Plage de Saint-Aygulf

Plage de Saint-Aygulf is the main family beach of Saint-Aygulf, a seaside district of Fréjus in the Var, on the west side of the mouth of the Argens river. It suits families who want long open sand within walking distance of a village centre, and birdwatchers, since the protected Étangs de Villepey lie just inland.

Full sun, summer lifeguards and village shops

The sand is open and in full sun most of the day, so bring a parasol and water. Water activities run in summer, and lifeguards cover the beach in season on dates set each year by the commune. Restaurants and shops are in the village centre, a short walk from the sand. Small rocky coves, among them the Calanque des Romains, lie along the coast west of Saint-Aygulf toward Les Issambres, about 5 km away.

Birdwatching at the Étangs de Villepey

About 1 km away, the Étangs de Villepey are ponds and wetlands formed by old courses of the Argens. A walking trail circles part of the site, with an observation footbridge at the start and the Vasière observatory overlooking the water, where many species of birds can be seen. Come early in the morning with binoculars, when the birds are most active. The usual starting point is the car park of the Plage des Esclamandes on the Corniche d'Azur (D559), which is paid in summer.

Roman Fréjus and its cathedral quarter

Fréjus itself, about 6 km north-east, was founded by the Romans and keeps remains from that period, along with a medieval cathedral quarter. Fréjus-Plage is about 5 km away.