Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3. FREJUS OLD TOWN
Despite its relaxed beach bag and flip-flop image, the town of Fréjus has an excep-
tional double heritage. As Forum Julii, it was the second port of the Roman Empire
in the region and retains some of the oldest and most extensive ancient remains in
Provence. Particularly notable are the elliptical, 12,000-seater arena and theatre (for
further details see
Les Arènes de Fréjus
)
. Meanwhile, the town's medieval bishopric
status has left it with an extraordinary group of Episcopal buildings. The 12th-cen-
tury cathedral incorporates a wonderful octagonal baptistery from an earlier, 5th-
century church, while the 14th-century cloisters have ceilings painted with bracingly
lurid events from the Apocalypse (for further details see
Cathédrale, Fréjus
)
. A must
if in the region.
Cathédrale St-Lenoncé • Open 9am-6:30pm daily (Oct-May:
9am-noon, 2-5pm Tue-Sun) • Closed 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 & 11 Nov, 25 Dec • Adm
(cloisters only)
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4. MASSIF DE L'ESTEREL
As the rugged red rocks of the Esterel range plunge into the blue of the Mediter-
ranean, they create creeks and contrasts of stirring beauty. Inland, the tough, vol-
canic mountains may rise no higher than 600 m (2,000 ft) but the landscape is of
breathtaking gorges, passes and peaks. Many paths and tracks provide access to the
mountainscape and its rich tree life. Take the Perthus or tougher Mal-Infernet val-
leys - in the footsteps of brigands who hid out here (for further details see
Massif de
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5. PORT GRIMAUD
Built in the mid-1960s over former marshland, the port is reminiscent of Venice, as
brightly painted houses push out onto quays separated by canals but joined by little
bridges. Access is by boat or by foot. Although now weathered and wearing a real
Provençal look, traditionalists still prefer medieval Grimaud, perched 5 km (3 miles)
inland.
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