How far is Seillans from the beach?
Seillans is an inland village, but you can reach the nearest Mediterranean beaches in about 35 to 45 minutes by car without traffic. The closest coastal towns are Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, and Mandelieu-la-Napoule. However, be aware that travel times can increase significantly during the peak summer months of July and August due to heavy traffic.
Is Seillans a good base for a beach holiday?
Seillans is an excellent base for a varied holiday that combines the charm of a historic Provençal village with day trips to the coast. It's ideal for travelers who want to explore the region, including markets, vineyards, and the Gorges du Verdon, while also having beach days. It is not, however, suited for those who want a classic beach resort holiday where you can walk to the sea from your hotel.
What are the closest beaches to Seillans?
The most accessible beaches from Seillans are located in the coastal towns of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël. Fréjus-Plage is a long, wide sandy beach popular with families. In Saint-Raphaël, Veillat Beach is the main central beach, also with sand. These are the most straightforward destinations for a day trip to the sea.
Are there sandy beaches near Seillans?
Yes, there are several sandy beaches within driving distance. The main beaches in Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël are sandy and family-friendly. Plage de la Base Nature in Fréjus is particularly known for its large sandy area. This contrasts with other parts of the Côte d'Azur, like Nice, where beaches are famously pebbly.
Is it better to go to the beach or Lac de Saint-Cassien?
It depends on your preference. Lac de Saint-Cassien is closer to Seillans (about a 20-minute drive), offers freshwater swimming, numerous water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, and has easier parking. The Mediterranean beaches offer the classic Côte d'Azur experience with salt water and beach clubs, but involve more traffic and parking challenges. The lake is often a more relaxed and family-friendly alternative.
How bad is the traffic to the coast in the summer?
Traffic to the coast, especially in July and August, can be very heavy. The drive that takes 40 minutes in the off-season can easily take over an hour or more. To avoid the worst of it, it is highly recommended to leave for the beach early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or to go later in the afternoon.
What's the best way to get to the beaches from Seillans?
A rental car is essential for reaching the beaches from Seillans. The village's location in the hills of the Pays de Fayence means public transport options are not practical for spontaneous or efficient beach day trips. Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore different coastal areas.
Are the beaches near Seillans good for families with children?
Yes, many nearby beaches are great for families. Lac de Saint-Cassien is excellent for children due to its calm, fresh water and inflatable water parks. On the coast, the main beach in Fréjus (Fréjus-Plage) and the Plage de la Base Nature are ideal because they are sandy, have shallow water entry, and are supervised in summer.
Should I stay in Seillans or a coastal town like Fréjus?
Choose Seillans if you want an authentic, quiet, and charming Provençal village experience, and you enjoy driving to explore different places, including the coast. Stay in a coastal town like Fréjus if your priority is daily beach access without needing a car and you prefer a livelier resort atmosphere with more shops and restaurants.
Are there free beaches or do you have to pay?
The vast majority of beaches on the Côte d'Azur are public (`plages publiques`) and free to access. However, you will also find private beach clubs (`plages privées`) that charge for a sun lounger and umbrella for the day. While access to public beaches is free, parking nearby is almost always a significant cost.
What is the best time of year to visit Seillans for beaches?
June and September are arguably the best months. The weather is warm and sunny enough for swimming and beach days, but the coastal roads are less congested and the beaches are not as crowded as in the peak season of July and August. This provides a more pleasant balance between village life and coastal excursions.
Can you recommend a less crowded beach?
To find less crowded beaches, consider exploring the coves of the Estérel Massif between Saint-Raphaël and Théoule-sur-Mer. These are often smaller and may be pebbly or rocky, but they are very scenic. The beaches west of Saint-Aygulf can also be slightly less busy than the main beaches of Fréjus. Keep in mind that no beach is truly 'hidden' in high season.
Is it easy to find parking at the beaches?
Parking near the popular coastal beaches is a major challenge in summer and can be expensive. Free parking is extremely rare. It is best to arrive before 9:30 AM to find a space in one of the paid parking lots (`parkings payants`). Some lots may only accept cash or have specific payment apps, so it's good to be prepared.
