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Create my bookAirbnb regulations in Saint-Raphaël: what the Le Meur Law changes from 2025
A seaside resort on the French Riviera nestled between the Estérel massif and the Mediterranean, Saint-Raphaël attracts thousands of holidaymakers each year, drawn by its red rock coves, its historic port of Santa Lucia and its sandy beaches. The municipality, with around 36,000 permanent residents, sees its population triple in high season, creating considerable pressure on the rental market. In response, the town has established a regulatory framework for short-term rentals to preserve the balance between tourism activity and housing access for year-round residents.
120 days
Annual limit
50 000 €
Maximum fine
From the 2nd property
Compensation
Rental day limit in Saint-Raphaël
In Saint-Raphaël, primary residences can only be rented as vacation accommodation for 120 days per year. Owners renting their primary residence as tourist accommodation in Saint-Raphaël are limited to 120 days per calendar year. This cap applies cumulatively from 1 January to 31 December. A remote declaration system allows night tracking, and the town hall conducts regular inspections, particularly in the popular neighbourhoods of Boulouris, Valescure and the historic town centre.
Booking platforms (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo) must block listings in Saint-Raphaël beyond 120 days. Any excess exposes the owner to a fine of up to 50 000 €.
Usage change and compensation in Saint-Raphaël
To convert a property into a vacation rental in Saint-Raphaël, a usage change authorization is required. Compensation: From the 2nd property.
In Saint-Raphaël, compensation is required from the second property rented as tourist accommodation. The owner must then convert an equivalent commercial floor area into housing, or acquire compensation rights from another owner who has completed such a conversion. This measure aims to protect the residential stock in pressured areas such as Valescure and the port district.
Quotas and restrictions in Saint-Raphaël
No
No specific quota has been established in Saint-Raphaël to limit the total number of tourist rentals. Regulation is primarily achieved through the registration requirement and the compensation mechanism. The municipality nevertheless monitors the evolution of short-term rental numbers, particularly in the Estérel area and along the seafront.
Fines and enforcement in Saint-Raphaël
In Saint-Raphaël, property owners in violation face fines of up to 50 000 €.
Violations of tourist rental regulations in Saint-Raphaël expose offenders to a civil fine of up to €50,000. Failure to register, exceeding the 120-day cap or non-compliance with the compensation requirement are the main sanctioned offences. The town has strengthened its enforcement resources since 2024.
Specific rules in Saint-Raphaël
- Mandatory registration with the Saint-Raphaël town hall, with a number to be displayed on all online listings.
- Quarterly tourist tax declaration to the municipal finance department, with a specific rate for unclassified furnished rentals.
- Compliance with condominium rules in the seaside residences of Boulouris and Santa Lucia, which may prohibit tourist rental activity.
- Mandatory display of the registration number, remaining available nights and owner contact details inside the rental property.
- Compliance with fire safety and accessibility standards, with annual verification for properties in seafront buildings.
Energy rating (DPE): Since 1 January 2025, properties rated F or G on the energy performance certificate can no longer be offered as tourist rentals in Saint-Raphaël. Owners of properties in older residences in the Valescure neighbourhood or the historic centre must ensure their property's energy compliance before listing it for rental.
Le Meur Law: the complete guide for property owners
Discover all measures of the Le Meur Law 2025: taxation, energy ratings, national registration, co-ownership, and mayoral powers.
See also: regulations in nearby cities
Frequently asked questions
The application is made online through the Saint-Raphaël town hall portal or at the urban planning department counter. You must provide proof of ownership, an insurance certificate and the property's energy performance certificate. The number is issued within 15 working days and must appear on all your listings.
No, the 120-day cap applies to all primary residences rented as tourist accommodation in Saint-Raphaël, including in the Valescure neighbourhood. If you wish to exceed this threshold, the property must be declared as a secondary residence and you must apply for a change of use at the town hall, with compensation if applicable.
No, compensation is only required from the second property rented as tourist accommodation. For your primary residence or a first property, registration is sufficient. However, from the second property onwards, you must compensate by converting a commercial floor area into housing within the municipality.
Failure to declare can result in a civil fine of up to €50,000. Booking platforms are also required to verify the presence of the registration number. The Saint-Raphaël town hall conducts regular inspections, particularly in the Santa Lucia neighbourhood and the port, areas with a high concentration of tourist rentals.
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