Top 3 things you should do when you visit Saint Raphael
When family, friends and guests visit us in Saint Raphael, it's hard to choose where to take them as there as so many beautiful places to visit locally and within the region close by.
However, if we are made to choose, we do have three favourite locations that we show everyone. During a short break they are ideal as they are super close, but can make you feel like you're a millions of miles away as the nature, surroundings and views are breathtaking. You get a real a sense of relaxation and pleasure. Often much needed after the hussel and bussel of UK life.
1. Visit the town of Saint Maxime and then take a short boat trip to St Tropez
This is one of my favourite days out. Saint Maxime is a charming town in the French Riveria known as the sister town of St Tropez. Even the drive to Saint Maxime is glorious, set on a stunning coastal road. It’s just beautiful as you wind around the mountains, passing through the pretty towns of Saint-Aygulf and Les Issambres. Stop en route if you want to take in the panoramic sea views and bays. At Saint Maxime you have a wide selection of shops, restaurants, French cafes and brasseries.
I recommend having lunch or dinner at Saint Maxime and then hopping on the shuttle boat to St Tropez to visit the famous town. Arrive on a Tuesday or Saturday morning and you’ll be able to shop at the ‘Provencal’ markets or head to the Old City and wander through the citadel. It’s still at its heart a village with beautifully colourful homes, fishing boats and of course, plenty of yachts and chic cafes. Don’t forget to order the world renowned dessert, Tarte Tropiezenn. It’s delicious.
Also in the region the stunning beaches on Sainte-Marguerite Island, Porquerolles Island and the Esterel Coves by boat. Great spots to get away from the crowds.
2. Walk in the Esterel Mountains
The Esterel Mountains are just a 10 minute drive from the villa making them the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic from the local bakery. The location we suggest, takes you to the best path where you can casually walk, enjoying the sea, charming Provencal villas on the hills and mountain views.
There’s so much to see on these hiking trails. You can walk for 30 minutes or 2 hours. The Esterel Massif covers 32,000 hectares - so there really is something for everyone from the casual walker to the more serious hiker. The highest point is Mont Vinaigre which stands at 614 metres - I’ll be very impressed if you make it all the way to the top!
On the way back I recommend walking along the coast to the little bay of Agay which is a charming, small fishing village. Here you can also enjoy three sandy beaches, and the summit of the Rastel with its red rock formation over the bay is a beautiful place to stop at the end of the day. The views are well worth the effort.
3. Take a walk and coffee along Santa Lucia Port
Just a 5 minute drive from the villa, Santa Lucia is a quaint and picturesque port. As the third marina on the Côte d’Azur, it’s often the starting point for anyone visiting the Mediterranean coast with many visitors setting sail and heading to Corsica and Italy.
It is full of restaurants, bars and cafes and has a coastal path leading to the Saint Raphael big wheel and the Bonaparte park above the sea. We normally stop for a coffee in front of the sea at Le Bains or Le Mugs in front of the Saint Raphael.
It's also a great way to explore Saint Raphael and if you continue walking you will reach Frejus Plage, which I think is one of the nicest beaches on the French Riviera. Covering 2kms the beaches can be busy in August but are always a perfect place to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea all year round. With 300 days of sunshine it’ll always be a good time for a dip. Take an early morning run or late evening stroll along the palm-tree lined promenade, and discover why so many have fallen in love with this part of the world.
Claudia
