Day 1 on the Western French Riviera

Welcome to the Western French Riviera! Once you arrive, check in to your hotel and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin the afternoon by getting acquainted with Sainte-Raphael. Enjoy an afternoon lunch in this picturesque small town with stunning sandy beaches just minutes away from the center of town. We recommend you rent a bike and explore the beautiful coastal town. Some places to check out here include the Notre Dame de la Victoire de Lepante Basilica, San Rafeu Church and the Museum of Prehistory and Underwater Archaeology.

St. Raphael is also on the popular `garden route` called the Route des Mimosas which includes remarkable gardens at Parc du Chateau de la Napoule, Jardin Germain l`Hardy-Denonain, Jardin de la Villa Fort de France and Jardin botanique de la villa Thuret within easy driving distance.

Day 2 on the Western French Riviera

Start the day off early and make your way to Saint-Raphael`s neighbor, the lovely town of Frejus. Once a Roman city, the city has a more rustic, authentic feel than it`s busier neighbor. Here you`ll find signs of Roman ruins around town (the city is filled with monuments), as well as colorful homes, cobblestone streets, old bookstores, and sidewalk cafes.

Spend the last half of your day in Sainte-Maxime, the biggest town on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. You`ll want to see the two main historic landmarks of the city La Tour Caree, originally a defensive structure; today it`s home of a museum of local traditions. Right next to this is the parish church, Eglise Sainte-Maxime, a beautiful church with its marble altar from the former Cathusian monastery. You`ll also appreciate the town`s long beaches, impressive port surrounded by a promenade, and beautiful view on the burg of Saint-Tropez.

Day 3 on the Western French Riviera

Spend your last day exploring the medieval village of Grimaud and the coast below, Port Grimaud. Grimaud was built on a hillside in the heart of the Massif des Maures, Var. It offers beautiful Provencal flower-filled narrow streets and is dominated by the ruins of its 11th-century castle. Port Grimaud is built on canals in the Venetian style, and a great way to explore this village is by boat, allowing you to discover this magnificent village from a whole new perspective.

Alternatively, head further south to spend the last part of your day in Bormes-les-Mimosas, an old village sitting on the flank of the forested Maures Mountains. The village has two parts: a medieval village, and the sea-facing harbor and beaches of Le Lavandou and the coast of Cap Benat. The historic village is on a steep hill, with a castle on top and narrow, winding streets below lined with pretty houses dressed in flowers, boutiques and posh shops. A boat trip to explore the Iles d`Hyeres is also recommended.

Additional Days on the Western French Riviera

Should you be able to spend additional days on the French Riviera spend a relaxing day on the beach! The French Riviera is known for its spectacular coastline and beaches. There are many wonderful sights but one of the greatest pleasures is enjoying one of the magnificent French Riviera beaches and there`s an incredible variety to choose from.

Alternatively, enjoy a lovely train ride on the scenic Train des Merveilles. It is a beautiful way to see the world`s most famous coastlines, with white-sand beaches and bright blue waters stretching as far as the eye can see. Traveling by train is a magnificently relaxing way to take in the stunning landscape. The journey offers multilingual guides that comment on the surroundings.

Your Last Day on the Western French Riviera

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home.