Saint Raphael on the côte d'azur is a well known seaside holiday resort. Saint-Raphael disposes of all the main assets to delight tourists that are eager for sun, beaches, little restaurants and a summery atmosphere. The city of Saint-Raphael has already convinced a number of artists, sportsmen and politicians; it all started in the second half of the XIXth century as a result of the modernisation and the development of tourism.

At saint-Raphael, tourism continued to boom and today it represents an important part of the local economy as the population increases from 35 000 to 80 000 during the tourist season. The figures prove healthy management as well as the highlighting of saint-Raphael’s much appreciated assets. As soon as the tourist season starts, the city of Saint Raphael puts on its summery finery to offer tourists its very best. For those that like to relax at the seafront or admire their children’s sandcastles, there are plenty of beaches of which the ones at the city centre close to the shops and restaurants.

For those that prefer an active holiday, know that Saint-Raphael is also renowned for its water sports : boat excursions, fishing, diving, sea kayaking and canoeing and for those who like to get a thrill the city of Saint-Raphael proposes waterskiing and parascending. Saint-Raphael also attracts a fair amount of golf players since the city has 3 golf courts of which one is over a century old :  The Valescure Old Course an Esterel Caravaning partener.

If the adventurer in you likes to discover unique and idyllic spots which are only accessible on foot in Saint-Raphael, you’ll have to take the coastal path runs, it will keep you busy for most part of the day.  The winding path has a few surprises for you in store: well hidden creeks you would have never discovered otherwise. Saint-Raphael has 36km of coastline. Saint-Raphael has over 30 different beaches. Saint-Raphael has sandy beaches. Saint Raphael has pebble beaches. Saint-Raphael had creeks and rocky inlets.

Saint-Raphael keeps the relics of those troubled times at the archaeological museum.

The museum building dates from the XVII century and is registered as a historic monument. It is the ancient presbytery of the XII century “Sant Raféu” church and was build on the ruins of the “castrum” (roman legionary campment). In the gardens of the museum you can still find ramparts, embrasures and the tower. Since 1968 the museum host important collections of remnants found during underwater searches near Agay and Antheor. The archelogical museum of Saint-Raphael and the adjacent roman church which are classified as historical monuments, form an important cultural area within the old city centre of Saint-Raphael.

Today the old Saint-Raphael city centre with is shady and narrow streets delights tourists.

THE AGAY BAY AT SAINT-RAPHAEL

The Agay bay is one of the most beautiful harbours of the French Riviera between. The Agay Bay goes from the Dramont Cape to the Baumette point. The Agay harbour it is the natural gateway to the Esterel Mountains. Agay bay has 3 sandy beaches and a terraced area from which you can access the sea through the rocks. The Agay bay was much appreciated by sailors for its downwind situation, Agay means favourable in Greek.

Agay started its development when the railroad was constructed in 1860.Agay, our little village is much appreciated; you can find shops, little beachside hamlets, a decentralized town hall, a police station and a small church near the port in Agay.Every Wednesday there is a market in Agay just across from the beach.

THE DRAMONT

Le Dramont is a district of saint-Raphael. Le Dramont has a lot of tourist appeal, a must have seen on the Cote d’Azur. Just across from the ‘plage du debarquement’ you can see a small private island; a medieval tower on solid red rock. It’s called l’ile d’or (the golden island) and inspired Hergé for his comic book The Black Island in the Tintin series. A less happy memory for this part of Saint-Raphael is the landing of the allied troops during the Second World War on the Dramont beach.