St Raphael, France Cruise Port

Within the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is the lovely cruise port of St Raphael (or Saint-Raphaël), France. This southeastern city is famous as the landing place of Napoleon Bonaparte as he arrived by ship from Egypt, just before he overthrew Paris. It was also part of World War II history, where it was one of the sites that participated in Operation Dragoon, an Allied invasion in southern France. Today, its status as a French Riviera location brings in tourists who are looking for culture and natural beauty – and thanks to a long Mediterranean coastline, there are also several sandy beaches to explore. There is a craft market close to port, so if it’s shopping and browsing you’re after, you won’t have to go far; there’s also a casino, if you want to try your luck. Here are some of our favorite experiences when cruising to St Raphael, France:

Head east to Agay and the coastal mountain range called Massif de l'Esterel for some hiking and to take in breathtaking views. The hills are a unique red color, made up of volcanic rock composed mostly of the crimson porphyry. You can also rent a bike to get around, and buying a map of the area beforehand will help plan out your trek.
The Catholic Basilique Notre Dame de la Victoire isn't far from the harbor, and is a wonderful piece of architecture. Built in built in 1887 by Pierre Aublé, you'll find a large pipe organ among the stained-glass windows and statues.
The fascinating Musée Archéologique de Saint-Raphaël is located in one of the oldest sections of town near a medieval church. The museum has displays regarding the country's ancient ancestors and their tools, along with underwater archaeology. There's also an excellent view of the harbor from the top of the tower.
While this might not be the first place people think to go diving, it's actually an excellent spot. Lion de Mer is one such area, where you can swim among all manner of aquatic life, including barracuda, anemones, and sponges; there are also underwater wrecks to explore.

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