Fréjus
Fréjus and nearby Saint-Raphaël come together to effectively form one riviera city, containing both historical, medieval elements as well as the seaside resort portion that so many riviera towns and cities are known for.
The Port: Old and New
The port of Fréjus is the perfect example of this combination of old and new. The history of the port dates back to the history of the city of Fréjus: a formerly Phocean city pre-first century, the Romans built a road through the site of modern-day Fréjus to link Spain and Italy, thus giving the port importance that remained strong, even after the Roman Empire fell and the city of Fréjus was invaded repeatedly by Muslims. Today, the port is still used for commerce, with a capacity for 750 moorings at a time. It is also central to the beach culture in Fréjus, with sandy beaches all around, perfect for an afternoon by the sea. Fréjus, like many other cities in the area, offers resort attractions on the port as well as shopping and nightlife.
Roman Heritage
The Roman heritage of the city is not only important with regards to the port, but also to the architectural ruins that still stand, such as those of Forum Julii, the forum of the emperor Julius Caesar, which was built in the early first century. These ruins remain opened to the public, and make up an important site to visit during your stay in Fréjus. The ruins include an amphitheatre, aqueduct arches and chapels, and the site remains integral in the modern life of Fréjus: it is used as a venue for concerts and festivals in the summer, further uniting old and new in this city.
Religion
Religion forms not only an important part of the culture of Fréjus and this region of France as a whole but it is also important to the architecture. Several religious buildings have become tourist attractions in Fréjus, such as the church of St. Maximinius, which dates back to the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. The crypt contains several important tombs to the Catholic church, as well as a tribute to Saint Mary Magdalene.
Massif de l'Esterel
The massif de l'Esterel, the Esterel hills, form yet another example of old and new, though these hills date back much further than the Roman heritage. The hills are protected, and there are several sporting events that take place throughout the year, including a famous annual mountain bike event. The hills also offer several hikes and walks that show off the flora and fauna of the area.
