Planning your trip to Provence and need some inspiration? Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a vacation, Fréjus is the place to be! This pretty seaside town is renowned for its Roman and medieval heritage. Hiking enthusiasts will love the breathtaking views from the Estérel trails, and adventurers will appreciate the many water sports on offer. Fréjus also seduced us with its history and colorful alleyways. You’re sure to fall in love!
In this article, you’ll discover a list of 10 ideas of things to do in Fréjus, illustrated by numerous photos. We’ve even added a few bonus activities!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Observe downtown architecture
Why take an interest?
If you’re visiting the seaside town, we recommend you take the time to explore the city center. As you stroll through its charming alleyways, you’ll discover that the historic center of Fréjus is a veritable open-air museum. Roman remains, medieval heritage and authentic Provencal buildings blend harmoniously. We enjoyed soaking up its authentic atmosphere and discovering its architectural treasures, witnesses to a rich and fascinating past. On the program:
- Roman remains: the amphitheatre, theater, arenas and aqueduct are other important vestiges of the Roman era.
- Medieval heritage: Saint-Léonce Cathedral and its thousand-year-old bell tower. The cloister adjoining the cathedral houses medieval paintings that are unique in the world.
- Treasures lurk in the city’s alleyways. Keep your eyes peeled when you visit!
- We also loved the cobbled streets, colorful houses and Provencal shops.
Read more in the following article.
Practical advice
- It’s easy to get around Fréjus town center on foot.
- To explore all the historic and contemporary architectural elements, allow around half a day, depending on your interests.
- To find out more about the items listed above, read the rest of the article.
2. Discover Saint-Léonce Cathedral and its cloister
Why visit it?
We invite you to visit the Cathédrale Saint-Léonce in Fréjus. Its thousand-year history, marked by successive constructions and renovations, makes it a spiritual and cultural symbol of the region. Built on the ancient Roman city of Forum Iulii, it blends Romanesque and Gothic styles in a captivating visual symphony of Provencal colors.
See more photos and information on our article dedicated to Cathédrale Saint-Léonce.
Practical advice
- Address: Place Camille Formigé, in the center of Fréjus.
- Prices and opening times: Free and open all year round at the following times:
Sunday and Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 8.30am – 7pm - Visit duration: between 15 and 45min.
- Best time: The cathedral can be visited at any time of day. However, it’s best to avoid service times.
- Accessibility: Unfortunately, this building is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Access: Cathédrale Saint-Léonce is easily accessible by car, on foot or by public transport. Fréjus bus and train stations are less than a 10-minute walk away.
WHERE TO STAY IN Saint-Raphaël
Option 1 : downtown and beaches of Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus
Enjoy the charm of the towns and all the restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Unique – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Le Touring – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Along the coast to Esterel
By the sea, luxury hotels near the red rocks of the Esterel. We recommend..:
- Hotel La Villa Mauresque – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Roches Rouges – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: in the countryside
For more peace and quiet, enjoy the sea or the countryside, but still close enough to the city. We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Confidentiel – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel la Bastide du Clos des Roses – see prices, pictures and availability
3. Lounging on Fréjus beach (handiplage)
Why go there?
Located close to the town center, the Plage de Fréjus offered us a sunny break during our visit to the seaside town! It stretches for 1km and offers a beautiful view of the port of Saint-Raphaël. At the western end, you can walk back along the marina to a footbridge leading to the Rivière de l’Argens.
To find out more, read our article dedicated to Fréjus Beach!
Practical advice
- Address: the beach stretches for 1km along Boulevard d’Alger and Boulevard de la Libération in Fréjus.
- Access: from the old town: 30min walk. From the port of Saint-Raphaël: 20min walk. The beach is easily accessible by car, on foot or by bike. If you choose to travel by bus, take the 01, A or C bus line of the conurbation’s transport network. Find out more here.
- Accessibility: Plage de Fréjus is a handiplage. It includes a ramp for access to the water, as well as sanitary facilities, changing rooms and showers adapted for people with reduced mobility.
4. Visit the Archaeological Museum
Why visit?
Soak up the imprint left by the Roman Empire and immerse yourself in the town’s archaeological past at the Musée Archéologique de Fréjus. The main finds from excavations carried out in the region since the 19th century are on display. Here you can discover the diversity of Roman art and learn more about the city’s history.
To find out more and plan your visit, read our article dedicated to the Fréjus Archaeological Museum!
Practical advice
- Address: Fréjus town center, 3 Place Calvini.
- Prices and opening hours:
Between October 1 and March 31: Tuesday to Saturday, 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:30.
Between April 1 and September 30: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00.
Admission is €3. Find out more here. - Visit duration: between 1h and 1h30.
- Best time: To avoid the summer crowds, it’s best to visit out of season.
- Accessibility: The museum is on several floors without an elevator. It is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Access: 30min walk from Fréjus beach and 10min walk from the train station. The museum is easily accessible by car, on foot or by bicycle. By bus, take the 01, A or C bus line of the agglomeration’s transport network. Find out more here.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Discover the Roman Arena and Amphitheatre
Why visit them?
Fréjus is home to a large number of Roman remains. Unlike Nîmes or Arles, there are no high-rise monuments left, but we did enjoy discovering the Roman Arena and Amphitheatre. Take the time to visit these 2,000-year-old remains!
Practical advice
- The remains are gathered in the town’s historic center. Find out more here.
- You can easily explore them on foot or on a guided tour. Find out more here.
- Allow at least 2 hours to visit all the remains, depending on your interest in history and monuments.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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6. Visit the City History Museum
Why visit?
Soak up Provencal culture at the Fréjus Local History Museum. You’ll discover the different aspects of Fréjus’ social, economic and cultural life in the 19th and 20th centuries. We enjoyed discovering the history of Fréjus over the last 3 centuries.
To find out more, read our article dedicated to the Fréjus Local History Museum!
Practical advice
- Address: in Fréjus town center, 153 Rue Jean Jaurès.
- Prices and opening hours:
Between October 1 and March 31: Tuesday to Saturday, 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:30.
Between April 1 and September 30: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00.
Admission is €3. Find out more here. - Visit duration: between 1h and 1h30.
- Best time to visit: off-season.
- Accessibility: the museum is on 3 floors with no elevator, and there are also a few steps down to the garden. The site is therefore not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Access: 30min walk from Fréjus beach and 10min walk from the train station. The museum is easily accessible by car, on foot or by bicycle. By bus, take the 01, A or C bus line of the agglomeration’s transport network. Find out more here.
7. See the Roman Aqueduct
Why visit?
We think the Fréjus Roman Aqueduct is a masterpiece of ancient engineering not to be missed! It’s a remarkable example of Roman civil engineering, dating from the 1st century A.D. It helped us imagine the daily life of Fréjus’ inhabitants in Roman times.
Practical advice
- It is located in the city’s historic center. Find out more here.
- It’s easy to visit on foot or on a guided tour. Find out more here.
- Allow at least 30 minutes to discover the entire aqueduct, depending on your interest in history and the monument.
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8. Understanding the city logo
Why take an interest?
In Fréjus, as in other towns in the south of France such as Nîmes, Arles and Orange, the Roman imprint is very present. You won’t want to miss the remains of the Roman Empire when you visit this seaside resort. In the town’s Archaeological Museum, which we mentioned earlier, we were able to observe the statue that inspired the symbol of the town of Fréjus. It represents the head of Hermes
Bicephalous.
Practical advice
Have fun looking for the 2-headed emblem hidden in all 4 corners of the city during your visit!
9. Explore the Estérel volcanic massif
Why explore it?
We loved exploring the hidden treasures of a true jewel of the Côte d’Azur, the Massif de l’Estérel. Hiking is one of the must-do activities on the Côte d’Azur! Its landscapes have enchanted us! They come in a palette of colors: you can admire the red rocks that contrast sharply with the turquoise water of the sea just next to them. You’ll discover breathtaking views along hiking trails suitable for all levels.
Hiking in the volcanic massif of the Estérel is a year-round activity promising an unforgettable adventure through varied panoramas.
Here are our favorite excursions to discover this beautiful volcanic massif:
- Why not take to the trails on a mountain bike? Rent a bike near Fréjus!
- Discover the crystal-clear waters of l’Estérel on a kayak trip – Find out more and book
- Discover the Esterel massif on a raid boat – Find out more and book
- Enjoy a relaxing excursion on the water in the heart of volcanic rock formations – Find out more and book
Practical advice
- Although located by the sea, exploring these trails requires at least good footwear. We advise against wearing beachwear.
- In high season, be sure to check the opening hours of the massifs on the official website of the Préfecture du département du Var here before you go hiking. Sometimes they are closed for various reasons.
- L’Estérel offers a wide range of trails, so you’re sure to find the one that’s right for you here.
10. Visit Saint-Raphaël
Why visit?
Saint-Raphaël is the neighboring city of Fréjus. This pretty town combines Côte d’Azur chic with the soul of a Provencal village. Hiking enthusiasts will love the stunning views from the Esterel trails, as well as the dazzling beaches. St-Raphaël also seduced us with its rich medieval past. As you stroll through its charming streets, you’ll discover architectural treasures that bear witness to a rich and fascinating past. We particularly enjoyed discovering the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire.
To find out more, read our article on things to do in St-Raphaël!
Practical advice
- You can easily reach this town on foot by walking along the Fréjus beach to the Port of Saint-Raphaël. Otherwise, allow less than 10 minutes by car.
The 2 cities are also linked by public transport. You can take the train (TER) or the local bus lines. Find out more here. - Allow around half a day to explore the city center.
- We had the time of our lives in St-Raphaël – check out our favourite restaurants!
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Saint-Raphaël
Things to do in Fréjus: other ideas
Discover the medieval walls
Immerse yourself in history as you explore the remains of Fréjus’ medieval walls. We enjoyed admiring the imposing fortified gates and watchtowers that bear witness to the military architecture of the Middle Ages. Let yourself be transported back in time by the cobbled streets of the old town.
Getting to the Porte des Gaules
Pass through the Porte des Gaules, a majestic Roman vestige dating from the 1st century AD. We’ve learned that this remarkably well-preserved edifice was one of the 4 main entrances to the city. If you’re interested in history and architecture, don’t miss this monumental gateway, once part of the ancient city walls.
Visit the town’s historic distillery
Let yourself be tempted by a visit to the historic Fréjus distillery. During our trip, we discovered this place steeped in history. Liqueurs and aperitifs are still produced here using traditional methods. Discover the secrets of production during a guided tour and taste the unique flavours of these emblematic local spirits!
Lazing on Saint-Raphaël’s most beautiful beaches
Fancy a little idleness? Visit the most beautiful beaches of Saint-Raphaël, Fréjus’ neighboring town. We were enchanted by their mosaics of blues, reds and greens. The crystal-clear waters of the beaches facing the steep ochre cliffs of the Esterel offer a unique spectacle. In St-Raphaël, you can also discover sun-drenched calanques.
A successful poker game at the Fréjus Casino
Why not opt for an evening at the Fréjus Casino and try your luck in a reasonable way, with games of chance and slot machines? You can also enjoy delicious dishes and refined cocktails in the restaurant and bar.
Things to do in Fréjus with children
- Spend the afternoon at Luna Park – more info here
- Cool off at Aqualand – more info here
- Family fun at Fun City – more info here
- Picnic at Base Nature François Léotard – more info here
- Work out at the Parc Aquatique Géant – more info here
Things to do in Fréjus when it rains
Although Mediterranean weather is extremely mild, you can still expect a rainy day! Here are a few ideas to keep you busy on a rainy day. If you’d like to know more about museums, we’ve already mentioned them earlier in the article.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum
- Explore the City History Museum
- Discover the Local Art Museum
- Go bowling in Fréjus
- See a film at the cinema
Excursions around Fréjus
Not sure which Côte d’Azur city to visit? That’s okay, because you can stay in Fréjus while discovering the major cities of the French Riviera. Fréjus has a major advantage: it’s located between Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Antibes. By TER, it will take you 20min to get to Cannes, 40min to Antibes, 1h to Nice and 1h40 to Saint-Tropez. However, we recommend that you opt for a car, which will allow you to explore the region to the full.
Here are the main journey times to give you an idea of the distances involved:
- Driving time to Saint-Tropez: 1h15.
- Driving time to Cannes: 45min.
- Driving time to Antibes and Nice: 1h.
You can also opt for excursions. Here is our selection:
Discover the treasures of Provence:
- Private tour of Cannes, Saint-Tropez and the Côte d’Or – See prices and book
- Wine tasting, vineyard tour and lunch in Nice – See prices and book
- Discover the centuries-old towns of Èze, Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Monte-Carlo and Cannes – See prices and book
- Observe the stars at an astronomy evening in Cannes – See prices and book
Discover the Mediterranean Sea and its jewels through nautical activities:
- Take your first scuba dive! – Find out more and book
- Meet the dolphins – Find out more and book
- Take a 1/2-day boat trip to discover the islands of Agay Bay – Find out more and book
Is Fréjus worth a visit?
Absolutely! Fréjus is a must-see destination on the Côte d’Azur. With its beach, its rich historical heritage and the spectacular landscapes of the Massif de l’Estérel, the town offers a multitude of activities. You can enjoy water sports, hiking or simply relax by the sea. Be sure to visit its museums and historic monuments. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or culture, with family or friends, Fréjus has something for you!
What’s more, from Fréjus, you can easily explore Provence and visit the must-see must-see places and activities on the Côte d’Azur .
Useful tips for visiting Fréjus
Where is Fréjus?
- Fréjus is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
- Close to Mandelieu and its Château de la Napoule beach,
- Between St Tropez and Cannes
- Fréjus to Cannes = 45min drive
- Fréjus to Nice = 1 hour by car
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Fréjus
To get to Fréjus, you can opt for the train. The city is connected to several major French cities, including Paris (4h40), Lyon (3h30) and Marseille (2h).
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
If you’re traveling by car from elsewhere in France, you can reach Fréjus via the A8 motorway or the Autoroute du Soleil. For a more economical route, you can also take the national and departmental roads, such as the D559.
We recommend renting a car for your trip to Provence. It gives you greater freedom of movement and travel. Discover all our tips for renting a car on the Côte d’Azur.
If you’re traveling by car from other European countries, we recommend using European freeways, such as the A8 or the Italian A10 (or Autoroute des Fleurs).
Please note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak and vacation periods. We recommend that you check traffic conditions and plan your route in advance. In addition, make sure you have a motorway sticker in the countries concerned, if necessary, and that you respect the traffic regulations of the countries you will be crossing.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
You can also choose to fly. The nearest airport is Nice, serving French and European cities such as Lisbon, Brussels and Dublin. Once you’ve arrived, the easiest option is to rent a car and drive to Fréjus in 1 hour. Check out our flight offers.
Parking in Fréjus
In the seaside town, street parking is usually subject to a charge. The town has 9 parking lots:
- Parking Paul Vernet
- Parking Agricola
- Parking Clos De La Tour
- Parking Porte D’orée
- Aubenas parking lot (covered)
- Parking Balzac
- Parking Des Etangs De Villepey
- Parking lots Rn98 St Aygulf I
- Base Nature parking lot
Note that in all parking lots except the last 3 on the above list, you can park for free for the first 1/2 hour. And 2 hours free on Saturdays between 12pm and 6pm. Find out more here.
Where to eat in Fréjus
During our stay in Fréjus, we had a wonderful time! Here are our favorite restaurants:
Restaurant La Crêperie de Gaëlle: this establishment offers a magnificent view of Fréjus harbor and serves homemade, gluten-free and lactose-free crêpes. As well as salads, pastas and omelettes.
Restaurant Le Mugs: Restaurant Le Mugs is the ideal place to go if you’re feeling a little hungry or fancy a light meal.
To find out more, read our article on where to eat in Fréjus!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
