Saint-Raphael offers several themes to guide your travel planning: volcanic landscapes, protected nature, the history of the Provence landings, and architecture and archaeology. You can shape your stay around what interests you most: spending time outdoors, exploring a historic site or learning about architectural and cultural history.
Nature in the Estérel and at Cap Dramont
The Massif de l'Estérel is a volcanic Natura 2000 site and is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Its trails pass through gorges, lead to peaks and cross numerous mountain passes. This means that, alongside the choice of activity, different types of landscape are also a focus. Check the conditions on individual trails before setting out; they may vary seasonally.
Cap Dramont offers a distinct perspective: this protected natural area provides views of Île d’Or, the Bay of Agay and the Estérel. For those interested not only in the landscape but also in its natural features, Cap Nature au Dramont offers a digital interpretation trail. Its mobile content covers Cap Dramont as well as its fauna, flora and geology. This offers a different way to explore the landscape from learning about its natural features.
A site of the 1944 landings
The large Plage du Dramont, also known as Plage du Débarquement, was one of the Allies’ most important landing sites in Provence on 15 August 1944. More than 20,000 GIs of the 36th US Division from Texas landed there, with armoured vehicles and heavy artillery. The date, troop numbers and military equipment place the beach within a specific historical event. The two names, Plage du Dramont and Plage du Débarquement, refer to the place and its role in the landings.
Archaeology and the history of sacred architecture
The Archaeological Museum of Saint-Raphael is located in the old town in a building designated as a historic monument. Next to the museum is a Romanesque church; together, the two make up an 800 m² space dedicated to heritage. The museum explores topics including a medieval church, underwater archaeology and prehistory, and archaeological crypts. The crypts offer a glimpse into 2,000 years of history. This brings different periods and archaeological topics together in one place.
The Notre-Dame Basilica also has a clear historical connection: it was inaugurated in 1887 and elevated to basilica status by the Vatican in 2004. These two dates mark different stages in its history—its inauguration and its later elevation to basilica status.
Walking routes with different themes
The walking routes in Saint-Raphael each have a different focus. The Circuit de Valescure is a free historical walking route through the villas and gardens of Valescure, with descriptive panels along the way. The Circuit de Boulouris passes through the Boulouris district and invites you to discover notable villas on an architectural and landscape heritage trail. On the Circuit de Notre-Dame, 20 illustrated panels bring the architectural heritage and history of Saint-Raphael to life.
The routes can therefore be distinguished by their respective content: Valescure combines villas and gardens with descriptive panels, Boulouris focuses on villas and the cultural landscape, and the Circuit de Notre-Dame features a specified number of illustrated panels. When choosing a route, its theme can be just as helpful a guide as the route itself.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Agay, Comps-Sur-Artuby, Montfort-Sur-Argens, Cavalaire-Sur-Mer, Taradeau, Salernes, Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer, La Crau.
For the main travel overview: Var.
