Fréjus the complete collection: an immersion in the heart of history

Statue of Sieyès: a revolutionary honored in Fréjus 

Born on May 3, 1748 in Fréjus into a modest bourgeois family, Abbé Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès was one of the most influential minds of the French Revolution. 
Through his hard-hitting pamphlets and visionary texts, he contributed powerfully to the rise of revolutionary ideas, notably writing the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. A genius theoretician, he also participated in the creation of the Constitution. Sieyès' destiny then crossed that of General Bonaparte, with whom he orchestrated the coup d'état of 18 Brumaire. But Bonaparte, aspiring to imperial glory, refused to share power and quickly pushed Sieyès aside. 
Yet the people of Fréjus have never forgotten their compatriot. For the bicentenary of the Revolution, the city of Fréjus commissioned a bronze and slate statue from the sculptor Polska, thus paying tribute to one of its most illustrious children, whose legacy still resonates today.

Modern rampart: a witness to defense and life in Fréjus

Built between 1530 and 1580, the modern rampart of Fréjus embodies the evolution of the city's fortifications over the centuries. This imposing wall, which surrounds the city, illustrates the continuous efforts of defense and protection of its inhabitants.
Much more than a simple fortification, this rampart shaped daily life: it ensured that trade took place in the heart of the city, allowing taxes to be collected at the gates and limiting external incursions. Every evening, the gates closed to keep looters at bay and prevent the spread of epidemics. But beyond its military, economic and health role, this wall symbolized belonging to a close-knit community, protecting a flourishing city.
Today, this vestige is an essential stop for visitors, offering a fascinating insight into the history of Fréjus and the strategic importance it has assumed over time.

Saint-Léonce Cathedral: a Romanesque jewel in the heart of Provence

One of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in France, the Saint-Léonce Cathedral in Fréjus is a precious witness to the early days of Christianity. 
This exceptional medieval complex brings together four emblematic buildings: the 5th century baptistery, one of the oldest in France, separated from the church by a vestibule, the cathedral church itself, the cloister (from the 12th and 13th centuries) and the former episcopal residence, today the Town Hall.
In the Middle Ages, this 37-metre-long and 13-metre-wide building housed two adjacent churches, an architectural rarity. Today, it has two parallel and communicating naves: the large nave, dedicated to Notre-Dame, where the majestic sounds of the Grand Organ resonate, and the small nave to the north, dedicated to Saint-Étienne. A place where each stone whispers history and bears witness to the spiritual greatness of Fréjus throughout the centuries.

Door to the Atlanteans

Discover the majestic Porte aux Atlantes, located on rue Sieyès, a sculptural treasure of Fréjus which seduces with its imposing beauty and its mythological roots. 
Inspired by ancient stories, this door embodies the strength and mystery of the Atlanteans, these legendary giants condemned to support the sky. 
Both powerful and elegant, their figures engraved on the pillars captivate and transport visitors into a universe where art and mythology meet. 
A must-see for those who want to experience the ancient soul of Fréjus.

Four Seasons Hotel

With its intact 18th century charm^e century, the Hôtel des Quatre Saisons embodies the elegance of period houses.
Built around 1740 for César-François de Suffret, lieutenant of the Admiralty of Fréjus, it then became an inn which welcomed a particularly prestigious visitor: Pope Pius VII, then a prisoner of Napoleon's soldiers.
Its façade, decorated with finely sculpted mascarons, still whispers today the secrets of a rich and fascinating past.

Arena Hotel

A true haven of peace in the heart of the historic center, the Hotel l'Aréna actually follows in the footsteps of previous establishments that welcomed the great and the good of this world. It was in this hotel that General Bonaparte, returning from his famous Egyptian campaign, stopped before heading to Paris where he carried out his coup d'état barely a month later.

Ironically, it was also in this establishment that Pope Pius VII, just released from the captivity imposed on him by Napoleon, stayed when he set off to return to Italy.

Statue of Agricola

General Agricola stops in the historic heart of Fréjus, his bulging muscles and the uniform of the prestigious 20th Legion symbolizing harmony and power. Come and discover this emblematic figure, magnified in a sculpture where perfection comes to life.
Born in Fréjus, the son of a philosopher and author of a treatise on viticulture, which inspired his name Agricola, Cnaeus Iulius Agricola is above all famous as governor of Great Britain, to whom he gave the imprint of the Roman Empire by extending its borders to Scotland, which he travelled with his ships.  
He even came close to becoming an emperor. This triumph, coupled with exemplary virtue, earned him unparalleled fame… and perhaps his tragic end: in the year 93, at the age of 53, Agricola is said to have died of poisoning, under the orders of the emperor Domitian, jealous of his success; a hypothesis put forward by the historian Tacitus, who was his son-in-law.
Today, his statue, unique in the world, sits proudly on its pedestal, embodying youth and vigor. But the dark bronze of this work reveals the shadow of betrayal, symbol of a destiny broken by the very greatness that he embodied.

Chapel of Saint Francis of Paule

The Saint-François de Paule Chapel, built in 1560 by the Minims order, radiates a mystical and historical aura. 
Dedicated to Saint François de Paule, this chapel is much more than a building: it is a tribute to the saint who saved Fréjus from the plague in 1481. Since this miracle, the town has perpetuated his memory every year, celebrating him on the third Sunday after Easter, with its Bravade.
Listed as a historical monument, this 1993th-century Gothic chapel stands out for its simplicity and timeless charm. Its wide nave, discreet bell tower and contemporary stained glass windows, installed during the XNUMX restoration, invite contemplation. 
A true sanctuary where history and faith continue to resonate, forever marking the heritage of Fréjus.

Roman amphitheater

Proudly erected on the outskirts of the city, the Roman amphitheater of Fréjus stands majestically, an emblematic symbol of a rich and living heritage. 
Built in the 1st century, this building could accommodate up to 12 spectators at its peak, while today it remains capable of accommodating around five thousand souls eager for a show. 
Measuring 113 metres long and 85 metres wide, it reveals to us the heritage of a great people passionate about games, shows and legendary gladiatorial combats.
Over the centuries, the amphitheater has stood the test of time, its remains telling the story of its reuse in the service of the medieval and modern city. 

Between 2008 and 2012, an ambitious conservation and enhancement project was initiated as part of the Ancient Heritage Plan, supported by the State and the Region, demonstrating the desire to preserve this historical jewel. According to architect Francesco Flavigny, the objective was clear: " Our goal in Fréjus is to reproduce the cavea in its exact geometry, but with contemporary materials. We will therefore create a protective envelope that will hover above the ruins without hiding them. »
Today, the amphitheater has regained its original purpose as a performance venue. 
Imagine yourself, in the heart of this arena steeped in history, enveloped by the whisper of the past, felt in the echo of thousands of voices. 

Whether standing alone in the center, where the grandeur of the place overwhelms you, or being transported by the energy of a live show, surrounded by five thousand spectators, each moment spent here promises an unforgettable experience, where emotion and beauty intertwine to create lasting memories.