Discover Fréjus: Culture, Nature and Coast

Fréjus combines cultural and historical attractions with a protected natural area and a coastline stretching to Saint-Aygulf. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these different highlights can shape your travel plans: Roman heritage, birdlife and landscapes, or beaches and activities. The city’s places and offerings each have their own focus.

Culture and history in Fréjus

The Musée archéologique is housed in the buildings of the episcopal complex of Fréjus. It offers insights into the Roman era and the city’s heritage spanning thousands of years. A notable piece is the two-headed Hermes, which the museum presents as a symbol of the city of Fréjus.

The Cloître de Fréjus preserves painted ceilings from the 14th century, described as unique in France. The Villa Aurélienne adds to the cultural offering with temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1989; the specific events programme may change.

The villa is set in a 24-hectare park. The remains of a Roman aqueduct from the 1st century AD can be found there. The Aqueduct of Fréjus carried water through the landscape to the city, making its historic water supply another point of interest. The Amphitheatre of Fréjus is dated to both the last quarter of the 1st century and the last quarter of the 2nd century. Together, these landmarks offer different points of interest for a trip focused on buildings, Roman history and cultural heritage.

The natural environment and birdlife of the Étangs de Villepey

The Étangs de Villepey are a protected area within the municipality of Fréjus. The protected area covers 263.91 hectares and is open to the public. Boardwalks, wooden walkways and observation points make it possible to explore sensitive habitats. This makes the nature experience here different from a focus on buildings and urban history.

Birdlife offers another point of interest when planning a trip: 220 bird species have been recorded in the Étangs de Villepey at different times of the year. If you are interested in nature and birds, you can take this seasonal aspect into account when choosing when to travel. The paths and observation points are just as much a part of the area’s character as the sensitive habitats they serve.

Coast and activities at the Base Nature

The Plage de la Base Nature François Léotard has two kilometres of fine sandy beach. The coastline as a whole stretches for eight kilometres between Fréjus and Saint-Aygulf. This includes one of the largest unspoilt beaches in the eastern part of the Var department, bordered by a strip of dunes. A named beach and a longer stretch of coastline therefore provide different points of reference.

The Base Nature François Léotard is a centre for cultural and sporting activities; individual programmes may change. The Base Nature François Léotard can be reached by car, bicycle, on foot or by bus. If you plan to use one of these options, check the current connections if needed. The beach features, activity centre and coastal landscape add a distinct focus to Fréjus’s cultural, historical and natural attractions.

Then compare specific hotel offers based on the features listed for each one.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Aygulf, Aups, Bargème, Entrecasteaux, Figanieres, Mazaugues, Le Val, Saint-Martin

See the broader travel overview: Var.