Fréjus

Discover Fréjus, a historic city of character

A former military port and Roman town, the city of Fréjus overlooks the rich alluvial plains that separate the Estérel from the Massif des Maures. Halfway between Cannes and Saint Tropez, this city of art and culture has built up a rich historical and architectural heritage.

From the presence of the Roman legions after Julius Caesar himself founded the town in 49, when it was called Forum Julii (Julius's market), to the Navy troops who still come to Fréjus today.

Don't miss Fréjus' old town and historic center

The city is dotted with monuments including one of the largest amphitheaters in Gaul (1st or 2nd century), the Roman Theater, the Porte Dorée (remains of the 3rd century thermal baths), the Lanterne d'Auguste (remains of the ancient Roman port), the Porte des Gaules and the aqueduct that brought the waters of the Siagnole (from Mons! ) over a 40 km stretch, and the Cocteau chapel (designed by Jean Cocteau in 1961 and completed by E. Dermit in 1965).

Fréjus Cathedral and its superb cloister

Saint-Léonce Cathedral is an architectural gem not to be missed. Its medieval double-level cloister, built in the 13th century, houses an exceptional treasure: a larchwood ceiling adorned with 300 paintings still visible today. Sold as national property during the French Revolution, the cloister underwent extensive restoration between 1922 and 1931 under the direction of architect Jules-Camille Formigé. Today, visitors can admire the magnificent galleries, which combine Romanesque and Gothic art. The old well, overlooking an ancient Roman cistern, bears witness to the ingenuity of the builders of the time.

Fréjus beach and port

Fréjus is also a seaside resort where the sea has regained its place at the heart of the town with the construction of Port-Fréjus, on the site of Fréjus-Plage, which was partially destroyed in 1959 by the waters of the Malpasset dam after it burst. The small port of Saint Aygulf is the gateway to the coastal footpath, giving access to the calanques and sandy beaches of this pleasant hamlet of Fréjus.

A town of markets

With no fewer than nine markets a week, Fréjus is a paradise for market strollers and shoppers. During the summer months from July to October, Fréjus even organizes night markets. Ask at the Fréjus Tourist Office for full details of these markets and find out which one is right for you.

An idea for a family activity: the Fréjus Zoological Park

With both a classic zoo where you can admire the most beautiful tropical animals and an interesting reflection on biodiversity in the Mediterranean area, the Parc Zoologique de Fréjus is a simple family outing that will appeal to the whole family.

Photos of Fréjus

See our slideshow of Fréjus photos taken by our teams at the bottom of this page. This will give you an idea of the historical monuments and beaches not to be missed.

Our Fréjus map

To find your way around Fréjus, you can use our interactive map on this page. We've included all the town's points of interest (town hall, port, beaches, Saint-Léonce cathedral, etc.) as well as our accommodation recommendations. So you can locate them before you book your stay in Fréjus.