Situated at the foot of the Esterel Massif, Saint-Raphaël attracts visitors mainly for its sandy beaches and water sports opportunities. Yet this seaside resort in Var contains several historical treasures, like the remains of its 12th-century ramparts and its religious buildings. In the old town, make your way along the cobbled streets to the Romanesque Church of San Rafeu, where the watchtower offers a beautiful view of the town and the Esterel Massif. The Museum of Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology and its remarkable permanent collections are now housed in the former presbytery of the church. The Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in the old port district dates back to the 19th century and is distinguished by its Romano-Byzantine style.
Another attraction of Saint-Raphaël's old town is its flower and vegetable market, whose scents are equalled only by the explosion of colours. After strolling around the old port and the seafront, head to the Bonaparte garden for a pleasant walk in the shade of the palm trees. The view of the old port and the bay from there is worth the trip in itself!
Saint-Raphaël is also a starting point for the Corniche d'Or, the winding seaside road that links it with Cannes. Along its 40 kilometres, a series of splendid landscapes justifies frequent photo stops to immortalise the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
