One of the quieter, less touristy towns of the idyllic Côte d'Azur, Saint-Raphaël is a marvellous destination for a seaside holiday as a couple, or with family and friends. Highlights include the picturesque harbour, where colourful fishing boats bob in the swell, and the cobbled streets of the Old Town, lined with old hotels and charming little cafés. Wonderful for heritage enthusiasts as well as keen foodies and beachgoers — blessed with 36km of shoreline to explore — Saint-Raphaël offers a fabulous selection of accommodation options. Chosen for their amenities, location and style, our pick of the best places to stay in Saint-Raphaël are sure to dazzle and delight.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Saint-Raphaël has a long and intriguing past. Discover the Marine Archaeological Museum, admire Palladian-style villas from the town’s boom with the arrival of the Provençal railway, and visit the picturesque 12th-century Church of St. Raphaël or the sandstone Notre Dame de la Victoire Basilica. The Jardin Bonaparte is ideal for strolls in the sunshine, whilst happy hikers can venture out to Baumette Lighthouse, along a coastal path past the beaches where the Allies landed during the Second World War, or to the Massif de l’Esterel. Débarquement Beach, facing the Île d'Or, is particularly famous — as are the rocky coves of Fournas and Maupas. Spend your days swimming, kayaking, sailing, fishing or hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding hills.
Hip, design-minded travellers will find our selection of the best places to stay in Saint-Raphaël particularly special: an 1881 mansion and a mid-century icon await!