Top 11 Activities to Enjoy Near the Île d’Or in Saint-Raphaël

To discover the Île d’Or in Saint-Raphaël in the simplest and most enjoyable way, take the coastal path that offers stunning views of this iconic island. This easy, family-friendly trail of less than 4 km takes you around Cap Dramont and its red cliffs plunging into crystal-clear waters. You have two options: start from Plage du Débarquement or from Tiki Plage to complete a loop. In both cases, spacious and free parking areas are available.

The trail winds through typical Mediterranean vegetation, with umbrella pines and shrubs, and it’s not uncommon to spot seagulls or cormorants along the way. Before heading back, plan a picnic on one of the beaches or at the Batterie viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking panorama of Agay Bay, Cap Roux, and the Rastel d’Agay.

To make the most of the experience, go for a walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat, especially in summer. Don’t forget to bring water, comfortable shoes, and a hat. If you’re an early riser, sunrise is a magical moment: the first rays light up the water and bathe the red cliffs in golden hues, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

For the more adventurous, it’s also possible to follow the entire coastal trail from the port of Santa Lucia in Saint-Raphaël all the way to Agay. This longer and slightly steeper route reveals charming hidden coves nestled within the red rocks — a total immersion into the wild beauty of the French Riviera.

The second must-do activity around the Île d’Or in Saint-Raphaël is via cordata, a unique outdoor adventure that combines climbing and via ferrata. The Dramont site, with its iconic red cliffs, is an exceptional spot to experience this activity. Throughout the route, you’ll enjoy breathtaking bird’s-eye views of Île d’Or and its striking red rocks.

Starting from the port of Le Poussaï, you’ll be equipped with a harness and helmet before setting off in a small group to explore this incredible natural setting. Although sporty, the activity provides plenty of thrills while remaining accessible to children aged 10 and up, thanks to the guidance and explanations of experienced instructors — making it an ideal adventure to share as a family.

Beyond the physical challenges, take time to admire the dramatic views over the Île d’Or and the surrounding landscapes — an awe-inspiring spectacle worth capturing. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and suitable shoes, and bring a bottle of water to fully enjoy this experience that blends nature and adventure.

Discover the Île d’Or from the sea — kayaking is the best way to get close to it. You can rent a kayak directly from Plage du Débarquement and set off on your own. In just 10 minutes, you’ll reach the island, but be aware that landing is not allowed since it is privately owned.

After circling around the Île d’Or, continue your adventure along the stunning coastline. You’ll paddle at the foot of the red cliffs of Cap Dramont, offering yet another breathtaking perspective of this magnificent area. By kayak, you can slip between rocks, explore small secret caves, and discover secluded coves accessible only from the sea.

To make the most of this experience, we recommend choosing a half-day or full-day rental package. This way, you’ll have time to make several swimming stops and enjoy snorkeling sessions — so don’t forget your mask and fins! You might even picnic on one of these wild coves. An experience not to be missed around Île d’Or!

If you’re looking for a place to unwind after a busy day, don’t miss the Île d’Or restaurant. One of the must-do activities near the island is to enjoy an unforgettable aperitif or lounge on the private beach while taking in breathtaking views.

This iconic spot in Saint-Raphaël is perfect for a leisurely lunch or an aperitif on the terrace, shaded by umbrella pines. Sun loungers are also available for you to relax while admiring the stunning scenery. In the evening, treat yourself to a sharing board with drinks and watch a magical sunset — an unforgettable moment in this exceptional setting.

After discovering the Île d’Or from the land, suspended between sea and sky, or navigating its waters, it’s time to explore another side of this extraordinary place: the underwater world. The Île d’Or is a renowned diving spot in Saint-Raphaël, loved by divers for its unique marine landscapes.

For beginners, a first dive (“baptême de plongée”) is the perfect way to try diving and discover the hidden treasures around the island. The Pyramides site is one of the most famous, featuring a succession of pyramid-shaped rocks rising from 1.5 m to 27 m. Accessible even for first-time divers, it’s an ideal setting to spot groupers, moray eels, and barracudas. A true underwater journey where vibrant colors and rich marine biodiversity await.

For more experienced divers, we recommend exploring the underwater village of Cap Dramont, located not far from the Île d’Or. At a depth of 20 meters, you’ll come across the remains of a miniature village, with small overturned houses now home to conger eels. You can also swim through a splendid arch covered in yellow anemones, sparking the imagination about the story of this submerged settlement.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the Île d’Or and its surroundings offer unforgettable dives, rich in history and discovery. A must-try underwater experience during your visit to Saint-Raphaël!

A boat trip is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the Île d’Or from the sea. Departing from the old port of Saint-Raphaël, you can choose between a spacious maxi-catamaran, a more intimate RIB, or a shuttle boat for an unforgettable outing at sea. All itineraries include a stop in front of the île d’Or, where you can admire it, take photos, and learn more about its fascinating history. As you get closer, pay attention to the rock formations — some say they resemble surprising shapes, like a gorilla or a turtle. It’s up to you to spot them!

On maxi-catamaran cruises, a swimming stop is often scheduled in front of Île d’Or, where the crystal-clear waters invite you to relax or explore the seabed. Take the opportunity to snorkel with mask and fins, or simply soak up the sun while lounging on the boat’s nets. Many cruises also provide kayaks and paddleboards for even more fun.

For an even more memorable experience, you can opt for a dinner cruise with Île d’Or as your backdrop. There’s no more romantic setting to enjoy a meal while watching a magical sunset — a truly unforgettable moment to experience during your holiday in Saint-Raphaël.

We invite you to experience an original adventure around the iconic Île d’Or, inspired by the famous TV show Koh Lanta® (credit TF1) - a Survivor like TV show. Step into the shoes of true adventurers as you take part in a unique challenge! In teams, you will face a series of trials combining logic, agility, orientation, and speed—all with one goal: to win the coveted totem. And of course, the adventure ends with the legendary and fearsome “poles challenge,” an unmissable test for all finalists. But don’t worry—the view is absolutely breathtaking! So, who will be the last one standing facing the Île d’Or?

An exceptional and unusual setting awaits you for an unforgettable moment of competition and camaraderie. With its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters, the Île d’Or provides a one-of-a-kind playground. This thrilling adventure is perfect for families or groups of friends, and makes an ideal activity for celebrating birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or any other special event. Whether you’re competitive or just looking for fun, the experience adapts to everyone and guarantees laughter, excitement, and shared memories. An unforgettable adventure in a spectacular setting awaits you—with a bonus: a panoramic view of the magnificent Île d’Or!

Right in front of the Île d’Or, enjoy a unique outdoor workout with an experienced coach in an exceptional setting. Every Saturday morning, Plage du Débarquement turns into a true open-air playground for an energizing circuit training session. Accessible to everyone, this class brings together a friendly group of participants of all levels, ready to take on the challenge in a motivating and welcoming atmosphere.

What better way to start the weekend than with a moment of physical and mental well-being in the heart of nature? The sound of the waves, the sea breeze, and birdsong create the perfect atmosphere to release stress and boost your energy. During the session, you’ll alternate between muscle-strengthening exercises and fun cardio drills, all adapted to your level by the coach, for a personalized and effective experience.

Beyond fitness, it’s also a true moment of conviviality, where good vibes and motivation set the tone. You’ll leave the session feeling relaxed, refreshed, and recharged, ready to kick off your weekend with energy.

So, why not give it a try and enjoy this outdoor fitness experience facing the iconic Île d’Or?

Ready for the challenge? Meet us every Saturday morning for an unforgettable workout!

The giant paddle excursion is a must-try experience to discover the Île d’Or in a fun and dynamic way. Become gondoliers for a day as you set off on a large, stable, and playful “gondola,” perfect for a friendly exploration of the coastline.

You’ll head out in a small group, paddling together along the shore. Several swimming breaks are planned, where you can easily hop into the water and climb back onto the paddle. Your guide may even point out rocks you can climb if you’d like to try a higher jump!

This activity is perfect for families, even with young children, who will all be equipped with life jackets for safety. Open to all levels, it’s fun, sociable, and filled with good vibes. You’ll alternate between moments of discovery and refreshing swims in turquoise waters.

It’s the ideal way to spend an active and refreshing time with your loved ones during your holidays, while enjoying the natural beauty of the coastline around the Île d’Or.

This excursion is also offered at sunset. You’ll be treated to the golden light reflecting on the red rocks and the calm sea. To top it all off, a Provençal-style aperitif will be served at a unique spot on the red rocks—an unforgettable moment of conviviality.

When we told you that the area around the Île d’Or is a real playground in Saint-Raphaël, we weren’t joking! Here’s a brand-new activity to enjoy with the family: a life-size treasure hunt, right in front of the island. Your adventure begins on Poussai Beach, the perfect starting point for your quest. Stay sharp—every clue matters!

This game is a fun and engaging way to introduce your children to the coastal path. They’ll be so absorbed in searching for clues and solving puzzles that they won’t even realize they’re walking. Suitable for children from 6 years old, this outdoor escape game takes you through the striking red rocks, with breathtaking views of the Île d’Or—making the experience even more special thanks to its stunning setting.

To wrap up this article on activities around the Île d’Or, here’s a little bonus—more of a tip than an actual activity. In summer, head to Plage du Débarquement to enjoy a swim, but above all, plan a picnic at the end of the day to savor an unforgettable moment while admiring the sunset colors over the Île d’Or. On certain evenings, the show is simply magical. You should also know that several times during the summer, fireworks are launched above the Île d’Or, creating a dazzling display with the island as a backdrop. A must-see moment to end your day on a high note during your holidays in Saint-Raphaël.

There’s truly no shortage of surprises when it comes to activities around the Île d’Or! This little paradise is a real playground, offering a multitude of experiences, each with its own highlights. We hope this article has given you plenty of ideas to discover this region in a fun and original way.

So, which one will you try first? Whatever your choice, you’re guaranteed to leave with unforgettable memories.