Fréjus as a family: 10 visits between sea and heritage

Fréjus contains 2,000 years of history, lifeguarded sandy beaches and protected nature, all within minutes of each other. For families, the city checks all the boxes: Roman remains, zoo, waterside walks and large water park. Before booking your campsite with water park there, here’s how to fill each day.

Discover ten outings to know what to do in Fréjus during your vacation!

François Léotard Nature Base: 135 hectares of freedom by the sea

It’s impossible to discuss activities to do in Fréjus with family without mentioning the François Léotard Nature Base. This 135-hectare public park stretches along the sea for 1.5 km of lifeguarded sandy beach in summer. While children dash off to playgrounds and the skatepark, you can ride on the bike paths. The Maurice Giuge covered swimming pool rounds out the picture on windy days. And here’s the best part: everything is completely free, parking included.

Visitors’ favorite: the vast shaded lawns, perfect for an impromptu picnic facing the Mediterranean.

Practical info:

• The Nature Base is located at 1196 Boulevard de la Mer, in Fréjus.
• Access is free and open year-round.
• You’ll find a lifeguarded beach in summer, bike paths, a skatepark and a covered swimming pool.
• The most pleasant period runs from spring to autumn.

Fréjus Zoo: the big animal outing in Capitou

Located in the Capitou neighborhood, Fréjus Zoo delights young and old in a single visit. You’ll encounter lions, elephants, primates and many birds, along shaded paths under the pine forest. Plan a half-day to tour it without rushing the children. Younger kids love the educational shows and feeding sessions narrated by the keepers. A safe bet when looking for what to do in Fréjus during hot weather.

Visitors’ favorite: the Asian elephants, the park’s stars and always closely watched at bath time.

Practical info:

• The zoo is located at 240 Rue Hubert Masquefa, in Capitou, Fréjus.
• Prices start from 13€ for children aged 3 to 9
• Wear good shoes and bring water, the site is hilly.

Episcopal City: one of France’s oldest cloisters

In the heart of the old town, the Episcopal City forms a rare ensemble, listed as a historical monument. You discover the Cathedral of Saint-Léonce, its octagonal baptistry from the 5th century and a cloister with superposed galleries. The cloister’s painted ceilings, adorned with small fantastic animals, greatly amuse children as they play spotting them. The visit takes place peacefully, sheltered from the heat. It is one of Provence’s finest Christian testaments.

Visitors’ favorite: the hundreds of painted scenes on the cloister ceiling, to observe one by one, binoculars or telephoto lens in hand.

Practical info:

• Entry to the cathedral nave is free.
• A visit to the cloister and baptistry starts from 7€
• Access is free for under 18s.
• The site is open daily during summer, allow about 45 minutes for the visit.

Roman Arenas: 12,000 spectators in Rome’s time

Built in the 1st century, Fréjus’s amphitheater impresses with its dimensions: 113 meters long by 85 meters wide. According to Fréjus tourist office, it could hold up to 12,000 spectators for gladiator fights. Restored between 2008 and 2012, it now serves as a venue for concerts and shows. The visit plunges children into antiquity, with bleachers and galleries to prove it. It’s hard to find anything more concrete for teaching Roman history.

Visitors’ favorite: the view from the upper bleachers, which gives the full measure of the monument.

Practical info:

• The arenas are located on Rue Henri Vadon, in Fréjus.
• The amphitheater is accessible with the Fréjus Pass, a combo ticket for the city’s monuments.
• Hours vary by season, check before visiting.
• The visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

Aqualand Fréjus: the major water park of the Côte d’Azur

For a 100% thrills day, Aqualand remains the family reference. The park features about twenty attractions across more than 7 hectares, classified by difficulty level. Teens dash to high-thrill waterslides while younger children have fun in dedicated spaces. Wave pools, river and bubble basins fill the day. Remember to arrive early to enjoy the big attractions without long waits.

Visitors’ favorite: the signature waterslides, among the most spectacular on the continent, worth trying from opening.

Practical info:

• The park is located at Camp de l’Abbé, Route Départementale 559, in Fréjus.
• Adult entry starts from 26€, free for children under 4.
• The park opens only in summer season, generally 10am to 6pm.
• Paid parking and lockers complete the on-site services.

Hông-Hiên Tu Pagoda: Europe’s oldest Buddhist temple

Here’s a visit that breaks the beaten path. Built in 1917 by Indochinese sharpshooters, the Hông-Hiên Tu Pagoda is Europe’s oldest Buddhist temple. The garden winds past colorful statues, dragons and a large golden Buddha. Children’s eyes open wide at this exotic setting, worlds away from nearby beaches. Plan a leisurely hour’s stroll in the shade of the pines.

Visitors’ favorite: the large reclining Buddha and animal statues scattered throughout the garden, to hunt for like treasure hunt.

Practical info:

• The pagoda is located on Impasse Pascal Albuixech, in Fréjus.
• Entry starts from 2€ per person.
• The site opens from 9am to 9pm in summer and 9am to 6pm in winter.
• Proper attire is required, as the place is a place of worship.

Villepey Ponds: the Var Camargue within stroller’s reach

On the nature side, Villepey Ponds offer a wild getaway between sea and hills. This protected 255-hectare site, classified as Natura 2000, is discovered on foot via boardwalks and observation points. Over 268 bird species find refuge here, including pink flamingos with the seasons. The flat walk suits young children and strollers. Bring binoculars to turn the outing into an ornithological safari.

Visitors’ favorite: the observation platform, ideal for spotting migratory birds in spring and early fall.

Practical info:

• Access is via Avenue de la Corniche d’Azur, in Saint-Aygulf, from the Esclamandes beach parking lot.
• The site is free and open to the public.
• The best observation periods are in March and early September.

Cocteau Chapel: 20th-century art in the open air

The Notre-Dame-de-Jérusalem Chapel, known as Cocteau Chapel, surprises with its modernity. Jean Cocteau designed its interior decor, completed in 1965 by his student Édouard Dermit. The frescoes with clean lines and soft colors contrast with classic regional churches. The brief visit intrigues art-curious children. An original detour when looking for what to see in Fréjus beyond the Roman essentials.

Visitors’ favorite: Cocteau’s murals, recognizable by their stylized faces with fine lines.

Practical info:

• The chapel is located on Avenue Nicolaï, in the La Tour de Mare neighborhood, Fréjus.
• Access is free for accompanied children under 12.
• The place closes on Mondays and public holidays.

Estérel Massif: red rocks and panoramas at Mont Vinaigre

Outdoor enthusiasts set their sights on the Estérel Massif. Its highest point, Mont Vinaigre, reaches 614 meters and offers a 360° view over the Mediterranean and Upper Var. The climb is suitable for family with already-good-walking children. Leave early morning to avoid heat and enjoy the light.

Visitors’ favorite: the summit lookout, from which the view encompasses the coast from the Lérins Islands to the Maures Massif.

Practical info:

• Departure is from Notre-Dame Pass or marked Estérel trails, near Fréjus.
• Trail access is free and open to the public.
• Bring water, a hat and good hiking shoes.
• Avoid high fire risk days, as the massif may be closed in summer.

Port-Fréjus and Fréjus Beach: marina, diving and night market

To finish gently, head to the waterfront. Port-Fréjus lines up its docks, terraces and boats, perfect for an evening stroll. Families get their first diving experience here thanks to port clubs, which offer baptisms and explorations of Mediterranean depths. Nearby, Fréjus Beach offers its fine sand and summer night market. Here’s a lively way to close a day of sightseeing, ice cream in hand.

Visitors’ favorite: the summer night market along the beach, with craft stands and Provençal flavors.

Practical info:

• Port-Fréjus and Fréjus Beach border the waterfront, south of the city.
• The promenade and beach access are free.
• Several clubs offer supervised diving baptisms.
• The night market enlivens the waterfront every evening in season.

So, which visit will you start with? Quickly choose your campsite with water park in Fréjus and settle in next to the city’s best activities!