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Day Trips · Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Cannes

Saint-Raphaël and the Esterel Coast

  • Distance35 km southwest of Cannes
  • Travel time25-35 minutes by train
  • TransportTER Zou trains from Gare de Cannes; fare about EUR 5-7 (~$6-8)
  • Difficultyeasy
  • Rating★ 4.6
  • Best seasonMay-October

Saint-Raphaël is a seaside town in the Var department, about 35 km southwest of Cannes, reached by TER train in 25 to 35 minutes along a line that passes through the red rocks of the Esterel. The town has a Belle Époque seafront, a Byzantine-Romanesque Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire, the old town and the Port de Santa Lucia. Coastal paths lead to the Corniche d'Or, a road and trail past red cliffs and coves toward Agay.

Saint-Raphaël is a seaside town in the Var department, about 35 km southwest of Cannes, reached by TER train in 25 to 35 minutes along a line that passes through the red rocks of the Esterel. The town has a Belle Époque seafront, a Byzantine-Romanesque Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire, the old town and the Port de Santa Lucia. Coastal paths lead to the Corniche d'Or, a road and trail past red cliffs and coves toward Agay. The seafront has sandy beaches, and boat trips run to the Esterel coast. From Saint-Raphaël it is easy to continue by bus to Fréjus for Roman ruins.

Practical information for Saint-Raphaël and the Esterel Coast · Last updated September 2026
Distance 35 km southwest of Cannes
Travel time 25-35 minutes by train
Getting there TER Zou trains from Gare de Cannes; fare about EUR 5-7 (~$6-8)
Difficulty easy
Address Gare de Saint-Raphaël-Valescure, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France

How to get there

  • TER train
  • Boat in season
  • Car via the A8 or the Corniche d'Or

Suggested itinerary

  1. Train along the Esterel, seafront walk, lunch at the port, Corniche d'Or coastal path, return by train

Location

Gare de Saint-Raphaël-Valescure, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, France

43.4230, 6.7700 View on map

Highlights

  • Esterel red-rock coastline
  • Belle Époque seafront
  • Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire
  • Coastal paths to Agay

Tips for visiting

  • Sit on the seaward side of the train for views of the coast
  • Take bus 8 or the local line to Agay
  • Bring swimwear for the coves

When to visit

May to October.

Accessibility

The seafront is flat; the old town has some steps.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Cannes?

About 25 to 35 minutes.

Can I combine it with Fréjus?

Yes; Fréjus is a short bus ride from Saint-Raphaël and has Roman ruins.

Ready to book

Saint-Raphaël and the Esterel Coast

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