10 things to do with your family in Saint-Raphaël

Going for a sale on the Côte d’Azur and the Var coastline offers a thousand treasures to explore on the sea and share unforgettable moments with the kids. Jump onboard a schooner and let the magic work. As you sunbathe on the pontoon, the wind will carry you toward the most beautiful inlets on Massif de l'Estérel, along Massif des Maures or Cornisa de Oro (La Corniche d’Or), depending on the option you choose (half day, whole day or evening).

An evening ticket gives you the right to an aperitif with a wonderful sunset over Rocher de Roquebrune as a bonus. If you prefer to sail by day, you can enjoy a bathing stop in the turquoise waters and refreshments to turn your sea trip into a party.

Take a trip to Water Glisse Passion water park (parc aquatique Water Glisse Passion) to enjoy the many exhilarating water facilities at Lac de l’Aréna that will welcome you for a few hours of family fun. Around 20 minutes from the center of Saint-Raphaël, Lac de l’Aréna offers a gigantic water park, dizzying blow-up slides against a backdrop of dense forest, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, water biking, wakeboarding and even sessions for little ones from 3 years and up.

A safe space dedicated to children from 2 to 8 years old is also available, as well as a floating snack bar to quench both your hunger and your thirst. This all comes in a green and relaxing setting with a Natura 2000 label.

Go for a hike at Massif de l’Estérel, an exceptional place to marvel over the greatness of nature. This remarkable site is characterized by its red rock that will almost remind you of Arizona as you trek along its crisscross of paths of differing degrees of difficulty, meaning several are even accessible for the little ones.

The Pic de l'Ours, Grottes de La Balme (Caves of La Balme) and even Barrage de Malpasset (Malpasset Dam) are on the program, just waiting to be discovered under a generous sun (bring protection) and accompanied by the Provençal scents of rosemary and Maures lavender. Several breathtaking viewpoints over the Mediterranean and the bay await you, making this the perfect place to take some memorable photos.

Your family will enjoy a day at Fun City, an indoor adventure playground. It's also known as Child City, and this reputation is very well-earned. Just a few hundred meters away from Saint-Raphaël in Fréjus, this play area marks the entrances to the equipment with a dinosaur theme. Fun and educational signage is incorporated into the facilities and apparatuses so children can learn as they play.

They're welcome from the age of 1 up until 13, as the park is divided into several neighborhoods adapted to each age group, including ball pits, obstacle courses, huts and slides for the little ones, and a zipper wire, trampoline, maze, toboggan run and rope climbing towers for their big brothers and sisters. The kids will remember this day for years to come.

Try your hand at a host of water activities to enjoy some seaside pleasures. Saint-Raphaël boasts the French Nautical Station (France Station Nautique) certification and offers heaps of activities so you can devote yourself to your passion. Whether it's jet-skiing, tubing, parasailing, water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, canoeing or kayaking, there are so many options that there'll be at least 1 or 2 to tickle the whole family's fancy.

The multitude of specialized clubs on the seafront have different options whether you're a complete beginner or prefer to improve your skills. Whatever you choose, fun is guaranteed for all members of the family.

Join an ecotourism rally to discover enigmas to solve and see wonderful landscapes. 2 ecotourism routes, between mysteries and well-kept secrets, will help you to see Saint-Raphaël and the Fayence region differently. For each of the routes, prepare for a whole day of exploration with good shoes before heading to the Tourist Information Center, where you will be given a document with all the information you'll need to take part in the game.

Coves, beaches and viewpoints await in a maritime collection for the Saint-Raphaël route, whereas the Fayence region and its villages, lakes, waterfalls and gorges promise mountains and wonders just 30 or so minutes away from the resort.

Playing a round of mini-golf, a classic activity at seaside resorts, will amuse children and grown-ups alike. At Saint-Raphaël, the 18 holes of Le Beaurivage are peppered with several signs retracing the footsteps of the sea resort's story to offer a course that is both informative and fun.

This 2,500-square-metre landscaped area next to the sea enjoys an unobstructed view and pleasant sea breeze to assist you and brighten your day. A bumper boat space and trampoline will help to console children who are sad the game didn't last longer, while parents can quench their thirst at the refreshment stall.

Try via cordata or canyoning for something different on your vacation. Via cordata, climbing and abseiling are offered by the seasoned coaches at Camp4 to discover Cap Dramont from a sensational angle. Different adapted routes are available according to your tastes and the age of your children, but you'll be amazed by whichever one you choose.

Be impressed at the summit of Le Dramont and climb its unobstructed paths, or choose a half or full day of canyoning and snake around clear water ponds and natural slides while appreciating the nature we all too often forget to pay attention to. Your state-licensed coaches are specialists in Massif de l'Estérel, which they know like the back of their hand – secret nooks and crannies and anecdotes come as a bonus.

Try your hand at archery, an unusual activity that will appeal to young Robin Hoods and their parents who are looking for new experiences. This discipline enshrouded in fascination and fantasy is ideal for children 7 years and above and requires both patience and concentration, qualities that you will sharpen as you train.

Your motorcoach will begin by teaching you the basic techniques so you can learn the correct posture for your first fearless attempt. There's no doubt that you'll leave feeling all fired up and as proud as punch. If your first session leaves you hooked, why not make it the theme of your vacation and sign up for a course?

Discovering the Roman remains at Fréjus is definitely worth your time, especially if your children agree to a cultural outing. Although they might drag their feet a little in the beginning, they'll soon be won over as much as you are. This town next to Saint-Raphaël boasts the most Roman remains in the south of France.

An aqueduct, theater, earthwork, spa complex and even a port are spread over public parks that you can explore at your own pace as you delve into ancient history and let your imagination run wild. The archeological museum will teach you more about daily life in the period you've just started to investigate.