Fine sandy beaches, medieval villages in the Var, 2,000-year-old Roman remains, the Esterel massif and outdoor activities. The field guide by adventure pros who have covered the south-east for 19 years.
Forum Julii · VarFréjus is much more than a seaside resort. Located between the massif of the'Estérel and the Mediterranean, this city of Var offers direct access to some of the most beautiful landscapes of the French Riviera. Fine sandy beaches, perched medieval villages, 2,000-year-old Roman remains, wild hiking trails, and thrill-seeking activities.
In the morning, you will explore the historic centre and Saint-Léonce Cathedral. In the afternoon, go for a swim at Saint-Aygulf or hike up Mont Vinaigre. And for thrills: first paragliding experience near Fréjus with sea views + Mercantour, or canyoning in the Gorges du Loup.
Who is it for? Families, couples, groups of friends, solo visitors. How long? 3 days for the must-sees, 5-7 days to add excursions (Verdon, Saint-Tropez, Lérins).
Fréjus is one of the most complete seaside destinations in the Var. Several kilometres of coastline, beaches for all types of visitor – families, watersports enthusiasts, or those seeking to relax.
Fréjus Beach remains the most accessible choice, a wide sandy expanse just a few minutes from the centre. Saint-Aygulf seduced by its tranquil atmosphere and proximity to the Étangs de Villepey.
For coves and turquoise waters, the beaches of Saint-Raphaël Along the Esterel corniche: red rocks, maritime pines, crystal-clear sea. Complete change of scenery just 20 minutes away.
The coast is not just about swimming. Jet ski, paddleboard, sea kayak, scuba diving The water sports centres offer a wide range of activities for all levels.
Port Fréjus Concentrate the offer, with providers easily accessible from the port. Ideal for breaking up the beach/sightseeing routine with a day of marine adventure.
Vast seaside park, Free and open all year round. Beach, cycle paths, playgrounds, green spaces. The perfect spot for a relaxing family day out without spending a penny.
In summer, the water park Aqualand just next door completes the offering with slides and fun activities for the little ones.
The Var hinterland is full of medieval villages where time seems to stand still. Less than an hour from Fréjus, you'll find exceptional panoramas, picturesque alleyways and Provençal authenticity.
Roquebrune-sur-Argens Nestled at the foot of the famous rock: ancient heritage, Provençal markets, swimming in the Gorges de l'Argens.
Tourtour at 30 km, nicknamed «the village in the sky»: breathtaking views from an altitude of 635m, shaded squares with century-old olive trees, art galleries.
Petrol, ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, overlooks the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Narrow streets, stone houses, Mediterranean panorama.
Seillans, more discreet: unspoiled Provençal charm, fountains, flowery squares and artists' studios line the route.
Le Pays de Fayence A full excursion. Fayence, known for its gliders. Bargemon, a village of character with 16th-century chapels.
Further east, Entrecasteaux and its listed castle, or Sillans-la-Cascade and its 42m waterfall in the heart of nature.
If you are looking for wild landscapes just a few minutes from the beach, the Massif de l'Estérel is a given. Its red porphyry rocks plunging into the Mediterranean make up one of the most spectacular natural settings on the Côte d'Azur.
The highest point of the massif. Breathtaking views: on a clear day, of From the Alps to the Lérins Islands, passing through the Gulf of Fréjus and the Bay of Cannes.
Hike accessible from the Col de l'Évêque, 2 hours return On marked trails. The must-do nature excursion.
Enter Saint-Raphaël and Agay, Coastal path winding between secret coves, umbrella pines and red rocks. Several sections are suitable for families, with no technical difficulties.
For a short walk: Malpasset Dam, 1 hour through the scrubland. Site steeped in history (collapsed in 1959), concrete remains and Mediterranean vegetation.
A few kilometres from the centre, 260 hectares of protected wetland Between the mouth of the Argens and the sea. The ornithologists' paradise.
Flamingos, herons, and kingfishers. Trails laid out for easy discovery, ideal for a relaxing moment away from the summer bustle.
Fréjus has a historical heritage that many discover with surprise. Founded by Julius Caesar under the name of Forum of Julius, the city retains some of the most important Roman remains in the south of France.
The'Roman amphitheatre accommodated up to 10,000 spectators. Today restored, it serves as a venue for concerts and shows in the summer.
A few streets away, remains of the'Aqueduct and Roman port. The archaeological museum is complemented by mosaics, ceramics, and everyday objects.
One of the oldest religious ensembles in the south of France. 5th-century Baptistery, cloisters with painted ceilings — a remarkable historic monument.
Around you, the historic centre can be explored on foot: colourful alleys, shady little squares, fountains, ochre facades. Authentic Provençal setting.
Peaceful break 24-hectare park in the city centre. The 19th-century residence hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
The route can be extended to the chapels dotted around the commune, testaments to a religious heritage spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
Classic tourist guides often stop at the beaches and villages. However, around Fréjus, some of the best outdoor activities in the south of France are to be found – between sea and mountains, and less than an hour away.
Within 1 hour of Fréjus, the sites of Gréolières are among the most beautiful in France. Take off against a unique backdrop: the Mediterranean on one side, the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour on the other.
3 formulas: Ascending flight best-seller (20-30 min thermal), Prestige flight (45-60 min, HD video). Accessible from 6 years.
Choosing my baptism
Jumps, natural slides, abseiling and white-water swimming. The Gorges du Loup 1 hour from Fréjus: ideal introductory trail for a first experience.
More sporty Gour du Ray, Riolan (Verdon), Cramassouri. Equipment provided, professional instruction. Perfect for families, friends or EVJF/EVG.
Discover our canyons
To experience both in one day, the paragliding and canyoning combo It's a unique formula. Flying in the morning, canyoning in the afternoon.
The best way to discover the region from a totally different angle than the tourist trails. Original idea from gift voucher To surprise.
See the comboFor those who want to combine both flagship experiences, the paragliding and canyoning combo is a unique package offered by Ailéments. Fly out in the morning from Gréolières, head down the Gorges du Loup The afternoon.
Want to learn to fly? Our Paragliding school Nice Offers internships for all levels within 1 hour of Fréjus.
£190 per person · Full day · Photos included · From 5 people.
Book the combo
Fréjus is ideally located for exploring the whole of the South-East. Within a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, you can access some of the most famous sites on the French Riviera and in Provence.
A blend of worldly atmosphere and Provençal charm. Port Grimaud, nicknamed «The Provençal Venice», can be visited on foot or by boat along the colourful canals.
Grimaud At a height, panoramic view of the gulf. Ramatuelle, Petrol and further Le Lavandou and its twelve beaches.
Among the most beautiful canyons in Europe. Lake Sainte-Croix To the turquoise waters, an ideal starting point for pedalo, kayak or swimming.
Castellane, gateway to the Verdon, a prime spot for canyoning and white-water sports. Combine Verdon + adventure activity = best holiday plan.
From Cannes, shuttles rejoin Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat in a few minutes.
Pine forests, secret coves, Fort Royal and Millennial abbey. A change of scenery, far from the bustling coastline. A full day recommended.
Bonus : Nice at 1 p.m. (Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice, Matisse and Chagall Museums) Saint-Raphaël with its Esterel cornice Gréolières 1400 for winter skiing and summer paragliding.
The 4 best-selling packages for experiencing the countryside through outdoor activities. Transparent pricing from €55, for ages 6 and over, led by DEJEPS-qualified instructors with a 1:1 ratio (1 hour’s drive from Fréjus).
Fréjus can be explored over 3 to 7 days. Here are the key seasons and 2 itinerary ideas to make the most of the region.
Ideal conditions: Mild temperatures, moderate crowds, Esterel trails at their best, excellent paragliding.
Ideal beaches, water parks, water sports. Canyoning Excellent (welcome cool water). Very busy tourist sites.
Exceptional light, flight conditions Optimal, back-country harvest. Crowd significantly down. Sweet spot.
Heritage tours and quiet villages. Paragliding subject to weather. Canyoning closed. Skiing at Gréolières 1400 At 1:30.
Morning Fréjus Plage or Saint-Aygulf. Lunch Port Fréjus. Afternoon Roman amphitheatre, Saint-Léonce Cathedral, medieval centre.
Morning Mont Vinaigre (618 m) hike. Lunch at Tourtour or Roquebrune-sur-Argens. Afternoon Customs Officers' Path + Villepey Ponds.
Morning : first paragliding experience from Gréolières (1 hour from Fréjus) OR canyoning in the Gorges du Loup. Afternoon : return via Grasse or Cannes.
With 5-7 days: add the Verdonthe Gulf of Saint-Tropezthe Lérins Islands, and a day to Nice.
A paragliding or canyoning gift voucher A memorable way to offer an experience from Fréjus.
Valid one, customisable, sent immediately by email. For a birthday, a hen do, a EVG. Any questions? Contact us.
Order a gift voucher
Weather, free, comparison St-Raphaël, seasons, outdoor, family, duration, transport.
Le Fréjus Archaeological Museumthe St. Leonce Cathedral and its cloister, as well as the Villa Aurélienne with its temporary exhibitions are the best options for rainy weather.
The shopping centres in Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël offer cinemas and bowling. Good news: canyoning trips are still possible in light rain, as you're already in the water.
La François Léotard Nature Base is completely free: the beach, playgrounds, cycle paths and green spaces. The Esterel and Mont Vinaigre trails are freely accessible, as are the Malpasset dam, the Villepey Ponds and a stroll through the historic centre of Fréjus.
The two cities are neighbours and complementary. Fréjus offers more historical heritage, wider sandy beaches and more affordable accommodation rates.
Saint-Raphaël seduced by its coves along the Esterel coastal road, its lively harbour and the proximity of coastal paths. In both cases, you are the same distance from the inland villages and outdoor activities.
April to October to fully enjoy outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for beaches and water parks. Spring and autumn offer perfect conditions for hiking in the Estérel, visiting villages without the crowds, and thrill-seeking activities like paragliding or canyoning.
Winter remains gentle and allows you to discover the heritage in peace.
Yes. The flight sites of'Accessories (Gréolières, Gourdon, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) and the canyons of the Alpes-Maritimes are accessible by Less than 1 hour from Fréjus.
Ailéments offers Tandem paragliding from age 4 and canyoning trips suitable for all levels, all year round except in January.
Aqualand (water park in summer), the François Léotard Nature Base (free, beach and playgrounds), the Fréjus Zoo, the supervised beaches of Fréjus Plage and Saint-Aygulf, easy walks around the Étangs de Villepey and the customs officers' path.
For children aged 4 and above, a Tandem paragliding experience is an unforgettable experience.
3 days allow you to cover the essentials: a beach and heritage day in Fréjus, a villages and hinterland day, a nature or adventure activities day.
With 5 to 7 days, you can add excursions to the Verdon, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Lérins Islands and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
By car A8 motorway (exit 38). On the train Fréjus station served by TER trains from Nice (1 hour), Marseille (1 hour 30 minutes), Toulon (1 hour). Airport The closest: Nice Côte d'Azur (1 hour by car).
In summer, bus routes connect Fréjus to Saint-Raphaël and the main coastal towns.
4 reasons why Fréjus is one of the most comprehensive destinations in the Var.
Sandy beaches in the morning, red porphyry rocks and wild paths in the afternoon. The most striking geographical contrast of the Côte d'Azur.
Founded by Julius Caesar as Forum of Julius. Amphitheatre, aqueduct, Saint-Léonce Cathedral and 5th-century baptistery: some of the most important vestiges in the south of France.
Tourtour, Gassin, Seillans, Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Pays de Fayence. The Var back-country retains a rare Provençal authenticity on the Coast.
Paragliding at Gréolières, canyoning at the Gorges du Loup, Verdon in a kayak, Ailéments combo. The south-east offers a unique playground for adventurers.
