Photo of Saint Raphael

About Saint Raphael

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.

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Best Hotels in Saint Raphael

  • Le Confidentiel Hotel Saint Raphael (Cote d'Azur) 30 rooms from $153

    Active Holiday  -  Close to the hotel is the Massif de l'Estérel, a playground for sports enthusiasts with hiking and off road cycling trails
    Romantic Break  -  Opt for extra privacy with one of the wooden lodges surrounded by pine trees and with a terrace facing the pool
    Local exploring  -  Located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, it's a great spot for exploring the French Riviera
    Total relaxation  -  Kick back and relax at the hotel's spa, or by the pool with a cocktail in hand
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    This hotel in the golfing district of Valescure radiates glamour. Bold rooms feature pops of colour, cosy soft furnishings and arty lighting. The elegance continues in the communal areas with chandeliers and exposed stonework. There's a restaurant, spa and chic outdoor pool. A super stylish stay. See More

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  • Hotel Le Touring Saint Raphael (Cote d'Azur) 10 rooms from $193

    Romantic Break  -  The plush Deluxe Suite nestled on the top floor has a separate shower and freestanding tub, plus wonderful sea views
    Local exploring  -  Less than 5 minutes from the train station, it's the ideal spot for exploring the French Riviera
    Sailing  -  The hotel's prime port location means guests can take shuttles to Saint-Tropez, Porquerolles, or Sainte-Marguerite Island
    Sights nearby  -  History buffs shoud head to Fréjus, a city with remarkable heritage that takes you back to Roman times
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViews

    This hotel occupies a prime spot at the port in Saint-Raphael. Chic rooms boast Art Deco touches and sleek lines with accents of black and gold. Foodies are well catered for with a Japanese restaurant, brasserie and tapas bar, plus there's a wellness area with a relaxing hammam. An elegant escape. See More

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  • Les Roches Rouges Saint Raphael (Saint-Raphaël) 44 rooms from $208

    Swimming Pool  -  Two pools - one natural salt water pool right by the sea, and one heated fresh water lap pool.
    Sights nearby  -  The historic Lérins Abbey is a lovely spot to wander around
    Great walks  -  Head off hiking through the Esterel Massif mountain range
    Kayaking  -  The hotel has a two man kayak which you can borrow
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet

    Located right on the coast a few miles outside Saint-Raphaël, Les Roches Rouges is a splendid 5* stay. Light, airy understated accommodation features pale palettes and wooden furniture. Two restaurants (beach or gourmet) for Provencal delights, plus two pools to choose from. Truly dreamy! See More

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  • La Villa Mauresque Saint Raphael (Boulouris) 17 rooms from $217

    Restaurant  -  Mediterranean Provencal cuisine
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews

    A unique and beautiful Neo-Moorish villa on the Cote d'Azur blessed with dazzling panoramic views. The rooms all have their own character, some with private hot tubs. Neutral tones with lashings of vibrant colour - spacious, airy and light. Soak up the Mediterranean air: a perfect beach break. See More

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