Located in the heart of the French Riviera, St Raphael offers good beaches, restaurants, cafes, clubs and hotels – at a fraction of the cost of its more glamorous cousins along the coast – just perfect for honeymoon couples on a budget.
Visit the Eglise des Templiers, a 12th century church that stands on the ruins of two Carolingian churches and see the Roman ruins of an aqueduct nearby.
Party-on at La Reserve nightclub or try your luck at the gaming tables of the Grand Casino.
If you like, an official nude beach, the Plage de St-Ayguls, lies 10km west of the town centre.
The best beaches in St Raphael, include…
Dig your toes into this long stretch of golden sand that shelves into shallow water.
This family friendly beach offers a range of facilities such as parasols and sun loungers, within reach of cafes, restaurants and hotels.
This region is one of the most affordable spots along the French Riviera and is especially popular with families.
This 7km-long pebble and sand beach became part of history on 15 August 1944 when Allied forces stormed ashore into then-occupied France during World War II.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers.
St Raphael boasts a good range of hotels suitable for honeymoon couples, such as the charming family run Hotel Excelsior, located on the beachfront promenade opposite a golden-sand beach.
Or relax in luxurious style with cliff-top sea views at the splendid Villa Mauresque, the former home of author W. Somerset Maugham. The Moorish-style villa is located in the tiny coastal village of Boulouris, just five minutes drive from St Raphael.
The best time to visit St Raphael is during May, June and September when the weather is still warm, around 26°C (79°F).
During these months you can avoid the crowds, traffic jams, high prices and heat of July and August, when temperatures average 27°C (81°F) but can often soar to 35°C (95°F).
St Raphael enjoys warm summers and mild winters.
Summer, from June to September, enjoys clear sunny days with an average high of 27°C (81°F) made pleasant by cooling sea breezes.
St Raphael sees an average high of 24°C (75°F) in June, 28°C (82°F) in July and August before dropping to 24°C (75°F) in September. However, summer temperatures can soar beyond 35°C (95°F).
Seawater temperature peaks at 23°C (73°F) in August.
More information about St Raphael and weather in the French Riviera…
The most convenient route to St Raphael from overseas is by air to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), located around 60km (37mi) from St Raphael, followed by taxi or hire car, taking around 45 minutes.
St Raphael is located 37km (23mi) from St Tropez, 39km (24mi) from Cannes and 67km (41mi) from Nice.
During the summer season a sea ferry service operates between Saint Raphael, St-Tropez, Antibes, Nice, Sainte-Maxime and Cannes.
More information about Getting to the French Riviera…
Latest update: St Raphael Honeymoon Guide: 11 May, 2022
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