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!

The Best Places to Stay in Saint-Raphaël

For Boutique Chic

• La Villa Mauresque was built by Chapoulard as a Neo-Moorish mansion in 1881, and has been transformed into a stunning boutique hotel with panoramic ocean views. The 21 glamorous rooms and suites have a fresh, airy feel, Le Bougainvillier's Provençal cuisine is fabulous, and you'll find swimming pools, hot tubs and spa treatments galore. Families will adore the watersports, whilst blissful romantics can hide away in sumputous suites.

For Mid-Century Luxury

• Les Roches Rouges offers a luxurious, five-star stay in an iconic 1950s hotel, set right on Saint-Raphaël's rocky Mediterranean shoreline. Whitewashed rooms are light and airy, with retro design pieces and sea-facing balconies. Enjoy two restaurants, two swimming pools and a spa, as well as watersports and coastal strolls. A tranquil gem for design lovers and romantics.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, 40 minutes from Saint-Raphaël by car or bus. The town is also well connected to Nice and Toulon by train.
• The Côte d'Azur is famously wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the warmest weather, with temperatures peaking around 27°C from June to August — although this is also the busiest time of year. May or September are ideal for quieter trips, and winters are still lovely if you're not planning to swim.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Fréjus.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Côte d'Azur.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Saint Raphael