1. Roman Amphitheater

This remarkably preserved 1st-century arena once hosted gladiatorial contests for 10,000 spectators. Today, it’s the atmospheric venue for summer concerts and historical reenactments.

Insider Tip: Visit on Tuesday mornings when archaeologists often conduct maintenance work and are happy to share recent discoveries with interested visitors. The northeast entrance offers the best photography angle capturing both arches and mountain backdrop.

2. Fréjus Cathedral and Baptistery

This medieval complex features one of France’s oldest baptisteries with remarkable 5th-century octagonal architecture and remnants of original frescoes.

Insider Tip: The cathedral’s wooden ceiling panels have incredible detail often missed by visitors. Bring binoculars or use your phone’s zoom to appreciate the intricate 15th-century paintwork depicting biblical scenes with period-accurate clothing and tools.

3. Aqueduct Remains (Arches de Parage)

These impressive Roman engineering remnants once carried water 40km from the mountains to ancient Forum Julii.

Insider Tip: The best viewpoint isn’t at the main information panel but 200 meters further along the path where a small clearing reveals the perfect alignment of multiple arches. Visit after rainfall when the surrounding vegetation turns vibrant green.

4. Archaeological Museum

Housing remarkable artifacts from Fréjus’ Roman past, including mosaics, everyday objects, and maritime discoveries.

Insider Tip: Ask specifically about the “fisherman’s treasure” collection in the basement display – rarely mentioned in guidebooks but containing fascinating artifacts discovered by local fishermen over centuries.

5. Chapelle Notre-Dame de Jérusalem

A stunning modern chapel featuring remarkable stained glass and mosaics by Jean Cocteau, offering a striking contrast to the city’s ancient sites.

Insider Tip: The chapel’s acoustics are exceptional – visit when empty and stand in the center for an extraordinary sensory experience. The small garden behind the chapel offers peaceful contemplation space rarely discovered by tourists.

6. Port-Fréjus Marina

This charming harbor area combines modern yachting facilities with Provençal-style architecture and waterfront dining.

Insider Tip: Skip the touristic restaurants on the main promenade and instead try “Le Coin Caché” tucked behind the harbormaster’s office – a family-run spot where local fishermen eat featuring the day’s catch prepared traditionally.

7. Villa Aurélienne and Gardens

An elegant 19th-century villa set in magnificent landscaped gardens with Roman-inspired design elements.

Insider Tip: The northwestern section of the garden features a hidden meditation path designed by a local botanical enthusiast with aromatic plants specifically selected to bloom in sequence throughout the year. Bring a notebook to record the plant identifications.

8. Base Nature François Léotard

This sprawling coastal park was once a military airbase but now offers beaches, walking trails, and remarkable biodiversity.

Insider Tip: Local bird watchers gather at the eastern observation point 30 minutes before sunset to spot migratory species, particularly during April and September. The resident naturalist often shares his spotting scope with interested visitors.

9. Malpasset Dam Ruins

The sobering remains of a dam that catastrophically failed in 1959, now an important historical site and memorial.

Insider Tip: While most visitors view the ruins from the designated platform, a lesser-known path accessible via the east side offers a more comprehensive perspective of the engineering and subsequent environmental recovery. Always visit with respect for the tragedy.

10. Clos des Roses Vineyard

A beautiful estate producing excellent Provence wines amid stunning grounds that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.

Insider Tip: Beyond the standard tasting, inquire about their “heritage vines” special tasting featuring wines from the oldest plots planted by the original family. On Thursday afternoons, the vineyard’s retired winemaker occasionally leads impromptu tours sharing traditional techniques no longer in common use.