The most beautiful cities & towns on the French Riviera
From famous seaside resorts to typical Provence villages, the Côte d’Azur offers several towns and villages to visit during your camping holiday in Saint Raphaël. Here is our top 10 of the most beautiful towns in the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes…
Saint-Raphaël
Ideally located in the heart of the Estérel, east of Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël is a colourful little town surrounded by unspoiled nature. The city is made up of different districts, all different from each other: the old town, Agay, Boulouris, Santa Lucia, Dramont and Anthéor Le Trayas. Saint-Raphaël appeals to history buffs as well as seasoned athletes and holidaymakers who want above all to enjoy its superb beaches. The city centre of Saint-Raphaël is only a few minutes by car from Esterel Caravaning.
Fréjus
Attached to Saint-Raphaël, Fréjus is a town of art and history that deserves a day's visit during your camping holiday in the Var. The episcopal group, the Roman aqueduct and the arena are among the sites to visit. Families with children will have something to have a good time at Aqualand, Luna Park or even Kuentz Cactus World.
Saint-Tropez
A city popular with celebrities and the jet-set for several decades, Saint-Tropez is a chic town 46 km west of the Esterel Caravaning campsite which has retained its Provencal charm whilst becoming an icon of the French Riviera. This is partly thanks to its many cameos in various films & TV shows. The bay of Saint-Tropez is worth a visit, as is the 17th-century citadel. Saint-Tropez is surrounded by two charming villages, Ramatuelle, where the famous beach of Pampelonne and Gassin is located, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival has made Cannes a mythical city that perfectly combines and defines the essence of luxury and culture. But Cannes isn't just a pretty face for it also has plenty of interesting historical sites, traditional markets, a colourful old port, pretty beaches as well as the beautiful Lérins Islands. Cannes is only 33 km from Esterel Caravaning via the famous and fabulous seaside coastal road: the Corniche d'Or.
Nice
Known as the capital of the French Riviera, Nice is a city of culture and gastronomy not to be missed during your holidays in Provence. You can spend hours walking there, from the Promenade des Anglais to the park on Castle hill, passing through the old town of Nice. This incredible city, just 72 km from the campsite, is also known for its incredible carnival in February.
Sainte-Maxime
Located north of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime is a small seaside resort crisscrossed by several coastal rivers. Don't miss the Myrtes botanical garden, a true sample of Provencal flora. Sainte-Maxime is less than 30 km from Esterel Caravaning campsite.
Menton
Menton is a very pretty city. With its colourful houses, its gardens, its charming atmosphere and its pleasant micro-climate all year round, Jean Cocteau's town is a wonder for the senses. It has an Italian feel to it given the city's proximity to the Italian border. The town, 72 km from the campsite, is also known for its incredible carnival and lemon festival in February.
Gassin
Located in the hills above Saint-Tropez, Gassin is ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This village has a pleasant historic centre, wine châteaux and a remarkable botanical garden. The view over the bay of Saint-Tropez is of course a must. The village is 46 km from the campsite and can be visited at the same time as Saint-Tropez.
Hyères
Located 85 km west of the campsite, just before Toulon, Hyères offers an amazing mix of natural, historical and archaeological sites. The city has a pleasant old town surrounded by ramparts where it is good to walk. Among the essential tourist sites of Hyères, do not miss the Villa Noailles, the Templar tower and the archaeological site of Olbia. It is also from there that one can visit the magnificent islands of Hyères that are Porquerolles, Port-Cros and the island of Levant.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Last but certainly not least in our top 10 of the most beautiful towns in the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes is the small town of Bormes-Les-Mimosas. Located between Hyères and Saint-Tropez, is about 68 km from Esterel Caravaning. This charming medieval town is nestled between the Massif des Maures and the Mediterranean Sea, so you can hike and swim there easily. It is also in Bormes-les-Mimosas that is the fort of Brégançon where the Presidents of the Republic come on vacation.