French Riviera Activities
Are you looking for ideas for activities on the Côte d’Azur to maximize your camping holiday in Saint Raphaël? Discover our selection of essential activities around Esterel Caravaning: cultural, sporting, for your leisure time or in the heart of Nature!
Cultural Activities
Discover Saint-Raphaël & its beautiful port, city centre & old town
Saint-Raphaël stretches over 24 kilometres of coastline. A seaside resort par excellence, it is of course an attractive tourist city with its magnificent beaches in addition to being a cultural city with all kinds of entertainment offered throughout the year. Discover the Beaurivage park and stroll along the seaside to the Old Port, where you can explore the city centre, its shopping streets and the basilica on Rue Félix Martin (Félix Martin street)..
The Basilica, the Bonaparte garden, the Arts district ...
The magnificent Notre-Dame de la Victoire Basilica watches over Saint-Raphaël. This building built by Pierre Aublé between 1882 and 1889 is a representation of the Romano-Byzantine style which was very popular during the Belle Epoque. Above the Port, the Jardin Bonaparte offers an exceptional place of relaxation with a sculpture of the Archangel Raphael which dominates the sea. Going up a little further towards the old town, you will arrive in the Arts District.
The LOUIS DE FUNES Museum in Saint-Raphaël
This museum is dedicated to the famous French comedian, Louis de Funes, and allows visitors to retrace his career and life through a collection of objects and documents. Photographs, posters, film clips, awards, letters and drawings are presented in an original museography. Truly a cultural and comedic stopover during your stay in Saint-Raphaël.
Take an arts & craft tour of Fréjus
With some 36 workshops, the Fréjus arts and crafts circuit offers a very diverse walk. Whether it is about pottery, lithography, painters, woodcarvers, mosaicists, photographers or interior decorators ... this tour in the heart of the historic centre of Fréjus is a true cultural and artistic marvel.
Go back in time through this circuit that revives a tradition that died out in the 18th century. This is a unique idea in France, with meetings of passionate craftsmen and artists who will introduce you to their creations and materials using astonishing techniques.
Admire the Fréjus Cathedral cloister
The Episcopal group of Fréjus in the Var includes the 5th-century baptistery, the cathedral, the cloister and the former episcopal palace, surrounded by medieval buildings. This unique ensemble in Provence is located on the site of the ancient city founded by Julius Caesar in 49 BC, in the heart of the current city centre. Enjoy the painted ceiling of the cloister which is comprised of hundreds of humans and animals, all derived from both reality & fantasy.
Take a stroll through Nice's old town
From the famous "Place Massena", walk the small streets to the old centre of Nice, enjoy the scents of Nice specialities and the glowing colours of the old facades. Head for Cours Saleya, a pedestrian esplanade surrounded by restaurants and home to a lovely local market that takes place every morning. Continue onto the seaside and the world-famous "Promenade des Anglais" for a pleasant stroll and a breathtaking view of the bay of Nice.
Explore the wine trail in La Motte en Provence
A stone's throw from the Pennafort gorges, the Provence wine trail in the Var reveals its vineyards on both sides, sometimes interspersed by olive trees, sometimes by umbrella pines. In the background: the red rocks of the Haut-Var mountain ranges. In this setting worthy of a Cézanne painting, the Château d'Esclans welcomes you around its magnificent 18th-century castle.
Château D'Esclans produces prestigious Provence wines. The Garrus cuvée, whose Grenache vines are over 80 years old, is thus reputed to be "the most expensive rosé in the world". An astonishing rosé, not only for its price but also for its complexity, its lively fruit aromas and its length in the mouth. An extraordinary wine to taste for any special occasion...
Treat yourself to a scented walk in Grasse
In the heart of the perfume capital, the International Perfume Museum in Grasse traces the history of perfumery through exceptional collections, the history of perfume and the evolution of its manufacturing techniques over 4000 years. As you walk through the museum, you will learn all about the history of Grasse and the making of a perfume: plants, olfactory notes, perfume organ, nose, laboratory ...
The greenhouse will show you the procedure for cultivating some perfume plants such as jasmine and rosemary. Finally, kids and adults can play the role of apprentice perfumers by recognizing the scents in the unique courses offered by the museum.
Follow in the footsteps of the Romans in Fréjus
Fréjus or Forum Julii is nestled right next to the city of Saint-Raphaël and has an incredible number of Roman remains classified as historical monuments. Come and unravel the mysteries of the Roman era by visiting the amphitheatre, the aqueduct, the ruins of the theatre and the famous Golden Gate. The arenas have been restored and host many artists throughout the summer with their exceptional acoustics and decor. A city of art and history, Fréjus is one of the must-see places in Provence...
Visit the Oceanographic Museum of MONACO
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, facing the Mediterranean Sea, opens the doors to the marine world. Created by Prince Albert I of Monaco, it was designed as a Palace entirely dedicated to the Arts & Science. Standing on a rock for over a century, the museum watches over the oceans. Its architecture pays tribute to the marine world. Come and escape with the family in this magical place and discover the mysteries of the depths: historic aquariums, a shark lagoon and a turtle island on the panoramic terrace. Kids & adults can learn to know the oceans but above all learn to love and protect them. Another surprise of this visit, the touch pool, for an unforgettable experience: touching a starfish, caressing a baby shark… You will return to Esterel Caravaning filled with memories!
Sporting Activities
Work on your swing at the Valescure Golf Course in Saint-Raphaël
One of the oldest golf courses in the French Riviera, the Golf de Valescure in the Var welcomes you with its atypical 18-hole course of more than 5 kilometres in the middle of umbrella pines. Created in 1895 by English aristocrats, its design similar to British golf offers relatively short holes suitable for very technical play. The narrowness of the fairway, difficult roughs and water obstacles require constant concentration and careful choice of clubs.
Beginners have not been forgotten as a group and private lessons are offered all year round by Patrick Cotton, who was number 1 in France back in 1978.
Get started with jet skiing in Agay
A unique activity to discover the harbour of Agay! Whether with family or friends, the jet ski along the Corniche d'Or is an extraordinary ride. Supervised by an instructor, either alone or with a passenger, enjoy the gentle heat of the French Riviera while having fun with the waves ...
At Esterel Caravaning, we have tested this for you and we recommend the "red rocks" hike which will take you along the Esterel to Théoule.
The Agayjet base also offers water games for moments of relaxation and fun.
Sailing in Agay
Whether you're an experienced sailor or even just a new adventurer, the "Agay Base Nautique", just down the road from Esterel Caravaning, offers catamaran rentals, windsurfing boards and all sorts of nautical fun in the "sea garden" for the little ones. Let yourself go with the winds along the beaches and go around the famous Sea Lion, a famous red rock in the middle of the bay of Saint-Raphaël.
Take your first dive in Saint Raphaël
In the region of Agay Saint-Raphaël, the seabed conceals real treasures: submerged villages, shipwrecks, and multi-coloured corals ... the Dramont dive centre team invites you to discover all these wonders. From a simple beginner's lesson around the Golden Island to more experienced diving excursions, the centre is open to all levels. Among the most unusual dives, let us quote that of the "village" at the point of Agay. From the surface to a depth of 24m, you will discover a miniature village with its church and its houses. The village has become the favourite spot for groupers, vives and congers.
Take a buggy ride in the Esterel in Agay
Departing from Esterel Caravaning, set off on an adventure to discover the Corniche d'Or and the gates of Esterel: Whether you prefer to explore by ATV buggy or mountain bike, let yourself be guided by the beauty of the Esterel mountains, decipher puzzles and complete the challenges of each activity. An adventure to share with family or friends!
Canoeing down the Verdon
In the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park in the Alpes de Hautes Provence, this canyon is considered the most beautiful in Europe and is often nicknamed the European Grand Canyon. Immerse yourself in the heart of nature by discovering the many water activities for young and old, such as canoeing and pedalos, through grandiose landscapes. Caves, hanging rocks, turquoise water… unforgettable memories for the whole family!
Play golf in Saint-Endréol au Muy
Between the Provence region and the seaside, the Domaines de St-Endréol offers you the art of living across its magnificent 150 hectares. Giving you all of the chill vibes and relaxation needed to enjoy the perfect day. Dominated by the rock of Roquebrune, with breathtaking views at sunset, the river and the bodies of water follow one another through the umbrella pines.
Nature Activities
Visit Sillans-la-Cascade
Less than a few minutes from the Gorges du Verdon, Sillans-la-Cascade is a medieval village that welcomes you with its impressive 44m high waterfall, accessible by a pretty path through the woods. You can see the old medieval castle buried in the vegetation, and the magic of this place will enchant you throughout your day.
Hiking in the Esterel
Choose your favourite walk to discover the treasures of the Esterel mountains. The grandiose panoramas will amaze young and old. A Provencal guide will accompany you, through his stories and anecdotes you will learn to adore these glowing rocks in the heart of the Mediterranean forest ...
Take a boat trip to the Lérins Islands opposite Cannes
Facing the bay of Cannes, in a paradisiacal setting of unspoiled nature, the Lérins Islands invite you to discover their secrets. Embark from the port of Cannes for the island of your choice, Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat. The islands are home to exceptional flora and fauna with extraordinary panoramas. Swimming, walking and exploring will be on the menu, as well as vestiges of the past such as the Abbey of Saint-Honorat where monks live there in a community setting and produce a famously unique wine.
Take the coastal path to Saint Raphaël
From the Port of Santa Lucia in Saint-Raphaël to Agay, the coastal path stretches. Around Cap du Dramont, at the foot of the semaphore, this path overlooks the sea and the rocks. At the foot of the cape, the small fishing port of Poussaï is undoubtedly the most picturesque place on the Esterel and the Riviera.
As you walk this path, you will have breathtaking views of the coast and in particular of the Île d'Or, this rock is known for having inspired Hergé for the cover of his comic "Tintin and the Black Island". This lovely walk for the whole family will also take you to small hidden coves with natural pools framed by the rocks. You then arrive on the large beach of Le Dramont, which was one of the main sites of the Provence landings during the Second World War.
Leisure Activities
Slide down the Aqualand water slides in Fréjus
Aqualand in Fréjus is a day of fun for the whole family but also a great opportunity to have fun with friends. Nearly 20 water attractions await you! Giant slides, descent in total darkness or even the famous king cobra, unique in Europe, will delight snowboarding fans. A minipark has been designed for toddlers with playful and entertaining games, and the children’s paradise will delight children of all ages. A unique experience not to be missed!
Enjoy the Night Market in Saint-Raphaël
From July to August, after a good dinner on the terrace of the restaurant of Esterel Caravaning, take advantage of the balmy summer evenings to stroll on the seaside between Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, where local artisans, artists and traders exhibit their products and make our senses travel. Numerous bars and shops line the market to satisfy all tastes and desires.
Have a Flutter at the Casinos in Saint-Raphaël
The Saint-Raphaël Casino in the Var welcomes you facing the sea for moments of pleasure and conviviality. More than 175 slot machines await you as well as a table games area with an exceptional view of the old port of Saint-Raphaël, blackjack, English roulette, poker… Place your bets & have a nice little flutter!
Take a merry-go-round ride at Luna Park in Fréjus
Looking for thrills? Come take a walk at Luna Park in Fréjus for guaranteed thrills! With thrilling rides for the older ones and a Babyland for the little ones, this theme park is suitable for the whole family. Open every evening from May 24 to September 4 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Enjoy a shopping spree in Saint-Tropez
The famous village of St Tropez has always been a dream for any & all jet setters. A must for celebrities, lovers of the sea, history, art and heritage enthusiasts. This legendary port, with its many facets, is a magnet for partygoers & shoppers. It has also been featured in many films, TV shows & songs. Wandering through the small streets, you will find ready-to-wear boutiques, trendy young designer stores and, of course, the biggest luxury brands. Come and discover the fashion accessory par excellence, the Tropezian sandals, born in the famous village in 1927. Leather sandals with straps are successful thanks to their look and their flexibility. Even today the Tropéziennes are still made by hand in the small workshop in the back room.
After your shopping trip, relax on the terrace of a café, and taste an artisanal ice cream facing the harbour.