The Roman town of Fréjus
The town of Frejus sits on an ancient naval base near the city of Saint-Raphael. Frejus is known as a city of art and culture and is home to several museums and galleries that showcase the heritage of the region. The town has also managed to preserve several historical monuments and artifacts which make its appearance rustic and charming. Head to Frejus Old Town, and you'll find the Roman remains of multiple buildings, including a baptistery that dates back to the 5th century!
Frejus is well positioned on the Cote d'Azur as the towns of Cannes, Nice, and Saint Tropez are all accessible by car in under an hour.
Things to do in frejus
Historical Monuments
Frejus is bursting with historical monuments, and you'll find Roman remains dotted around the Old Town (an entire week should be spent exploring the ruins). An excellent place to start is at the Baptistery; a 5th-century cathedral that is considered one of the oldest in France. Visitors can join a guided tour of the Baptistery or explore at leisure.
Another famous attraction is the Roman amphitheater, which is one of the largest amphitheaters from Gallic times! The ruins sit on the outskirts of the city and are accessible by car in under 10-minutes. The arena is the only Roman amphitheater in the Var and is home to a hidden 17th-century oil mill. Over 5,000 people can fit inside the amphitheater at any one time!
One must-see attraction while in Frejus is the Cocteau Chapel, the last chappel designed by Jean Cocteau. Stained glass windows, mosaics, and elegant frescos make up the decor of this colorful building. Cocteau completed the design work in 1961, and the church became a historical monument in 1989.
Frejus Aqueduct should also be visited as this historical monument dates right back to the first century. The aqueduct remained active for a further 450 years and was functioning right up until the 5th century. The conduit is 26-miles long and stretches from Frejus right up to Lac de Saint Cassien.
Frejus Town Centre
Once you've ticked off a handful of the Roman attractions and historical landmarks, it's time to turn to Frejus' museums. The Musee Archeologique should be at the top of your to-do list. There are four exhibition rooms in the museum covering the 13th and 16th centuries of the Episcopal group of Frejus. Inside each, you'll find a string of objects and artifacts gathered from the region, including pottery, statues, and paintings.
Similarly, the Musee des Troupe's de Marine also provides an insight into Frejus over the decades. The museum explores life in Frejus during the navy years and covers the history of France overseas. There are several collections and exhibitions on warfare, military weapons, and naval engineering.
A Seaside Resort
While Frejus might have the charm and character of an inland hilltop town, it's actually a bustling seaside resort. Head to Port Frejus marina and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a mix of fishing boats and fancy yachts; it's an excellent spot for people-watching. There's also a soft-sand beach at the end of Frejus-Plage for a spot of sunbathing. If you'd prefer to travel further around the hamlet, head to the port of St.Aygulf and follow one of the beach paths to a quieter inlet.
Day Trips from Frejus
Admittedly, it goes without saying that you should visit Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Nice while staying in Frejus. Along with these towns, consider visiting smaller villages and remote locations in and around the area. Mont Vinaigre is a great place to start if you're a fan of nature. This towering mountain stands at 618 meters above sea level and makes for a great day out. On a clear day from Mont Vinaigre, you can see the coast close to Cannes, and the Esterel massif spans out to the east.
If you'd rather spend your day exploring the shops instead of the mountains, consider visiting the nearby town of Draguignan. Located less than a 30-minute drive north of Frejus, Draguignan is an authentic Provence town that hasn't succumbed to mass tourism. The streets here are relatively quiet, and that makes for great strolling! While the town center is home to many quaint boutiques, you should also consider visiting Draguignan's museums and monuments. The Musee de l'Artillerie (covering the French Army's artillery history), the Musee Municipal d'Art et Histoire, and the Tour de l'Horloge (a square-shaped clock tower) are all worth visiting.
Saint-Raphael is another neighboring town that's worth a visit. The city sits just to the east of Frejus and is renowned for being home to several soft sand beaches and rocky coves. The area is also home to a number of coastal walking trails if you're looking to blow off the cobwebs.
Frejus is a town for history buffs and culture vultures. If you enjoy spending your days hopping from one museum to the next, this is the vacation destination for you. Whatsmore, Frejus offers an insight into an authentic French Rivera community. While Nice, Monaco, and Cannes are great for absorbing a vibrant atmosphere, it's nice to enjoy a little peace and quiet in Frejus.
From Nice Cote d'Azur Airport, Frejus is a 45-minute drive or a short boat rides away, and FranceRent can take care of all your luxury transfers needs in advance of your trip. If you want to touch down in Frejus in style, consider chartering a yacht or arriving by private helicopter. Both forms of transport offer spectacular views of the Cote d'Azur.
Home
Wishlist