Best Things to do in Fréjus, A Hidden Gem of the French Riviera
Last Updated on 3rd February 2025 by Sophie Nadeau
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Fréjus is a“City of Art and History” that lies sleepily along the French Riviera. This stunning port town was once an important Roman port and the capital of Provence. It’s for this reason that Fréjus is rich with Roman relics and, as such is the second destination in France with the most ancient monuments (after Arles). Here’s your ultimate guide on the best things to do in Fréjus!

What is Fréjus known for?
Fréjus is renowned for its beauty and rich historical interest. Home to a plethora of Roman remains and distinguished medieval ecclesial sights, it’s one of the most frequented seaside resorts on the French Riviera and also boasts one of the largest beaches in the Côte d’Azur.
The town can be found just a fifteen minute drive away from Saint Raphaël, meaning that both destinations can be visited over the course of an afternoon.

Best things to do in Fréjus
As Fréjus is such a small town, you don’t need much time to explore, so I recommend setting aside half a day to wander around this pastel-hued delight.
Walk around the old town
The old centre of Fréjus exudes charm and historical intrigue. Interspersed with narrow cobbled lanes, some of the architectural styles you can expect to see include Roman, medieval, and Gothic.
Roman city walls once surrounded Fréjus, the crumbling remains of which can still be seen today while wandering around.

Visit Saint Léonce Cathedral and the Cloisters
The Cathedral of Saint-Leonce tends to be the highlight for those who visit Fréjus, thanks to its intricate carvings that adorn the archways to the beautiful 12th-century cloisters that hide behind.
Fréjus Cathedral, as it’s more commonly referred to, is considered the oldest Christian structure of Provence and was the official seat of the Bishop of Fréjus from the 5th century.

Discover the city’s Roman past
While the first settlers of Fréjus are believed to be Celto-Ligurian, the first civilisation to truly leave their mark on the settlement, as they have with so many others, is undoubtedly the Romans.
The coastal town is often referred to as the “French Pompeii”, as it was over 2,000 years ago that Julius Cesar came to the area and made Fréjus, the Roman’s first naval base in the Mediterranean.
For those curious of antiquity, some of the Roman remains to see in Fréjus include:
- Roman Arena – Known as Arènes de Fréjus in French, this amphitheatre could seat 12,000. In more recent times, the site has been used as a venue to host rock concerts and hosted artists the likes of David Bowie and Queen.
- Roman Aqueduct – This exceptional structure runs 42 km in length and stands at a height of 481 metres. The 36 aqueduct bridges were built in the middle of the 1st century, with construction taking just two decades to build, the aqueduct was in use for over 450 years.
- Port des Gaules – The Gateway to Gaul, situated in the west of the city, is one of the best-preserved parts of the Roman wall. In 1886, it was listed as a Historic Monument.

Archaeological Museum
Found beside the cathedral is a small museum which houses a fascinating collection of Roman artefacts discovered while excavations continue in Fréjus.
One of the most noteworthy things to see in the museum is the double-headed bust of Hermes, which was unearthed in 1970 and is believed to date back to the 1st century AD. It is now the symbol of the town.

City History Museum
The Museum of History and Local Traditions leaps into the past and returns to the roots of Fréjus. It is set across three levels, each of which has a different focus and explores both the private and collective life of the city’s inhabitants from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Sample local drinks at Fréjus distillery
Missiri Mosque
One of the more unusual things to see on the outskirts of town is the Missiri Mosque. In 1930 an inexact replica of the Great Mosque of Djenne was built for the Senegalese Tirailleurs based in military camps in the town at the time.
Sitting empty and decrepit, the cement structure is painted a bright ochre colour and pops in contrast to the azure blue skies above.
Fréjus beach
Of course, while in the French Riviera, a favoured pastime is to head to the beach, Plage de Fréjus extends over 1 km of golden sand, and the Mediterranean Sea laps at its shores. During summer, this is one of the most popular beaches to frequent and as such, can get very busy both on the sand and in the water.
Go hiking at Estérel volcanic massif
For some of the best views overlooking the Côte d’Azur, head up one of the many hiking trails that lead up into the Alpine foothills. The Estérel Massif is a volcanic mountain range which is characterised by its red rhyolite rocks.
The massif covers a vast 32,000 hectares and boasts stunning views of sparkling blue waters and interesting red rock formations.
Barrage de Malpasset (Malpasset Dam)
A little further outside of Fréjus are the grim remains of the infamous Barrage de Malpasset, which collapsed in 1959 and killed hundreds of people when it flooded the town.
This unprecedented disaster was caused by a tectonic fault in the rock base, which had unfortunately been inadequately surveyed. Today, huge pieces of concrete still lie in the area.
Where to stay in Fréjus
Fréjus makes the idyllic spot to stay along the French Riviera for those in search of a quieter destination away from the hustle and bustle of crowds. That being said, good hotels are hard to find in the area, and many places are instead holiday rentals now.
While it’s expensive to stay along the Côte d’Azur, particularly in peak months, there are still plenty of reasonable options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web reviews):

Hotel Le Flore – Situated just a 2-minute walk from Fréjus Cathedral, this straightforward budget hotel is perfectly located, but rooms are pretty basic. Breakfast is available at an extra charge. Check prices and availability here.
Hôtel l’Arena – This charming hotel offers Provençal-style rooms and features a garden, gym area, an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. It is situated 1.4 km from Fréjus Cathedral and just over 3 km from the beach. Check prices and availability here.
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