Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël and the Esterel in 3 days
Fréjus was Forum Julii, founded by Julius Caesar and later a naval base under Augustus, and it keeps an amphitheatre, a 5th-century baptistery and a cloister with a painted ceiling of fantastic creatures. To the east, Saint-Raphaël opens onto the Esterel: red volcanic rock, a coast road built in 1903, clear coves and trails up to the Pic de l'Ours.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
Fréjus cathedral complexabout 1 hCathedral, cloister and one of France's oldest baptisteries, 5th century, whose cloister ceiling is painted with a medieval bestiary of animals, monsters and grotesques.
- Afternoon
Fréjus Archaeological Museumabout 45 minFinds from digs across the Roman colony and naval port of Forum Julii, including the two-faced Hermes that has become a symbol of the town.
- Late afternoon
Fréjus Amphitheatreabout 45 minA Roman arena from around 100 AD, built against the hill below the ramparts, that once held an estimated ten to twelve thousand spectators.
Day 2
- Morning
Cap Dramont and Île d'Orfree · about 2 hA coastal path round a volcanic headland, facing a small island topped by a Belle Époque tower said, without proof, to have inspired Hergé.
- Afternoon
Agay Bayfree · about 1 hAn almost circular bay east of Saint-Raphaël, wider than its mouth and sheltered by the red Esterel hills, a safe anchorage for boats.
- Late afternoon
The Anthéor covesfree · 2 to 3 hSmall red-rock coves between Agay and Cap Roux with water clear enough to see the bottom; start from Anthéor beach with a mask and snorkel.
Day 3
- Morning
The Corniche d'Orfree · about 1 hThe coast road opened in 1903 between Saint-Raphaël and Mandelieu-la-Napoule, following every cape and cove above red rhyolite and blue-green water.
- Afternoon
Pic de l'Oursfree · half a dayAn Esterel summit above the Corniche d'Or, crowned by a TV mast and reached through red rock, cork oaks and scrub.
Where to sleep in Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël and the Esterel
- Hôtel de Flore · €90 a night
- Le Relais d'Agay · €95 a night
- Le Confidentiel Hôtel & SPA · €220 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.