Saint Raphael
Saint Raphael
This peaceful neighbor to St. Tropez is a major sailing center and popular resort of the French Riviera. There are sandy beaches, golf courses, a casino, and local spas offering seawater-based thalassotherapy. Napoleon landed here in triumph in 1799 after his victory in Egypt, and in 1814 he departed in disgrace for exile on Elba. Stroll the atmospheric old town with its 12-century Romanesque Templar's Church, fascinating museum of marine archaeology and charming maze of streets. Nearby, the coastal road leads to dramatic rock formations, tiny coves dotted with sunbathers and old Provencal towns.
