Discover Fréjus

Fréjus is an ancient Roman resort town built on a rocky plateau in the south of France. It is located about 7.5 km from St. Aygulf and is only a 15-minute drive by car from Hotel Saint-Aygulf. The town is situated between Cannes and Saint Tropez and is often mentioned in the same breath as Saint-Raphaël. For this reason, it is also known as Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël. Fréjus even made world news once when the nearby Malpasset dam collapsed, causing a 40-meter-high tidal wave!

Culture and history

Roman times
The culture and history have greatly influenced the current tourist development of the region. Thanks to its favorable location, Julius Caesar found the city very interesting and established the settlement "Forum Julii" here, or "Market of Julius." In this period, Forum Julii was a very important naval base for the Romans and had about 40,000 inhabitants at its peak. In the same period, the amphitheater (the oldest in France), the baths, and the aqueduct were also built. After Caesar, Emperor Augustus further expanded the city into a war harbor and established an important veteran colony there.

After the Roman domination, Fréjus never regained such great influence, despite the city having been a bishop's seat since 1370. In 1959, a breach in the dam at Malpasset caused the city and its surroundings to be flooded by a tidal wave. As a result, the area suffered significant damage.

But there is also good news. Although the two-story high outer wall of the amphitheater is gone, the foundations of the stands are still largely intact. A recent restoration is aimed at preserving the building and possibly making it suitable for hosting performances.

The Roman fortification of the city had three gates. Of these three, the Porte des Gaules remains, of which only one of the two towers still stands, and the Porte de Rome. The Porte d’Orée is an arcade that remains from the baths by the harbor. Of the aqueduct that was originally 40 kilometers long, some pillars and arches still stand. Most of the water ran underground. The Roman ruins can be visited on foot. Additionally, you can view all the treasures in the Musée Archéologique Municipal or visit the Musée d’histoire locale et des traditions. Another interesting museum is the Musée des Troupes de Marines.

Hong Hien Pagoda and Sudanese Mosque
Just outside Fréjus, you will find two curiosities that reflect the mixed culture of France's empire in the early 20th century. To the northeast stands the Buddhist pagoda "Hong Hien," built in 1917 by conscripted soldiers from Indochina. It was used as an altar for their fallen comrades. Today, it is still used as a Buddhist temple and is also open to visitors.

If you head towards Bagnol-en-Fôret, you can see the red exterior of the Mosquée Soudanaise looming. It was built by conscripted soldiers from the French colony of Mali and, like the pagoda, is open to outside visitors.

Botanical gardens

By the sea lies the botanical garden called "Parc Areca." A wonderful park with palm trees, bamboo, and other Mediterranean plants. From there, you have a beautiful view of the sea. Definitely worth a visit!

Market

On Wednesday and Saturday, there is a pleasant market in the old town center where farmers from the area sell vegetables and fruit. Can't get enough of the market? No worries. On Sunday morning, there is a market on the boulevard with about a hundred stalls. In the high season, there is even a market here every evening. At these various markets, you can buy "Herbes de Provence," fragrant olive oil, and soaps, among other things. It is very diverse, as you can also find Provençal tablecloths and French bedspreads here. A special experience! And if you happen to be there during the high season, make sure to attend the fireworks on Friday evening on the boulevard.

Planning to pay a visit to Fréjus? Then book an overnight stay in Van der Valk Hotel Saint-Aygulf and Le Catalogne!