Saint Raphael
Holiday apartments in Saint-Raphael Var, South France

First, you should explore the narrow, shady alleys of the old town, or village district, which in days gone by was the peasants quarter. Every day there is a typical Provençale flower and vegetable market.
Visit San Raféu church (also called the Templiers or Saint Pierre church). Dating from the 12th century and modernized in the 18th, the presbytery houses an archaeological museum.
Then, at the top of the watchtower (13th century) enjoy the superb panoramic view of the bay.

Saint-Raphael is one of the most delightful places to take private villa to rent in the Esterel.
Known as the sailing capital of the region, Saint-Raphael has over 40 km of coastline, as well as 5 separate harbours in which to moor a yacht.
A holiday rental property here is the finest spot from which to explore the coastline from a boat, and if you visit during the summer months, you shall almost certainly get caught up in one of the many festivals, events and celebrations which take over the streets on an almost weekly basis.

Beaurivage area is Located at the far West of Santa Lucia Port, Beaurivage offers : - a water sports centre : windsurf, sailing, optimists, sailing dinghy, catamarans, nautic activities for children, regatta. - vast car park - a large shaded garden with footpath, music stand, crazy golf, mini-car circuit - A 600-metre shingle beach following on from Veillat beach. Specially equipped fairways for windsurfing and waterskiing.
The fine sand beaches, the seafront promenade, the old port, the casino and the numerous water sports activities offered contribute to make St Raphael a renowned seaside resort.

The underwater archeology

The commune of Saint-Raphal has a 40 kilometre coastline, part of which is situated within the listed Estrel Hill Range.
This undulating coast, which has seen intense maritime traffic going back to the earliest antiquity, has been the scene of many shipwrecks, of which the first remains go back to 500 B.C. right up to the Provence landings of 15th August, 1944.
Here 2,500 years of underwater history stretch out on the seabed.

The old Harbour

In the morning at the old harbour, in the heart of Saint Raphael, professionnal fishermen empty their "pointus" (boats) full of fish, they sell directly their fish.

Santa Lucia harbour:

A few hundred yards away and accessible on foot from the town centre, Santa Lucia is the third-ranked marina on the Cote dAzur. Its an ideal departure point for Corsica, Italy and the Mediterranean coastline.
Next to the boatyard is the start of the coastal footpath.
As for idlers, they can enjoy the 2 km of quays lined with shops and businesses. The nearby Palais des Congres contributes dynamism to the area and organises numerous events.