Campsite near Saint-Raphaël

During your camping holiday in the Var region, keep yourself a day or even a few hours to visit Saint-Raphaël. This multi-faceted town has more than one surprise up its streets. Head towards the historic centre, also originally called the "village district" as it was peopled by the peasantry. Nowadays, it is nicknamed "the old town" and is home to a daily market where flowers and local vegetables can be bought. A true pleasure for the eyes and the mouth.

While visiting, behold the 12th-century Romanesque church and the watchtower that offers a remarkable viewpoint. The church's former presbytery now harbours the archaeological museum. Another museum to discover with your family is the 400-sq.m Musée Louis de Funès, located on Rue Jules Barbier. There, more than 350 documents are presented to the public under the form of film excerpts, drawings, photographs, etc. In the soundscape, Louis de Funès' voice allows a total immersion into the actor's life. A child-friendly course takes young visitors on a playful tour with games based on De Funès' filmography.

Further to that, leave the old town and make it to the Notre-Dame basilica, an architectural gem mainly built with the pink sandstone which is typically found in the Esterel. Behold its impressive dimensions, 35 meters in height and an area of 850 square meters. It was erected in the late 19th century when the historic centre's old church became too small to host the newcoming inhabitants.

During your camping holidays, Saint-Raphaël will give you refreshment as it is a true open-sky ground for water sports. Between the blue sky and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, get ready to live unique experiences and have a great time with your family. In fact, the spa resort provides an unbelievable number of water activities to enjoy, whether you crave for thrills or chills. That way, you might go at your own pace for a kayaking or paddling glide on water. Or else, embark on a guided dive and discover the wonderful world beneath the sea and its Roman shipwrecks. Another idea, a sailing trip near the red rocks. And for a fun family time, what batter than buoy-towing? It's loads of laughs! There is enough for all tastes and all cravings in Saint-Raphaël.

Besides that, to spare you unnecessary journeying, enjoy the ideal location of La Plage du Dramont, a campsite in the Var region with the beach in direct access. That's not all, the beach of Agay is near too, just 3 km away. It has a lifeguard patrol in summertime and offers a unique view onto the Esterel and the bay. The beach is also a fantastic place for a wide range of water activities. For an unforgettable kayaking or paddling trip, row your boat to the Île d’Or.

Departing from Agay, start your stroll to the Esterel Massif, an easy, family-friendly trip. The 15-km round tour with 190 m of elevation gain gives you an excellent first impression of the massif as you cycle across the forest. Equally easy is the Saint-Barthélemy round trip (19 km / 250 m gain). Also departing from Agay, this biking trip will let you feast your eyes with the "Corniche d’Or", a splendid road that runs along the Esterel's rocky inlets called "calanques".

For seasoned bikers or those who ride an e-bike, take the "Sea-to-Foothills" tour, a 70-km-long route with a 500-m gain, starting from Saint-Raphaël's old harbour. It will allow you to cycle along the seaside as well as to take the hairpin bends of passes and explore the Provençal hinterland.

For your information, Fréjus and its greater area offer an extended network of bike lanes if you want to cycle safely. You can therefore link Saint-Raphaël to Fréjus with the 4-km lane, and from there reach the coastline's lovely beaches or the ponds of Villepey, a protected natural area lying 5 km away.