Saint Raphael Vieux Port
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France — Excellent water quality
Saint Raphael Vieux Port is a shoreline beach about 498.21 km from Saint-Raphaël, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, safety, and coastal management. The beach is open during its designated season. Swim…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Saint Raphael Vieux Port
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Saint Raphael Vieux Port?
Saint Raphael Vieux Port is a shoreline beach about 498.21 km from Saint-Raphaël, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, safety, and coastal management. The beach is open during its designated season. Swim with care and check any posted water safety guidelines before entering the water. Fresh drinking water is available on-site. The best months to visit are April, May, and June. Blue Flag status is reviewed annually, so the beach maintains its standards year to year.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Saint Raphael Vieux Port faces S toward Ligurian Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Feb | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Mar | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Apr | 13°C | 10°C | Med |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 22°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jul | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Aug | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Sep | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Nov | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Dec | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
The best time to visit Saint Raphael Vieux Port is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 24.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 21.9°C in July.
How crowded does Saint Raphael Vieux Port get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Saint Raphael Vieux Port sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Saint Raphael Vieux Port open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Saint Raphael Vieux Port
Is Saint Raphael Vieux Port safe to swim?Saint Raphael Vieux Port is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Saint Raphael Vieux Port?Peak water temperature at Saint Raphael Vieux Port reaches around <span class="inline-stat">21.9°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 8.1°C.
What is the beach like at Saint Raphael Vieux Port?Saint Raphael Vieux Port on the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur coast of France. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Saint Raphael Vieux Port have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Saint Raphael Vieux Port meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Planning a trip to France? Blue Flag Beaches France — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Saint Raphael Vieux Port
How do I get to Saint Raphael Vieux Port by car?Saint Raphael Vieux Port is approximately 498.21 km from Saint-Raphaël. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Saint Raphael Vieux Port?The nearest airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), approximately 45.1 km away.
Can I get to Saint Raphael Vieux Port by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Saint-Raphaël.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 43.4233°N, 6.7650°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Saint Raphael Vieux Port FAQ
Is Saint Raphael Vieux Port suitable for children?
Saint Raphael Vieux Port is a Blue Flag certified beach in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Saint Raphael Vieux Port free to access?
Yes, access to Saint Raphael Vieux Port is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Saint Raphael Vieux Port?
The best time to visit Saint Raphael Vieux Port is April, May, June. Water temperature peaks at around 21.9°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 24.9°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Saint Raphael Vieux Port?
Saint Raphael Vieux Port is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Saint Raphael Vieux Port?
Saint Raphael Vieux Port is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. It is approximately 498.21 km from Saint-Raphaël. The nearest airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), 45.1 km away. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
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