Day One: Cannes, Mandelieu-La Napoule, Théoule-sur-Mer, St Raphael
Heading out of Cannes, you can see the beaches of La Boca stretching along to Mandelieu and La Napoule. Pull out your binoculars to look at the beautiful, romantic and eccentric 14th century Chateau de La Napoule. Keep the binoculars out to inspect other architectural oddities along the coast in Theoule sur Mer, including another Chateau and the sci-fi looking Palais Bulles (Palace of Bubbles).
Tack away from the coast to take in the stunning Massif de l’Estérel. This massive red rock formation is a natural wonder to sail past, and a welcome break from the glitz and glamour of Cannes. Relax and enjoy the afternoon sun as you round the Massif and the outlying rocks jutting out of the blue sea. As you round these red rocks, come into the Port of St Raphael, Port Sant Lucia.
Stop in historic St Raphael for a night in the port, recharge your batteries. The centre of town is a short walk from the port, well worth exploring. Alternatively, if Saint Raphael is too much of a stretch for your sea legs, there is the charming Rade d’Agay providing sheltered moorings from the Mediterranean swell. It is best to have provisions on board if you don’t fancy a quick trip to shore to sample some of the beachside restaurants.
Day Two: Gulf of St Tropez
From San Raphael, the Gulf of St Tropez is a short sail west and down the coast. You can head out to sea and take advantage of the wind before heading into the Gulf. Admire the super yachts lying in wait near the mouth of the Port of St Tropez before heading further up and into the Gulf. Admire the northern ports of the lagoon like Port Grimaud and Medieval Cogolin before heading back to berth in St Tropez.
Day Three: Cap Camarat, Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Le Lavandou
Leaving the famed area of St Tropez astern, head around Cap Camarat, taking in more incredible views of rock crevices and sheer drops on the Corniche des Maures before coming around the cap to Cavalaire sur Mer. Here you can drop anchor and enjoy lunch in the afternoon sun while watching boats coming to and from the Îles des Hyères. Le Lavandou is a short sail across the bay and an ideal spot to spend the night.
Day Four: Ile de Levant, Port-Cros, Ile de Porquerolles, Hyères
Set sail for a day island hopping – French Riviera style! Legend has it that the gods transformed three swimming princesses into these islands, and the results are stunning when viewed from the sea. Ile du Levant and Port Cros are best viewed from the sea, given that one is a national park and the other a nudist colony. The largest of the three islands, Porquerolles offers some beautiful bays for swimming and taking lunch. Despite its tourist pull, it is surprisingly unspoilt with white sandy beaches and beautiful woodland covering the island. A great place to stop for the night is Hyères. Once considered the Côte d’Azur’s premier resort, Hyères has managed to retain its charm and colonial air.
Day Five: Hyères to St Maxime
Prepare yourself for another day at sea; enjoy incredible views as you start your return journey back to Cannes. Choose to stop for an early lunch or late breakfast at one of the islands before continuing around the Cap Camarat. Take advantage of the winds and really enjoy a great sail back up the coast to berth in Ste Maxime. This charming holiday town just across the mouth of the Gulf of St Tropez is a lovely place to stop for the night and explore. Wander through cobbled streets and enjoy a real sense of being on holiday. Street markets in the evening and a large variety of sea food restaurants make Ste Maxime a great stop on your return trip back up the coast.
Day Six: Ste Maxime to Fréjus
Enjoy the facilities of the port of Ste Maxime for the morning and take in breakfast at one of the portside cafés before gently heading back up the coast to Fréjus. Take in the stunning views of the coast or head out to sea and enjoy the wind in your sails before heading to Fréjus, a quaint town dating back to the Romans.
Day Seven: Fréjus – Iles de Lérins – Cannes
Leaving the sands of Fréjus behind, head back up the familiar coastline of the Cote d’Azur, make the most of your last day at sea by stopping off at the Iled de Lérins, just before you return to Cannes. Ste Marguérite and St Honorat are idyllic islands, away from the hustle and bustle of Cannes. Ile Ste Marguérite is home to Fort Royal, famous as the home of the Main in the Iron Mask.
Looking for a boat to enjoy these beautiful sights on? MAYAMA, a fabulous Couach 3000 Fly is a brilliant choice. Accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 cabins, she is available to charter from €54,000 a week. One of the best points of MAYAMA is her flybridge; these are always popular as they provide a perfect viewpoint wherever you may be along the Cote d’Azur. She is also great if at any point you want to welcome a few more friends on board – accommodating up to 36 guests at dock you cam go ahead and plan a party!
Relax and enjoy your trip along the French Riviera, before disembarking the boat a little browner, thoroughly relaxed with some great memories and ready to contact us for your next charter! At www.boatbookings.com, we welcome everyone from sailing professionals to complete novices and will help you at every step of the way to make your dreams a reality. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you with any questions you may have.
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