Frejus Tourist Information
Roman City
Frejus was once the most important port in the Mediterranean. Founded by Julius Ceasar in 49BC, and named Forum Julii, it still has many Roman sites including the amphitheatre (see below right), a theatre, remains of an aqueduct and two gates. After the fall of Rome, Frejus was repeatedly sacked by Muslim raiders and left in ruins and the port silted up.
Medieval City
The medieval city later started to take shape. A cathedral was built on the remains of a Roman temple in the 5th century and was completed in the 11th and 12th centuries. This was the seat of the Bishops of Frejus - one went on to become Pope John XXll, 1316-1344. Today the cathedral is a must on the sightseeing list. The Baptistry (5th century) was only discovered in 1925.
An interesting detour by car is the Cocteau Chapel, hidden away in an area of Frejus. Take the DN7 from the motorway or St Raphael to Tour de Mar then, following the signs to Bagnols and Les Adrets, about 500m after the club Igesa is a car park on the right. The octagonal church was decorated by Cocteau and is officially Notre Dame de Jerusalem. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30-6pm.
In nearby St Raphael there is a packed Christmas programme from 6 December till 5 January. See www.ville-saintraphael.fr
An interesting detour by car is the Cocteau Chapel, hidden away in an area of Frejus. Take the DN7 from the motorway or St Raphael to Tour de Mar then, following the signs to Bagnols and Les Adrets, about 500m after the club Igesa is a car park on the right. The octagonal church was decorated by Cocteau and is officially Notre Dame de Jerusalem. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30-6pm.
In nearby St Raphael there is a packed Christmas programme from 6 December till 5 January. See www.ville-saintraphael.fr
Frejus Tourist Office
Whether you go by train from Cannes (23 mins fast train, 45 mins stopping train) or by car 37km along motorway A8 (ample parking in Frejus) you will make a good start at the Frejus tourist office where staff are very helpful and speak understandable English.
Open 9am-7pm every day during July and August, open 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm, 2pm-6pm on Saturdays in June and September. During the winter it's 9.30am-12pm and 2pm-6pm Mondays to Fridays. A full programme of music, theatre and the arts takes place all year round - check with the Frejus tourist office for further information
See Frejus tourist office: http://www.frejus.fr
Frejus Market
The market in rue de Fleury has a mixture of food and clothes. You can buy soap to put in your bed to prevent cramp (really!). Frejus Cathedral
Follow the street down and you will come to the ancient cathedral complex, including the baptistry. |
Frejus Marina
Frejus also boasts a marina, Port Frejus, as well as Plage Frejus - a fine beach and seaside area. Countryside near Frejus
It is proud of its natural areas: Esterel, Etangs de Villepey (above) and the Base Nature. Frejus also has several vineyards nearby which you can visit. |