St-Raphael

A seaside resort in the Var department, St-Raphael lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Estérel massif, whose red rock formations offer numerous hiking trails, particularly around the Agay bay. The town has a lively old harbour, a starting point for boat trips to the Saint-Barthélemy coves and Cap du Dramont. The St-Raphael archaeological museum traces the region's maritime and ancient history, while the Louis de Funès museum, dedicated to the actor who owned a property nearby, draws a varied audience. The clear-water beaches lend themselves to watersports such as kayaking and towed inflatables, and a water park rounds off the family-friendly offering. During summer, a night market brings the streets to life every evening, not to be confused with the larger Sunday market held in neighbouring Fréjus. The Corniche d'Or, a spectacular coastal road linking St-Raphael to Théoule-sur-Mer, can also be explored by buggy. Nearby, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, Le Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas offer further glimpses of Mediterranean Provence.