The 10 Best Things to Do on the French Riviera – Unmissable Experiences Around Saint-Raphaël

Imagine starting your day with a peaceful cruise across the Mediterranean, the sun rising over the red cliffs of the Estérel as you head out from Saint-Raphaël in search of dolphins. This small-group boat excursion takes you into the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area where you might spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, or even a sperm whale, if you're lucky.

This is one of the most unforgettable activities on the French Riviera – and it’s not just for adults. Children aged 6 and up are welcome, and seeing dolphins in the wild is the kind of memory they’ll treasure forever.

The outing lasts about four hours, including a calm moment at sea to observe the animals while enjoying a light French-style breakfast: tea, coffee, and fresh pastries served on board. Your skipper will also share fascinating stories about the Mediterranean wildlife and the importance of marine conservation.

If you're visiting the Côte d’Azur and looking for something truly unique and authentic, this dolphin cruise from Saint-Raphaël is an experience you won’t want to miss.

During your Côte d’Azur vacation, we highly recommend a private boat trip to discover the breathtaking red cliffs of the Estérel massif from the sea. Departing from Saint-Raphaël, enjoy a comfortable, well-equipped boat with an expert skipper who will guide you and your family or friends along this spectacular coastline.

Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day tour, you can swim in secluded coves accessible only by boat, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. All snorkeling gear — fins, mask, and snorkel — is provided to explore the vibrant underwater world.

You’re welcome to bring your own lunch on board, or choose from various catered meal options to enjoy local delicacies during your cruise.

For even more fun, optional water activities are available directly on board upon request, including towed inflatables (bouées tractées), underwater scooters, and stand-up paddleboards — perfect for adding excitement to your private boat experience.

This private boat tour offers an exclusive and memorable way to experience the Côte d’Azur’s stunning nature, away from the crowds, surrounded by turquoise waters and the dramatic Estérel landscapes.

No trip to the South of France is complete without tasting the region’s famous wines and visiting its picturesque vineyards. Around Saint-Tropez and the Golf of Saint-Tropez, you’ll find some of the most beautiful and renowned wine estates, perfect for an unforgettable wine tour experience.

Choose from a variety of options tailored to your preferences. For a hassle-free day, book a private chauffeur who can pick you up from your accommodation and take you on a full-day tour visiting the top wineries in the region.

For something more original, explore the vineyards with a scenic 2CV car tour or enjoy a horseback ride through the vineyards around Saint-Tropez ; perfect for combining wine tasting with a touch of adventure. Make sure to bring home a few bottles of local vintage as a memorable souvenir from your Côte d’Azur holiday.

Whether you prefer classic wine tastings or unique vineyard experiences, discovering the wine estates near Saint-Tropez is a must-do during your stay on the French Riviera.

If you’re craving adventure, excitement, and a refreshing escape, canyoning on the Côte d’Azur is a must! The region boasts some truly unique and breathtaking spots ; crystal-clear natural pools, fresh mountain water, cascading waterfalls, natural rock slides, and exhilarating jumps.

Spend an action-packed day navigating through stunning gorges, rappelling down waterfalls, sliding on natural water slides, and jumping into translucent pools. It’s a super fun outdoor activity that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

We highly recommend the Loup Gorge, the closest and most famous canyoning spot near Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, and even Nice. This adventure is family-friendly and accessible to children from 8 years old ; perfect for a thrilling day out with kids or friends!

Looking for an unforgettable way to enjoy the Mediterranean? These two catamaran cruises are among our absolute favorites — and once you've tried them, you'll see why they’re a top pick for travelers on the French Riviera.

During the day, hop aboard a maxi catamaran from Saint-Raphaël, Nice or Marseille and set sail for a brunch at sea. With a full buffet of sweet and savory treats served onboard, you’ll enjoy a unique and relaxing meal surrounded by the stunning coastline of the Estérel Massif. The cruise includes a swimming stop in a beautiful hidden cove — a perfect mix of indulgence and adventure.

In the evening, choose the sunset dinner cruise, a true highlight of any summer trip. Enjoy a magical golden-hour sail, with breathtaking views and a laid-back, festive atmosphere. On selected nights, the cruise ends with a fireworks show over the water — pure vacation bliss. Drinks are included, and the huge catamaran offers sunbeds, lounging nets and panoramic views. It’s the perfect way to unwind, take amazing holiday photos, and make your colleagues jealous when you get back home!

Looking for an exciting outdoor activity in Saint-Raphaël? Discover the stunning Estérel Massif on an off-road buggy tour, perfect for adventure lovers and families. This buggy ride in the Côte d’Azur takes you along specially designed dirt trails where you can explore the natural beauty of the region in a fun and unique way. Drive a powerful, easy-to-handle electric buggy, ideal for beginners and experienced drivers alike. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful landscapes, and thrilling off-road experience. Whether you’re on a family vacation or a getaway with friends, a buggy tour in Saint-Raphaël is a must-try activity for your trip to the French Riviera.

If you’re planning to visit Saint-Tropez during your stay or staying at a hotel there, here’s a smart and cost-effective travel tip. When arriving at Nice Airport, the easiest and most affordable way to get to Saint-Tropez is to take the train from Nice to Saint-Raphaël. This scenic train ride follows the stunning Côte d’Azur coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Estérel Massif along the way. Once you arrive at Saint-Raphaël train station, it’s just a short 5-minute walk to the harbor where you can board the Saint-Raphaël to Saint-Tropez ferry — luggage-friendly and super convenient. This combination of train plus ferry is not only a unique way to reach Saint-Tropez, but it also helps you avoid the notorious traffic jams on the roads, saves money compared to taxis, and gives you a beautiful boat ride experience on the Mediterranean Sea.

If you’re a fishing enthusiast or simply curious to try something new, we highly recommend a fishing trip with local fishermen. Departing from Fréjus, this small-group adventure offers an authentic and unforgettable experience at sea. Guided by passionate experts, you’ll learn traditional fishing techniques and gain fascinating insights into the local marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this outing is perfect to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful day on the Mediterranean waters.

For adrenaline seekers, a jet ski tour is an absolute must-do! Feel the rush of speed and excitement as you explore the breathtaking red cliffs and hidden coves of the Esterel Massif. These tours, available from Fréjus, Agay, and Saint-Raphaël, often include refreshing swimming breaks in secluded spots only accessible by sea. It’s the perfect way to combine adventure and nature during your Côte d'Azur vacation.

No visit to the South of France is complete without experiencing its world-famous perfume heritage. Near Saint-Raphaël, you can attend hands-on perfume workshops at iconic houses like Fragonard and Molinard. Create your own unique fragrance and take it home as a special souvenir. Combine this sensory experience with visits to charming nearby towns such as Grasse, the perfume capital, Èze, or Nice to make your vacation even more memorable.

Saint-Raphaël and the Côte d’Azur offer an incredible variety of unforgettable experiences—from thrilling adventures and relaxing boat trips to cultural visits and gourmet delights. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, these top activities will make your holiday truly special and memorable. For more inspiration on how to explore this stunning region, don’t miss our other blog articles: “Visiting the Côte d’Azur Without a Car,” “Top 20 Must-See Places on the Côte d’Azur,” “What to Do at the Lérins Islands,” and “Things to Do in Fréjus.” Dive in and start planning your perfect getaway!