Saint-Raphaël is a seaside haven between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. A place where red cliffs meet blue horizons and natural beauty meets Riviera charm. We discovered Saint-Raphaël during our tour of the French Riviera, guided by our Cannes-based film crew.
The original plan was to stop at Théoule-sur-Mer, but the captivating scenery led us to continue down the coastline. With views to die for, no one on the team complained about exceeding the allotted filming time.
So, what makes this part of Côte d'Azur so alluring? The journey is a big part of the experience, as it follows the Corniche d'Or, one of France's most scenic coastal roads. With the magnificence of the Estérel Mountains on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, it is difficult to exaggerate the charm of this part of Côte d'Azur.
Exploring the beautiful coastline of the French Riviera
Driving this route transforms the trip into a scenic and deeply cinematic adventure. It is the kind of coastal road that begs you to pause, breathe, and enjoy the Riviera at its most natural. The very essence of what makes the South of France so special.
Driving a red convertible Ferrari as we did is certainly a good choice, but it doesn't really matter what car you drive. In case you're wondering we were not inspired to do this by the scenes with a red Ferrari in the movie Killers (starring Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher and Tom Selleck). While we covered some of the same cities, it was purely coincidental. Besides, the Ferrari used in Killers was the older California, which isn't exactly a crowd favorite.
The allure of Anthéor as you drive by the 19th-century viaduct overlooking the Calanque d'Anthéor cove is just one of many spots that will leave you with lasting memories. Anthéor also has a large number of high-value seaside villas with private beach access in gated communities.
With only a day to spare, here's the best way to get the most out of this canton:
Morning: Coastal Air and Culture
Begin your day along the Sentier du Littoral near Cap Dramont, a coastal path lined with Aleppo pines and crimson rock formations by the sea. The short climb rewards you with vistas of Île d'Or, a golden-hued island that's still hiding a fair amount of mystery. It inspired The Black Island in Georges Prosper Remi's (better known as Hergé) Tintin adventures.
You can kayak to get a closer view of the island and its mysterious tower. Unfortunately, you won't be able to explore it, since the island is privately owned. A stop at Plage du Veillat isn't a bad idea. It's a sandy beach close to some historical attractions in the town.
These include the neo-Byzantine Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire basilica and the Tour San Rafeu tower. Climb to the top of the tower and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views from the Estérel mountains all the way out to St Tropez.
Other historical attractions in the area include Musée Archéologique de Saint-Raphaël. It is housed in a Romanesque church where ancient amphorae and shipwreck relics tell the story of the region's maritime past.
Musée Louis de Funès celebrates one of France's most prolific actors in an intimate and entertaining setting. Louis de Funès played roles in over 150 movies and also had many stage roles. It is the perfect way to end the morning.
Midday: Lunch by the Water
Port Santa Lucia is the ideal place to have lunch. There's a long list of waterfront eateries where you can treat yourself to fresh Mediterranean cuisine featuring grilled fish, local rosé, and Provençal vegetables bursting with color.
You can walk off some calories by visiting the Jardin Bonaparte garden, where you'll find the intriguing L'Archange Raphaël statue, one of the best-known landmarks in the town.
For those who'd rather take to the water, private catamaran or motorboat cruises depart from the port, gliding beneath the Estérel cliffs and pausing in secluded coves for a swim in translucent water.
Afternoon: Provençal Wines and Riviera Glow
A short drive inland, the town of Fréjus opens onto rolling vineyards, home to Côtes de Provence Fréjus wines nurtured by volcanic soils. At Clos des Roses, elegant tasting rooms open onto sculpture-dotted gardens and art installations, while Château Paquette offers organic vintages that highlight the Tibouren grape.
Both estates welcome visitors for guided tastings and a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind Provence's celebrated rosé.
As late afternoon unfolds, return to the coast to watch the Estérel cliffs blush gold in the setting sun. This is when Saint-Raphaël's quiet elegance feels most alive. The view of the sunset will be the highlight of your trip.
Where to Stay
After a full day of activities, it's only fair to indulge in opulent comfort before driving off to your next destination. Here are two of the best options:
La Villa Mauresque
La Villa Mauresque is an LBHC hotel housed in a 19th-century Moorish-style villa featuring 22 suites set within fragrant gardens leading down to the water's edge.
Its restaurant, Le Bougainvillier, helmed by Chef David Boyer (Meilleur Ouvrier de France), serves refined Provençal dishes in candlelit elegance. The waterfront at the south side of the hotel is a great place to sit back and reflect on the day's adventures.
Private boat access and discreet service make it one of the region's most exclusive retreats.
Les Roches Rouges
Les Roches Rouges captures the essence of Mediterranean minimalism with its modernist design and direct access to the sea. A seawater pool carved into the rocks, horizon-facing rooms, and Michelin-starred cuisine make it a serene haven just outside town.
One of the boutique hotels in the Beaumier collection, its proximity to Île d'Or increases its appeal. In-house restaurants, La Plage and the one Michelin-starred Recit, offer excellent options for a sumptuous dinner after a day of discovery.
However, don't limit your dining options to those at the hotel you choose. Saint Raphael and its nearby towns have a variety of restaurants serving delectable cuisine. Be adventurous and assess which of these appeals to you the most. It should be the perfect way to end your day.
