costume and a towel to enjoy the beach.
- Remember to bring plenty of water.
- Check museum opening times beforehand.
Itinerary 2: Visit to the centre of Saint-Raphaël
- Duration: 1 day
- Arrival at Saint-Raphaël Valescure station
Stage 1: You can start your visit by exploring the markets (Victor Hugo and République) to immerse yourself in the Provencal atmosphere in the heart of Saint-Raphaël. You'll find local specialities such as Provençal spices, cheese, early produce, etc.
Stage 2: Visit one of Saint-Raphaël's museums: if you're a film buff, the Louis de Funès Museum is the place for you; if you want to learn more about the history of Saint-Raphaël and scuba diving, the Museum of History, Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology will provide you with the answers!
Stage 3 : Lunch in a restaurant on the edge of Saint-Raphaël's Old Port.
Stage 4 : Discover Saint-Raphaël's street-art trail and admire the many frescoes among the town's historic sites. Take the opportunity to visit the Basilique Notre Dame de la Victoire.
Stage 5: Enjoy the Veillat beach. Get some height with the Saint Raphaël Ferris wheel.
Our advice :
- Bring a swimming costume and towel to enjoy the beach.
- Remember to bring plenty of water.
- Remember to check museum opening days and times beforehand.
Itinerary 3: Secret beaches of the coastal path and creeks on a giant paddle from Dramont
- Duration: 1 day
- Departure station: Boulouris-sur-Mer
- Return station : Le Dramont
Stage 1: From Boulouris station, you're just a few metres from the coastal path. Follow this path to discover some of the most beautiful beaches on the Esterel Côte d'Azur. We advise you to pay particular attention to the Fournas and Homme Mort beaches, which are unspoilt and intimate. Continue along this route and you'll also discover striking contrasts of colour between the crystal blue of the sea and the reddish-ochre rocks battered by the waves. Continue along this route until you reach the historic beach at Dramont. This section of the trail from Boulouris to Dramont takes 2 hours (not including breaks and any photo stops). Steep, challenging but well-marked, the coastal path requires good hiking boots and is accessible to all the family.
Stage 2: Once you've arrived at Dramont, enjoy a picnic at the Poussaï harbour with a breathtaking view of the Ile d'Or.
Stage 3: Dreaming of discovering some unspoilt wonders? We suggest you embark on a giant paddle excursion with our service provider Rand'eau Aventure. You'll have the time of your life as you explore hidden coves and caves, swim in a natural pool that looks like a blue lagoon, and enjoy the lush green landscape of the Esterel as a backdrop. You don't need to be an expert paddler to enjoy this activity, which is accessible from the age of 6 and is suitable for all levels.
Stage 4: For the return journey, take the TER back to Dramont station.
Our advice :
- pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water
- bring a swimming costume for the afternoon activity
- remember to book the giant paddle activity as soon as possible
Itinerary 4: Secrets of Anthéor opposite Ile des Vieilles and Rastel d'Agay
- Duration: 1 day
- Departure station : Anthéor-Cap Roux
- Return station : Agay
Stage 1: Recognisable by its famous viaduct, this kayak or paddle trip will allow you to discover the richness of the Anthéor coastline. Join the Passion Estérel base just a few minutes' walk from the station for an activity on one of the wildest parts of the Côte d'Azur. You'll take part in a supervised excursion and get close to the mysterious Ile des Vieilles (less well-known than its big sister, the Ile d'Or), before paddling towards the unusual Calanque Saint-Barthélémy. The 2-hour activity includes stops for swimming and observing the marine flora and fauna.
Stage 2: Return to Anthéor station and take the train to the next stop, Agay. You're bound to find a restaurant where you can enjoy Mediterranean specialities. Try to book a table at Le Maobi Beach or Le Bahia, for example.
Stage 3: Now get ready to take in one of the best views on the Esterel Côte d'Azur, reaching the Rastel d'Agay on a hike starting from the Togo d'Agay car park. This 7km hike takes 2hrs 30mins round trip and gives you a marvellous panoramic view of the whole bay of Agay and beyond. Weather permitting, take a dip or relax on one of Agay's beaches.
Stage 4: For the return journey, take the train back to Agay station.
Nos conseils :
- prévoyez un maillot de bain et des chaussures de randonnée
- pensez à réserver au plus tôt l'activité kayak/paddle
- n'oubliez pas l'appareil photo
Itinerary 5: From the Trayas creeks to the Pic d'Aurelle summit
- Duration: 1 day
- Departure station: Le Trayas
- Return station : Le Trayas
Stage 1: On the border with the Alpes-Maritimes and situated on the mythical Coniche d'Or, Le Trayas is the easternmost district of Estérel Côte d'Azur. Once you've arrived at Le Trayas station, we recommend you set off to explore the famous creeks for which the area is famous. The route starts with the Trayas cove, before moving on to the Maupas, Aurelle and Maubois coves. Allow 30-40 minutes' walk to explore these Côte d'Azur nuggets.
Stage 2: Continue your walk for a few more minutes until you reach the island of Tomaeva, where you can enjoy your lunch break with your hair blowing in the wind and your eyes filled with the beauty of the landscape. Be careful, as you'll be travelling along the main road, so this route is not recommended for young children.
Stage 3: The afternoon is devoted to a hike in the Estérel massif leading to one of its peaks: the Pic d'Aurelle. Although less well known than the Ours and Cap Roux peaks, the panorama from the Pic d'Aurelle is just as spectacular, if not comparable. The starting point is on the road to Trayas, near the island of Tomaeva and the bus stop. The whole hike takes around 2h30 and takes you up to the Pic d'Aurelle after a climb of 345m. Enjoy the 360-degree view stretching from the Bay of Cannes to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez before heading back down towards Le Trayas station. Download the gpx file.
Stage 4: Take the train back to Le Trayas station for the return journey.
Our advice :
- this is a challenging route, not suitable for young children and/or inexperienced hikers
- bring plenty of water and good walking shoes
- bring your own picnic
Practical information
Which train should I take? What are the timetables and fares?
To do this route, you need to take the TER line running between Les Arcs - Draguignan and Cannes.
It runs every day at the following times (updated July 2022):
- from Boulouris-sur-Mer towards Le Trayas: 6.56am (except Sundays); 8.30am; 9.56am (except Saturdays/Sundays); 11.26am; 12.56pm; 2.56pm; 4.26pm; 5.26pm; 6.56pm; 8.26pm (8.56pm on Saturdays/Sundays)
- from Le Trayas towards Boulouris-sur-Mer: 7.15am; 8.15am; 9.45am; 12.45pm; 2.15pm; 4.11pm; 5.15pm (except Saturday/Sunday); 5.45pm; 7.15pm; 9.05pm (8.45pm on Saturday/Sunday).
It serves the following stations Saint-Raphaël, Boulouris-sur-Mer, Le Dramont, Agay, Anthéor-Cap Roux and Le Trayas.
Fares range from €1.50 to €4 each way. More information at sncfconnect.com
You benefit from reduced fares if you have a discount card (carte avantage jeune, carte week-end, carte séniors, carte ZOU...). Terms and conditions on the sncfconnect.com website.
Where can I book my train?
Go to the sncfconnect.com website or the ticket office in your station to buy your train tickets. Please note that these are not multiple-stop tickets and a ticket is only valid once.