Frejus
- May 21, 2012
Frejus is a little town situated between the hills of the Masif des Maures and Esterel, in Provence, south of France. Julius Caesar founded the historic Roman town in 49 BC. It functioned as an important port in the beginning of the Christian era. Today, Frejus, which merges with nearby St Raphael has a small marina port and a fine narrow sandy beachside strip. It has preserved its architectural heritage, famous for its amphitheatres, pillars and arches.
The old town and its surroundings offer plenty of interests to visitors with its mild weather all year round.
The most convenient way to get to Frejus is to fly to Nice and then hire a car. BA (08444930787,www.ba.com) flies direct from City Airport, Heathrow and Gatwick from £100 return. Easyjet (08431045000,www.easyjet.com) departs from Gatwick and Stansted as well as Luton from £75.00 return. Airfrance (08716633777,www.airfrance.com) runs indirect flight from Heathrow and City Airport from £200 return.
Frejus is only 36 miles from Nice airport. If you are interested in sightseeing, it is useful to hire a car to drive around the French Riviera’s coastlines and countryside. Avis (08445810147,www.avis.com) offer competitive rates starting at £20 per day.
WHERE TO STAY
The cheapest option is to stay in a nearby holiday park. La baume and Green are 4-star holiday parks which have a wide range of facilities. You can book your accommodation or tent pitch from Keycamp (0844406200,www.keycamp.co.uk) or Eurocamp (08444060402, www.eurocamp.co.uk). They have several economy and luxury units in the French Riviera offering very good rates in low season from £18 per night.
If you are looking for a low budget accommodation, but wish to stay closer to the old town and beach, Atoll Hotel (0033494515377,www.atollhotel.fr) which is just 100 metres from the marina in the heart of Fréjus is another good choice. Free on-site parking is provided, and the attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Grand Cafe de l’Esterel (0033494515050) is a convenient and popular brasserie which offers a single menu at rock-bottom prices renewed every day to satisfy your appetite at lunch time.
Les Micocouliers (0033494521652) is a nice restaurant with a most appealing summer terrace (heated in the winter) set up on the square opposite the Groupe Espiscopal church.
There are a variety of markets in Frejus. The Provencal markets are a bit of a tourist trap. However on Saturday morning there is an Arab Market held for locals by the Roman Theatre in Frejus old town.
If you’re staying for several days or weeks, a trip to do your grocery shopping in the Geant Casino superstore is a must. It’s also good to look in souvenir shops for affordable gifts for friends and family back home.
SIGHTSEEING PLACES
The best nearby attractions include an extraordinary Sudanese Mosque in red stone built by sailors from Mali based at Frejus in the 1920s. There is also the L’Esterel Safari Park, a zoo which can be visited by car. You can also find Aquatica, a huge water park in the west of town.
CALENDER
Beravade Saint-Francois is a traditional religious procession that takes place on the third Sunday after Easter through the historic town centre. It is a very colourful ceremony where locals dress in the medieval Provencal costume and men dress in soldier’s uniforms from Napoleon’s time.
Fete du Raisin is the celebration of the first wine grapes, harvested during the first week in August. Local producers offer wine tasting.
If you travel in the Riviera region in May, you also have an opportunity to visit the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Formula1 race.