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The fashionable resort of St. Raphael is located on the French Riviera between Cannes and St. Tropez. On one side of the town is the turquoise sea and inland the town is surrounded by lush countryside and the Massif de l'Esterel mountain range.
The seaside town has been a popular travel destination since as far back as the 12th century and before that even the Romans enjoyed this beach resort. What makes this the ideal French beach resort to rent a vacation property is the incredible activities available, the six beaches, the sea and inland beautiful surroundings. The beach front area is rich in cafes and restaurants and water sports are readily available. Divers will love the treasures or WWII wrecks beneath the water. St. Raphael is a lively destination were there seems to always be a festival or special event in progress including the weekly flower, fruit, produce and flea markets.
The town suits all types of travelers, families who can take advantage of the vacation villa rental properties which have plenty of space for all the kids, and it also suits romantic couples looking for some quiet time together. Like the rest of the French Riviera, St. Raphael has a certain je ne sais quoi, a stylish and glamorous air to it.
St. Raphael is accessible by high speed trains, by road from the A8 and St. Raphael is just a 45 minute drive from the Nice airport.
Some of the highlights in St. Raphael
For history lovers…
The town's Old Town (Vieille Ville) is where the 12th century Eglise San Rafeu church is located and on one of the church chapels is an ancient tower that was used to watch for approaching pirate. In the church courtyards you can see remains of the Roman aqueduct which ran beneath where the present railway tracks lies. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology displays findings from beneath the sea just off the coast. The old town of Frejus, which is part of the wider St. Raphael area, is also worth visiting for its medieval town center.
For sun and surf… Beach lovers should choose a vacation condo rental or vacation apartment near the beach where they will have great views and easy access to the beach. Staying in a rental property by the harbor area is also a good option as there are beaches to either side. To the east are beaches lined with cafes, hotels and restaurants and to the south of the harbor you will find the St. Lucia harbor followed by more beaches. Be sure to take a boat trip out to Iles de Lerins and take a drive along St. Raphael's Corniche d'Or coastal road.
Where to stay in St. Raphael
As mentioned there is no shortage of comfortable rental apartments, rental houses and vacation villas in St. Raphael. France Homestyle has a lovely two story villa Claire Fontaine, with breathtaking sea views, walking distance to shops, cafés, waterfront restaurants and beautiful sandy beaches. Northeast of St. Raphel is Le Fustier an authentic country retreat with three bedrooms and 2 baths and to the southwest of St. Raphael is Villa la Musa with spectacular Mediterranean views from a lush hillside setting over looking the sea.
If you prefer there are also long term rentals or for short stays the beach front is lined with hotels and there are even camp grounds nearby. In the summer it is advisable to book early as vacation rentals in St. Raphael fill up fast.
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