How to visit the French Riviera without a car?

If you're traveling without a car, choosing the right home base is essential — and Saint-Raphaël is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay for a car-free getaway on the French Riviera. Everything here is designed to make getting around easy — whether on foot, by train, bus, or boat.

Here’s why we highly recommend it:

• A central, well-connected train station: TGV, TER, and Intercités trains all stop here. In just a few hours, you can arrive from Paris, Lyon, or Marseille — with no complicated transfers.
• A port just steps away: simply cross the street from the train station and hop on a boat to Saint-Tropez, the Lérins Islands, or the Estérel coves.
• A lively, walkable town center: beaches, Provençal markets, charming alleys, seaside promenades, and restaurants — everything is within walking distance, flip-flops included!
• A convenient local bus network: easily reach Fréjus, the Estérel Massif, the Corniche d’Or, and nearby villages.
   

Whether you're planning a multi-stop itinerary or prefer exploring from one central accommodation, Saint-Raphaël is the perfect starting point for a car-free adventure along the French Riviera.

You can’t visit the French Riviera without making a stop in Saint-Tropez — one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic gems. Cobblestone streets with pastel shutters, luxurious yachts moored in the harbor, a blend of bohemian and glamorous vibes… behind all the glitter, this legendary village has kept its authentic charm.

But let’s be honest: getting there by car, especially in summer, can be a real headache. Traffic jams, full parking lots by mid-morning, stressful driving… your best bet? Arrive by sea!

From the port of Saint-Raphaël, regular ferry shuttles take you to Saint-Tropez in just over an hour.  It’s a direct transfer with stunning views of coves, rugged capes, and elegant seaside villas — a mini-cruise that combines transportation with a scenic boat trip, all while avoiding the heavy summer traffic.

Upon arrival, you’ll step right into the heart of the village, just steps from the port, charming alleys, and the famous Place des Lices market. 

A simple, comfortable, and accessible solution:

• Less than 1h15 travel time, no traffic, no parking stress
• Round-trip in a day, or travel with your luggage if you’re staying overnight
• Wheelchair accessible
• Family-friendly (stroller access)
• Leashed dogs allowed on board
• Shaded lower deck for cool comfort, open upper deck to enjoy the views
   

It’s one of the best options to visit Saint-Tropez without a car — soak up the village atmosphere, enjoy lunch on a sunny terrace, explore the Citadel, or simply wander along the port admiring the yachts… all without worrying about how you’ll get back.

For a more intimate outing, you can choose a semi-rigid boat excursion (maximum 12 people) departing from Saint-Raphaël or Cannes.

On the itinerary:

• a scenic cruise along the coastline
• a 1-hour stopover in Saint-Tropez
• return via Port Grimaud, the charming "Provençal Venice"
   

This is an original, fast, and friendly way to explore the French Riviera without a car, while enjoying the most stunning sea views in a small group setting.

Located off the coast of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer a preserved haven of peace, with crystal-clear coves, Mediterranean forest, and rich historical heritage. No cars are allowed here — to protect the islands’ tranquility and environment, visitors explore exclusively on foot or by boat.

These islands are easy to visit without a car, thanks to several convenient options departing from Cannes or Saint-Raphaël. Whether you're into nature walks, snorkeling, or relaxing on a catamaran, it's a wonderful way to discover the Côte d’Azur in its wildest, most unspoiled form — no vehicle needed.

• From Cannes: 15-minute crossing to Sainte-Marguerite Island

• From Saint-Raphaël: 1 hour and 15-minute crossing

   

Once there, you're free to plan your day at your own pace:

• walks along forest trails lined with pines and eucalyptus
• swimming in natural coves
• exploring the Royal Fort and its museum
• picnic break facing the Bay of Cannes
   

Round-trip shuttles let you enjoy the island independently, with a return in the late afternoon at the time of your choice.

From Saint-Raphaël, you can board a half-day semi-rigid boat excursion (maximum 12 people).

The itinerary includes:

• a fast, guided cruise passing by the red cliffs and coves of the Estérel
• a 1-hour stop on Saint-Honorat Island, famous for its monastery and vineyards
• a snorkeling session at the underwater statue or in secluded coves
   

This is an active and friendly format — perfect for combining discovery and swimming in unspoiled surroundings.

Departing from Saint-Raphaël or Marina Baie des Anges, choose a full-day catamaran cruise around the islands.

On board:

• comfortable sailing with lunch included
• several swimming stops in turquoise waters
• free access to relaxation nets, paddleboards, and kayaks

This cruise doesn’t include stopovers on the islands, but lets you peacefully sail around them in a relaxing, privileged atmosphere.

Whether self-guided, with a tour, or aboard a boat, exploring the Lérins Islands is one of the most beautiful experiences for discovering the Côte d’Azur without a car — blending unspoiled nature, historical heritage, and crystal-clear sea.

Between turquoise waters and fiery red peaks, the Estérel Massif is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the French Riviera. With its red volcanic rocks, hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and Mediterranean forest, it offers a breathtaking playground for nature lovers, hikers, and fans of wide open spaces.

And the good news? You don’t need a car to enjoy it! Whether you're starting from Saint-Raphaël, Agay, or even Cannes, there are several simple and accessible ways to discover the Estérel without getting behind the wheel.

Here are 5 ways to explore the Estérel Massif without a car, at your own pace and based on what you love to do:

It’s impossible to visit the Côte d’Azur without a car and not make a stop in the Estérel Massif — a natural gem with a volcanic silhouette. Its fiery red rocks, steep cliffs plunging into the sea, secret coves, and pine forests create a dramatic backdrop for anyone seeking nature, hiking, and stunning views.

The best part? You can easily explore the Estérel without a car, departing from Saint-Raphaël… or even from Cannes. Here are the different options available to you.

Good news: several trails in the Estérel Massif are accessible without a car, either directly from the center of Saint-Raphaël or via local trains and buses.

• From the town center, just behind the Santa Lucia harbor, you can join the coastal path “Sentier du Littoral” — a rugged trail winding through red rocks. It follows the sea all the way to Boulouris, with plenty of coves along the way to picnic, swim, or turn back whenever you like.
• For another stunning section of the coastal path, take the TER train or local bus to Le Dramont station, then head toward the Port du Poussaï. The walk leads to Tiki Beach, with incredible panoramic views from the Sémaphore and the Dramont military battery overlooking the Bay of Agay and the red rocks of the Estérel.
• You can also take a bus to reach the starting point of the Cap Roux hike — one of the most beautiful trails in the massif, featuring red cliffs, breathtaking views of the sea, the Lérins Islands, and the mountains in the distance.
• And if you're visiting during the May holidays, a free shuttle service operates to the main hiking trailheads. All the details can be found [in this article].
   

If you're arriving by train, the Saint-Raphaël train station is ideally located just steps from the harbor. In less than 5 minutes on foot, you can reach the boarding dock and set off on a boat excursion through the Estérel Calanques — no car needed.

Several types of outings are available, depending on your preferences:

• A maxi catamaran cruise, full-day or half-day, with swimming stops and a laid-back atmosphere
• A semi-rigid boat tour (12 people max), for a more intimate experience — the boat slips into narrow coves and sea caves
• A commented shuttle tour, without swimming stop, accessible to all
• Private excursions, perfect for a special moment with friends or family
   

Each option lets you discover the Estérel’s dramatic red cliffs, natural caves, and hidden coves — many of which are inaccessible by land. It’s a unique and relaxing way to explore the Estérel Massif without a car, while soaking up the beauty of the Mediterranean sea.

Electric mountain biking (e-MTB) is an excellent option for exploring the Estérel without a car. It allows you to go farther than on foot, without too much effort — even across the massif’s rugged terrain.

To do this, take the bus to Agay, a district of Saint-Raphaël located at the foot of the Estérel Massif. Once there, you can:

• Rent an electric mountain bike for a self-guided adventure
• Or join a guided tour — perfect for discovering the most beautiful viewpoints without worrying about the route
   

It’s a fun, immersive, and eco-friendly way to explore the Côte d’Azur without a car, while enjoying spectacular scenery.

Still without a car, here’s a fantastic way to discover one of the gems of the Côte d’Azur: Cap Dramont, the Île d’Or, and the impressive red cliffs… from the sea!

Take the train to the small Dramont station in Saint-Raphaël. Once you arrive, simply cross the road and reach the beach on foot in just a few minutes. That’s where the adventure begins: rent a kayak and set off on your own for an unforgettable ride through the red rocks of the Estérel.

From the sea, the scenery is breathtaking:

• You’ll paddle close to the Île d’Or, a mythical symbol of the region
• You’ll follow the red cliffs of Cap Dramont plunging into turquoise waters
• You’ll weave through narrow crevices and explore sea caves carved into the rock
• And you’ll enjoy swim breaks in hidden coves, accessible only by kayak
   

It’s easy to organize, magical to experience, and no car is needed at all. A true breath of fresh air — just a train ride away!

A final great option for exploring the Estérel Massif without hassle: choose a small-group guided tour with transportation included by minibus.

From Saint-Raphaël, you can easily reach the Agay Tourist Office by train or bus. From there, a local guide will pick you up in a minibus to take you on a journey through the wonders of the Estérel:

• Photo stops at the most breathtaking viewpoints
• Discovery of hidden trails, far from the crowds
• Fascinating stories about local wildlife, plants, and legends

It’s a friendly, relaxing, and enriching way to visit the Estérel without a car. No planning required — just sit back, follow the guide… and soak in the views!

You don’t need a car to fully enjoy the Côte d’Azur! Thanks to the coastal train, boat services, and public transportation, everything is easily and pleasantly accessible.

• From Cannes:
   Take the shuttle to the Lérins Islands (Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat), or head out on an excursion to the red calanques of the Estérel by catamaran or semi-rigid boat. A sunset at sea is an absolute must.
• From Antibes:
   Hop aboard a sailing boat to discover Cap d’Antibes and its spectacular villas from the sea, in a peaceful and exclusive setting.
• From Nice:
   The tram takes you straight to the port, where numerous cruises depart for full-day, half-day, or evening trips — to Villefranche, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Monaco, Cap d’Antibes, or the Lérins Islands. On board: net loungers, sunbeds, swim stops with snorkeling, kayaking, shaded areas, drinks, and meals included.
   You can also join a guided e-bike tour along the coast to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer — a great activity easily done without a car on the Côte d’Azur.
• From Monaco:
   Explore Monaco on foot, by elevator, or by electric bus, then take an excursion to Menton or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The train connects Monaco quickly to other towns along the Riviera.
   

The coastal train remains your best ally for combining sea and land without a car. Be sure to download the SNCF Connect or ZOU! apps to plan your trips.
 From Saint-Raphaël, you can also take coach excursions to iconic sites like Monaco, the Gorges du Verdon, or the Gorges du Loup.