Since the end of the 19th century, especially since the introduction of the railway, Saint-Raphael began to develop itself into an ideal seaside resort, open in winter as well as summer.

In the time of the Belle-Epoque the one-time fishing-village witnessed a rapid change brought about by the increasing arrival of members of the aristocracy, who were intend on building their own villas in styles ranging from the Italian over the Neo-Classical, also including the Anglo-Norman towards the Moorish. Many of those splendid manor houses along the Promenade disappeared in time in favour of new, more spacious holiday facilities that were required, because of the ever increasing stream of tourists. Yet the boroughs of Notre-Dame, Boulouris and Valescure still retain the legacy of aristocratic tourism.

The historical centre surrounding the old church preserved the charm of its narrow alley ways, vitalized by its daily native market. In the modern city the guest may find plentiful shops, restaurants and the old docks with its fish market.

Along the promenade, the beach invites the unwary passer-by to a stay.