Our navigation proposals
Are you sailing for 2 or 3 days?
Leave for the islands, in 2 hours of crossing you are really "elsewhere" and will already have the feeling to have left for a long time.
Port Cros, harbor of Port Cros:
Mooring in port on a mooring line (in chain) if there is room. Neither water nor electricity so that the boats do not stay. Not sheltered by Mistral or westerly wind. The arrival is superb. Walks to do on foot, from a few hours to a day on the island, and in particular towards Anse de la Palud. There, sheltered swimming & underwater course to do with mask and snorkel where you may have the chance to see a grouper!
Mooring in the harbor on a buoy if there is room.
Anchorage in the harbor on an anchor, but there is depth… it is better to anchor in the Anse de la Fausse Monnaie, a little further south.
Bagaud, opposite Port Cros: small anchorage well sheltered from the Mistral, but little swell.
Port Cros, Port Man cove:
One of the most famous (and most frequented) anchorages in the region… and for good reason. Splendid, well sheltered from the Mistral, there is nevertheless depth. However, be sure to respect the prohibited areas.
The south coast falls steeply, there is no anchorage possible.
The islet of Gabinière is renowned for being one of the most beautiful diving spots in the Mediterranean.
The Levant:
The island is essentially military, apart from the far west, Héliopolis (naturist village). Navigation is prohibited around the island. A nice point of view from the top of Heliopolis, but that's about it ...
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Porquerolles:
The most varied of the 3 islands. Vines, eucalyptus, forests, beautiful beaches, a relatively unspoiled village, you can spend the day, even several days. Many walks possible on foot or by bike (which can be hired). For rainy days, there is even a cinema!
The port: mooring on a mooring line (in a chain) or on a buoy in the harbor. In season, do not expect to find a place after 5:00 p.m., especially if a gale is forecast ...
Moorings: possibility of anchoring on the entire north coast of the island, from Langoustier bay to Alycastre bay. Choose your corner according to the wind and the swell. Part of Anse Notre Dame is reserved for boats with a black water tank…. But the information is unfortunately still very poorly done.
The South coast falls steeply, there is no anchorage really possible for an overnight stay.
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Go off the beaten track :
Anse du Gaou: 0.5 NM south of Bormes the mimosas, the small anchorage to spend the first night or the last meal before returning to port ...
The entire west coast of Cap Bénat, from Brégançon to Léoube: numerous anchorages, often depopulated at the end of the afternoon. Be careful, however, of the swell or the westerly wind.
The Giens peninsula is very exposed to the swell, including inside the port of Niel, but the latter is worth the detour for its picturesque and "family" side.
Leaving towards the east of Lavandou, numerous small anchorages, in particular towards Rayol.
Navigation for a week or more
Going east: ​
Cavalaire does not offer much interest other than being an easily accessible port.
Saint Tropez is worth the detour: the village is pretty, with a little luck you will be able to see some (very) beautiful yachts (that's what they are called), beautiful furniture in antique shops, beautiful exhibitions in the galleries, maybe even a few (beautiful) stars… One downside: the jets-skis, cigarettes, and other noisily motorized helicopters that crisscross the bay…
Port Grimaud: a must see if you do not know. By looking at the port plan on the Marine Block, you will quickly understand. A small motorized ride in the canals is a must. Better yet, do it in the appendix ...
Further east, the coast is very urbanized, often little windy. It is less interesting even if the Alps give a beautiful horizon to the hinterland. To see, however, the coast of Esterel, the Lerins islands, the port of Antibes and its yachts, the old Antibes (next to the port), the port of Cannes and its yachts, Monaco, for those who are sensitive to this kind of town planning.
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Going west (west of the Giens peninsula)​
Toulon was heavily bombed during the Second World War and was rebuilt according to standards of necessity (big) lack of town planning. Unfortunately, today, despite a sheltered harbor, we do not recommend the detour, except possibly a small stopover in St Mandrier.
Cap Sicié is often painful to pass: too much wind or not enough, endless, not really pretty, but what you will find further west is worth the effort. Here is a small selection:
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Anchorage between Grand Rouveau and Petit Rouveau : a little wilderness on the edge of a fairly urbanized bay.
Le Brusc , the atmosphere is picturesque.
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Sanary, Bandol : lively ports, including out of season.
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La Ciotat : the bay is well sheltered and pretty. The huge cranes of the shipyards are a curiosity. The surroundings of the port have not yet been subjected to real estate pressure from neighboring ports. To see, why not.
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Cassis : picturesque, the Calanques nearby.
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Port Miou : splendid calanque, a natural port with the possibility of anchoring at the entrance of the calanque (place a piece on the ground). A must-do step!
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The Calanques : they are all to see and do. Very busy in season, it is not always easy to find a place to anchor there.
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Le Frioul : a beautiful stopover in the rockeries.
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Do not forget to visit the Old Port of Marseille , it is probably one of the most beautiful port entrances in the Mediterranean. Please note that there are not many places for passing boats. Note however that there are several nautical companies and that if the public port (the 2 breakdowns on starboard when entering) is full, there may be room for the breakdowns of private companies.
LEAVING TO CORSICA
L Corsica is a great destination for a cruise. First, because it involves a crossing which in itself constitutes a unique sailing experience. During the crossing, you will probably have the pleasure of seeing a few dolphins or whales, a school of fluorescent plankton at night, or exceptional luck because they are endangered, a turtle. The first peaks, or first lights, appearing on the horizon are also a moment of emotion, just like the sunset and the sunrise.
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The east coast is often the windiest. The anchorages are pretty, but ultimately quite few, the ports are small and saturated in season. Plan your navigation accordingly.
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The centers of interest of Corsica:
Calvi and Cap Corse
Girolata Cove
Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands
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We don't prefer to tell you more, because you certainly have your idea and your dream spots ...
