French, Côte d’Azur.

ANTIBES, CANNES, SAINT TROPEZ and some beautiful ISLANDS.

Cruising the FRENCH RIVIERA, Summer 2021. Côte d’Azur. Golden sandy beaches, fine food, the charm of a unique mix of cultures, the scent of pine trees and lavender, azure colors of the sea, siestas in the shade of an olive tree,  sun-drenched wine, world famous coastal towns, rich history over centuries, dry hot winters, mild winters, all this comes into mind when talking about the Mediterranean Sea.

Our favored places on the French Riviera.

Antibes

Antibes with its charming old town center, with restaurant, bars, galleries, shops, local market with fresh fruits, local delicacies, flowers. Antibes is a good place to rest, dine and then resupply the boat.

Antibes is also the home Pablo Picasso Museum, and is also the major place for the super yacht industry in the Meds. The Harbor Port Vauban Antibes is perfectly located, next to the historical center of the city. Prices are fair, service is good.

Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins became a popular seaside resort south of Antibes in the 20’s.  Luxury hotels, private villas, and exclusive seaside resorts made this place famous, and soon hosted not only the rich, but also the intellectual and artistic elite back in the days. Some residential areas with its villas and houses are absolutely stunning. Today Juan-les-Pins is best known for its world class jazz festival, that takes place in Pinède Garden, every summer.

Anchorage is good, with wind and swell from the right direction. Here you will see some of the biggest mega yachts that are build today, sitting at anchor, in the middle of the bay in Juan-les-Pins

Cannes

Cannes defines much of the character of the Côte d'Azur in one place, and is the host of some mega events like the annual Film Festival, Classic Yacht Regatta Régates Royales, with the finest traditional yachts from around the world and a fine Yachting Expo. Cannes has a lot to offer. This smal coastal city has a nice historical part, some very chic boutiques, including major luxury brands, a local market, bars, restaurant, noble hotels, casino, galleries and city beach and many beach clubs. Cannes really has something, plus it has a great location in the middle of everything going on on the French Riviera.

The harbor is perfectly located in the heart of the city and harbor fees are fairly priced. During the time of events it’s hard to get a berth in the harbor.

Lérins Islands

Lérins Islands. Saint Honorat & Sainte-Marguerite. Only a short sail form Cannes are the Lérins Islands two islands where you can find protected anchorage. The island Saint Honorat is privat and belongs to the monks. Their abbey produces wine on the island since the Middle Age. Everyone is welcomed to the island to stroll and hang out as long you can follow some simple rules. Be respectful, don't play loud music, wear cloth (t-shirt if you walk along the island). In the morning and late afternoon, without the ferry service, you have the island almost to yourself. If you lucky, you can see one of the monks walking along the way. It is a truly unique place.

Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez has its own flair. The area in and around St. Tropez is still the playground of the rich and famous. Sitting in a bar watch the ongoings makes a lots of fun. In Saint Tropez you find a great market, galleries, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. In the east of the village is a good anchorage. About 30 min. walk into the center.

Pampelonne Beach is just around the corner from Saint Tropez and hosts some of the most exclusive beach clubs in the Meds. At night, the clubs are the ultimate party destination, for funky music, cocktails, beautiful people and international celebrities. During the day the beach is a very nice place to enjoy the sun and the ocean in the sand, for all beach lovers and families. The South end of Pampelonne Beach is a good place to start a hike along the cliffs, from bay to bay.

Anchorage is good in sand. The only problem there is no place to land with your dinghy until the late evening, when the beach is getting empty.

Le Levant Island

Le Levant Island is truly unique. The entire island is a nudist’s island. The public part of the island is entire for nudists. That’s 10% of the island. The rest of the island is reserved to military. Walking naked on the streets is normal, only in cafes, grocery stores and the landing pier, require a minimum of clothes. Along the cliffs are some great spots to sunbath and skinny dip. It has one nice little beach and a volleyball court. The island has a vast varieties of flora and fauna, and locals as well visitors promote the spirit of naturalism. The island feels a little bit out of this world. Truly a unique place.  

Anchoring in front of the island is unprotected. But good when the weather is fine.

Porquerolles Island

Porquerolles Island. The french Government has protected the island from major development. Most of the island became a National Park and is explored best by bike, or by foot. There is a fresh scent of eucalyptus and pine all around the island. The coast has some nice white sandy beaches and clear water. In the tiny center of Port de Porquerolles, you can find all you need if you stay a couple of days, cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, bike rental, accommodations. It’s a place to enjoy nature.

Mooring is good in Port de Porquerolles, or anchor in one of the two big bays in sand.

Cruising route, summer 2021

Copyrights: OVER-THE-OCEANS.COM