One thing is for sure, there is nothing quite like sailing on the French Riviera. Stretching along the southeastern coast of France, this region is a paradise for sailors and travelers alike, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, charming towns, and a rich cultural heritage.
Our journey takes us from the historic town of Antibes to the picturesque city of Menton, exploring some of the most beautiful anchorages along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a curious traveler, this week-long adventure promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking views, tranquil anchorages, and the vibrant charm of the French Riviera. Join The Octopus on a journey that showcases the best that sailing in this region has to offer!
A week on the French Riviera, from Antibes to Menton
Anse de la Salis
Our first anchorage is the perfect way to start your sailing journey on the French Riviera, as it promises to take your breath away! Located by the beautiful city of Antibes, Anse de la Salis finds itself in a unique setting, with a breathtaking view on the old part of town.
Anse de la Salis is protected from the northwest to the south by the west, and you will anchor comfortably between 5 and 10 meters deep in sand and seagrass. Make sure to check the weather forecast on the Navily App as this anchorage can be quite rolly with eastern winds!
Of course, this anchorage will give you access to Antibes, which is an unavoidable destination on the French Riviera. The old town, Vieil Antibes, is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets lined with quaint shops, vibrant markets, and cozy cafes. The 16th-century Fort Carré, perched on a hilltop, offers panoramic views of the town and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Do not forget to visit the Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi, where Picasso created numerous works. Antibes also boasts beautiful gardens like the Exflora Park and the Jardin Thuret. In other words, this anchorage has it all to kick-off your sailing journey on the French Riviera!
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Rade de Villefranche
As we move on to our next destination, we find ourselves in the region’s coastal gem where time seems to have slowed down. Villefranche-sur-Mer is truly one-of-a-kind, and so is this anchorage. Protected from all directions, except for the southerlies, you will anchor comfortably in sandy bottoms – but be mindful of the posidonia!
What makes Villefranche-sur-Mer so picturesque is probably its waterfront lined with colorful, pastel-hued buildings, which also offers a panoramic view of the natural harbor. The Old Town is particularly enchanting with its narrow streets. The Citadel, a 16th-century fortress, overlooks the town with elegance.
The harbor is also surrounded by sandy beaches, such as Plage des Marinières. At Villefranche-sur-Mer, everything makes perfect for a relaxing stay, where all your worries will wash away in an instant.
There is also a train station just 5 minutes away from the docks, and you will be able to explore the cities closeby, such as Nice – another gem on the French Riviera. Although very touristic, Nice is a city you cannot miss out on, as the mesmerizing Old Nice, the gorgeous Castle Hill, and the gatorade blue waters will leave you speechless.
Of course, the food is also to die for! Among so many gustative delights, you will be able to try Pan Bagnat, Socca, Pissaladière, or Daube niçoise – and you will not be disappointed!
Back at the anchorage, you will be able to enjoy a magical sunset. As the deep oranges and pinks blend seamlessly, a golden light casts a glow over the town’s pastel buildings. On the other side, the colors reflect on the calm waters, blending with the sky until they become just one. Slowly, Villefranche goes to sleep, its magic standing still for a night of tranquility.
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Anse des Fosses and Anse des Fossettes
After experiencing the bliss of Villefranche-sur-Mer, The Octopus sails to yet another idyllic spot on the French Riviera. Located in two small coves separated by a piece of land, these two anchorages are quite spectacular, especially due to their setting. Indeed, the coves are surrounded by villas and greenery, and the crystal clear waters only make the view more splendid.
Anse des Fosses is protected from the west to the northeast by the north, and Anse des Fossettes is protected from the northwest to the east by the north. Both anchorages are covered in posidonia, with a few spots of sand – so make sure to anchor there for better holding!
These two anchorages are perfect to spend the day, by relaxing on the beach or swimming in the clear waters while enjoying the breathtaking view around you. Although these anchorages can get busy during the day, it does not take their beauty away, and their charm remains the same. In the evening, most boats go away, making room for a quiet night! This is probably the best time to be at these anchorages, as you will be able to enjoy a gorgeous sunset in utter tranquility, ready to put the day to rest.
Baie des Fourmis
Not too far from Anse des Fosses and Anse des Fossettes lies one of the most famous anchorages of the French Riviera, Baie des Fourmis. Located between Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, this bay offers scenic views of the town and its surroundings. Anse de la Scaletta is most definitely a must-see anchorage due to its undeniable beauty – representing perfectly the French Riviera and its unique coast.
This anchorage is protected from all directions except from eastern winds and swell, and you will anchor in sandbanks and seagrass resting between 4 and 8 meters deep.
Baie des Fourmis is renowned for its turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and its idyllic setting, framed by lush, green hills and luxurious villas. From the anchorage, you will see the historic Villa Kérylos, a magnificent Greek-style mansion that overlooks the bay. Of course, you should stop by Beaulieu-sur-Mer, where the villas and beautiful coastline will grant you a serene and luxurious escape.
Not too far from there also lies Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Known for its pristine beaches, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and prestigious real estate, this exclusive enclave offers tranquility and sophistication. You can take a walk on the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, explore the quaint village center with its chic boutiques and art galleries, or simply relax on one of the secluded coves that dot the coastline.
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Baie de Saint-Laurent
Between Èze and Cap d’Ail, you will find the enchanting Baie de Saint-Laurent, located in a cove. The setting is quite spectacular, with impressive cliffs watching over the anchorage and with houses standing right on top. Of course, the turquoise waters only make it more enticing!
Baie de Saint-Laurent is protected from the north to the southeast by the east, and you will anchor comfortably in sand and seagrass resting between 10 and 16 meters deep.
The cove’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the sandy beach of Mala only adds more relaxation to your stay. Ashore, there are also two restaurants awaiting your visit – and they also offer boat services. From the anchorage, you can also visit the surrounding cities, such as Cap d’Ail.
There, you can enjoy scenic coastal walks, particularly the Sentier du Littoral, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the coastline. Cap d’Ail seamlessly blends natural beauty with a touch of glamor, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration.
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Carnoles
The next anchorage is situated right by Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, one of the many gems on the French Riviera. Known for its stunning coastal landscapes, it seamlessly blends the charm of a medieval village with the elegance of a modern seaside resort.
Carnoles is protected from the southwest to the north by the west, and you will have great holding in sandbanks resting between 5 and 10 meters deep.
In terms of activities, you should not miss out on visiting Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. From walks on the Promenade Le Corbusier, to visits of Château de Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, there is plenty to see – with both offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The town is also known for its architectural marvels, such as Le Corbusier’s Cabanon and Eileen Gray’s Villa E-1027.
If you are looking for further adventure, there are also hiking opportunities. For instance, you can climb all the way to Mont Gros. After a few hours of effort, you will be rewarded with stunning views on Cap-Martin and Menton!
Plage des Sablettes
For the last anchorage, The Octopus really wanted to blow your mind! Plage des Sablettes will grant you a postcard-like view of Menton, a city often referred to as the “Pearl of France.” Menton is famous for its lemon festival, “Fête du Citron”, and for its skyline defined by its colorful facades, adorned with terracotta tiles and pastel hues that harmonize with the surrounding natural beauty and blue skies.
The anchorage offers good holding in sand and seagrass, and it is protected from the southwest to the north by the west.
Once well-secured, you can finally admire the one-of-a-kind view of Menton, which you should visit by all means. Once you get there, it will feel like stepping into a sun-drenched painting. You can stroll along the beautiful promenades, soak in the breathtaking views of the azure sea, and explore lush gardens like the Jardin Serre de la Madone and the Jardin Botanique Exotique. You can also visit the Basilique Saint-Michel and immerse yourself in the artistic world of the Jean Cocteau Museum.
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This is the end of our sailing journey on the French Riviera! We hope you enjoyed this article, and that you will get to see this mesmerizing region for yourself!
If you want to sail elsewhere on the French Riviera, do not hesitate to check out our other article on more anchorages in this region!
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2 Comments
I’ve appreciated Navily’s blogs as a useful guide, but this collection- for a coastline I’ve know well over many years – shakes that confidence. Was this just a table-top selection rather than a real trip?
Villefranche for example. Lovely yes, but it’s just about the most rolly anchorage I know – almost always has swell opposite the breeze and is a problem even with 2 anchors.
Most of the other anchorages on this coast are rolly too – there isn’t a huge amount of protection available with such deep water and high cliffs.
There are far better real-world sailing choices slightly to the west – the Lerins islands for example.
Hell Duncan thanks for your comment! Remember that all our articles are made with the help of the Navily community and are in no case personal opinions, rather thousands of opinions at different timings, which makes the pieces interesting and reliable. Weather is always going to be a problem while sailing and some paradise-like destinations can become hell with wind and swell. Remember this is is your experience at the moment you sailed there. Villefranche for instance is definitely not as bad as you would advertise it, you just were quite unlucky with the weather (+ if the wind and swell are bad you have many closeby options to counter that and still have a great time. For Lerins Islands, they will be in another article, we would like to put all of the French Rivieria in one piece but that’s just not possible 🙂 We hope you still enjoy our blog and we wish you fair winds Captain!