24 hours in Saint-Raphaël from the Hôtel Le Vieux Port

Saint-Raphaël is best enjoyed when you avoid the tourist traps. Here's the perfect day out, written by those who live here year-round.

The spirit of this day

Saint-Raphaël is neither Cannes nor Saint-Tropez. It's better: the real French Riviera, the one that still allows you to get close. A town that has kept its fishing port, its Provençal markets and that red massif — the Estérel — which plunges directly into the sea.

In a well-planned day, you can experience it all: swimming in turquoise waters, hiking on spectacular trails, having lunch with your toes in the sand, and dinner overlooking the harbor. Provided you know where to go. That's the purpose of this guide.

8 a.m. — The café facing the port

No rude awakening. Leave the hotel on foot, cross the street. The Old Port is already bustling: fishermen returning, sailboats setting sail, deliveries to restaurants.

Settle down on the terrace for a coffee and croissant overlooking the boats. It is here, in this morning light, that one understands why Saint-Raphaël has captivated painters and writers since the 19th century.

The best approach: take 10 minutes to walk around the port. You'll spot the best terraces for this evening.

10 a.m. — The coastal path to Cap Dramont

Head towards Cap Dramont (10 minutes by car or train from Saint-Raphaël station, Le Dramont stop).

Park in the parking lot at the Landing Beach — the very one where the Allied forces landed on August 15, 1944. A stele and a tank commemorate the history.

From there, set off on the coastal path , marked in yellow. Allow 1 hour round trip to the semaphore. The path runs alongside the red coves, overlooks the translucent sea and offers the most beautiful view of Île d'Or , this small rocky islet with its Saracen tower which is said to have inspired Hergé for The Black Island in Tintin.

Remember to bring: closed shoes (the trail is rocky), water, and your camera.

1 p.m. — Lunch with your feet in the sand

Head back down to one of the accessible coves: Camp Long , Landing or Tiki Beach in Agay (10 minutes further on).

Several beach bars offer unpretentious Mediterranean cuisine: grilled fish, Niçoise salad, chilled rosé from Provence. Book the day before during peak season.

4 p.m. — Swimming and relaxation facing Île d'Or

In the afternoon, two options depending on your mood.

Contemplative option: return to the Landing Beach, deckchair on the black volcanic sand (yes, black — it's rare in the Mediterranean), facing the Île d'Or.

Exploration option: rent a kayak or paddleboard in Agay and approach Île d'Or by sea. Thrill guaranteed.

For sports enthusiasts: the Cap Roux trail (starting at Pointe de l'Observatoire, a 15-minute drive) offers one of the most beautiful hikes in the Var region. Allow 2.5 hours round trip, with 350 meters of elevation gain. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Agay.

6:30 p.m. — Aperitif during the golden hour

Back in Saint-Raphaël. It's the magic hour: the sun sets, and the Estérel mountains literally ignite. The red porphyry of the massif becomes incandescent for 30 minutes. A free spectacle that locals never miss.

The best viewpoint: the terrace overlooking the port , with a chilled rosé in hand. Or the promenade along the Veillat beach.

8 p.m. — Provençal dinner in the heart of the historic center

Head back towards the centre, around the Place de la République or the Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire basilica (to be seen illuminated in the evening, its neo-Byzantine architecture is superb).

The area is full of bistros and Provençal restaurants: seafood, market vegetables, and wines from the Var region. Avoid the overly touristy establishments along the seafront; instead, opt for the pedestrian streets behind the port.

11 p.m. — Walk back to the hotel

That's one of the great advantages of staying in the Old Port : everything is within walking distance. No car to pick up, no taxi to look for. One last look at the illuminated masts, and off to bed.

Why stay at the Hotel Le Vieux Port

This day is only possible because you're in the right place. Facing the Old Port, in the heart of Saint-Raphaël , the hotel puts everything within easy reach:

• SNCF train station 5 minutes walk away (Marseille in 1 hour 30 minutes, Nice in 1 hour)

• Beaches within walking distance (Veillat 3 minutes away)

• Restaurants, a Provençal market, shops : all around

• Cannes is 25 minutes away, Saint-Tropez is 40 minutes away by car

• The Esterel Massif right on the doorstep