This week we are taking you on a tour of the most beautiful anchorages on the French Riviera. The south-eastern coast of France is a paradise of many wonders for boaters from all over the world.
Steep and wild coasts, multiple picturesque coves and paradise-like islands in crystal clear waters with Caribbean-like coral reefs… this is what you will find in this unique region! With more than 400 anchorages and 1500 comments and photos, the French Riviera is extremely well referenced on Navily, thanks to the many contributions of our community. It is therefore with their experience that we have prepared this Top 5 of the best anchorages on the French Riviera.
There are so many beautiful places to discover in the region that we had to do a series of articles, of which this is the first. From the Hyères Islands to the Cap Taillat, let us set sail for the most beautiful anchorages on an itinerary in the French Riviera!
Best anchorages on the French Riviera
La Courtade (Porquerolles)
It would be impossible to speak of the Côte d’Azur (a.k.a. French Riviera) without mentioning Porquerolles. Located in the North of the island, East of its famous harbor, this exceptional anchorage extends between la Pointe de Béarlieu and la Pointe de Tufière, facing the Courtade beach. It is an extremely popular destination and for good reasons: It is one of the most beautiful anchorages in the region, where you will find the typical and idyllic Azurean setting. Well protected from easterlies and south-easterlies by the south, it is quite spacious and can accommodate an armada of boats in high season. The seabed is mostly composed of thick colonies of algae, but sandbanks are accessible closer to the beach.
In this magical setting, the crystal clear turquoise waters embrace the rocky green landscape. Porquerolles is a precious jewel of the French Riviera for its exceptional natural environment. In addition to its grandiose wild landscapes, the island has many cultural attractions that are worth exploring, like the mythical Fort de la Repentance visible from the anchorage. The creeks of Oustau more inland, or the Fort of Sainte Agathe are also recommended and accessible from the anchorage.
On the outskirts of the port of Porquerolles, the Courtade anchorage offers exclusive access to the island and its wonders. Nevertheless, all good things attract a crowd, and the crowd will be your main concern there. It is consequently and obviously, a more enjoyable place to visit in low season, as the many comments from our community demonstrate …
Yet, it remains an absolutely magnificent stopover, appreciated by our community, which had to make our list of the best anchorages on the French Riviera!
“This anchorage is just on the east side of the port, very good shelter from the east wind. The water is magnificent and all the port’s amenities are very close (water, restaurants, mini-market, ship …). And porquerolles is truly one of the most beautiful places on our french coasts!”
Vincent on ulysse | sailboat — 8.8 m
Plage de l'Estagnol (côte Varoise)
Facing one of the most beautiful beaches of the coast, the anchorage is a popular destination on Navily. Some even describe it as an unmissable stopover! Spacious and well protected from westerlies and easterlies by the North, it’s always a bit rolly due to boat traffic.The shallow and sandy bottom of the cove is ideal for safe anchoring and taking advantage of this exceptional place.
The Estagnol beach stretches its sandy arms over the wild green and rocky shore of this unique setting. The imposing pine forest in the background, overlooks this typical Mediterranean sight. The forest comes with its share of surprises too. In addition to the magnificent hikes it offers, you can also enjoy delicious meals in the few restaurants that set up shop there.
Eat well, then rest on one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the region! This is the perfect place for a relaxing stopover in an idyllic setting! Nonetheless, you will have to deal with the hordes of beachgoers during the day.
But in the evening, they leave the anchorage where a calm atmosphere sets in. In this magical setting with the glowing warm lights painted by the sunset, you can let go of it all. An exceptional anchorage to add to your bucket list.
“It is really a beautiful anchorage when the evening arrives. One of my favorites in the area. You can easily reach the beach by swimming. The color of the water is magnificent. The panorama seen from the customs path is superb. I attach two photos quickly taken from the sky !!”
Marc on inoa | sailboat — 12.3 m
Calanque Longue (Ile de Port Cros)
Off Cap Bénat, on the island of Port Cros National Park, is this unparalleled anchorage. With an almost perfect scoring on Navily, it is a true paradise praised by our community. Located in a natural cove mixing steep rocks and thick vegetation, the long cove benefits from exceptional protection from north-west to south-west winds. Despite its inhospitable appearance, the anchorage offers good handling at 8 meters depth. You will have to choose wisely a sandbank between the reefs and the posidonia colonies populating the seabed.
Once safely anchored, you will enjoy this exceptional setting and the unreal vision of its crystal clear waters inhabited by a flourishing biodiversity! Getting close with your mask and snorkel is highly recommended.
You can reach the island by swimming to the shore where a path starts and guides you into the lush nature of the very first marine national park in Europe (1963). Indeed, the island is a true natural paradise worth exploring. Moreover, It is a place steeped in ancient history, where the ruins of the Greeks, Romans and later French history are accessible for an exciting cultural journey. Nature and Culture therefore go hand-in-hand in Port Cros and imbue the atmosphere with a peculiar Mediterranean mysticism.
Finally, one of the greatest advantages of Calanque Longue is the calm and serenity that you will find there. Surprisingly much less popular than the rest of the anchorages on the island, it remains calm and accessible even in high season! A very good address to share moderately…
“Very nice anchorage that seems inhospitable at first with its small side cliffs. But finally we ended up with 8 protected boats of the mistral. Funds from 4 to 8 meters welcoming. Finally superb !!!”
Jacques on angel’ô | sailboat — 9.75 m
Pointe du Trésor (Côte Varoise)
This exceptional anchorage on the Var coast is a little gem for boaters on a cruise in the region. Nested in a natural cove, it benefits from good protection to winds blowing from the North. The sandbanks of the anchorage offer very good holding in 3 to 5 meters of depth. Nonetheless, some boaters report the mooring area to have a turning effect and advise tying an anchor at the stern to secure your position.
The breathtaking natural landscape of the anchorage does justice to the beauty of its waters. Wild, steep and green, the coast presents the most typical “French Riviera” scenery. Dotted with small sandy beaches accessible only by the sea, they are the ideal place for a picnic on a warm summer day. Swimming in its transparent waters is a dream come true!
Many boaters visit the anchorage in high season and it gets crowded quite easily during the day. It is therefore preferable to settle there on a quieter time slot to fully take advantage of this unique place.
“A small cove close to the lavandou and cavalaire. If you arrive around 5 pm, the small boats leave their anchorage. And you will find yourself alone or with some sails !!! A corner of paradise especially in june and september. Do not miss”
Jean marc on maupiti | sailboat — 15.97 m
Le Cap Taillat & la Plage de Briandes : Choisissez votre côté et profitez !
On the coastline, Cap Taillat is one of the most beautiful natural environments you will witness in the region. Crystal clear waters border the steep rocky landscape of this arm of land reaching to the sea. There you will get a unique opportunity to observe a flourishing marine and coastal life. Cap taillat is a dream destination that concludes our list perfectly.
Crystal clear waters bordering a rugged and wild coast, several fine sandy beaches, breathtaking views, this is what awaits you at Cap Taillat.
Rocky underwater reefs line most of the coastal waters, but quickly give way to long sandbanks where you can anchor safely. The waters are teeming with underwater life and dolphins have often been seen close to shore!
Whether you are in the water to admire its sealife or on the deck of your boat to let yourself be transported by the unique landscape drawn on the coast, this place will move you in a peculiar way. On dry land, on either side of the cape, you can relax for an afternoon on the beaches of Briande, La Douane or Ranc. So many options available to you in an exceptional natural setting.
To enjoy this unique location, you will have the option of anchoring on either side of the cape. You will opt for Cap Taillat to the west, or Briande beach to the east depending on the wind and swell.
“Excellent wetting. Turquoise water, sand and beach nearby. A lot of yachts that come from st-tropez for the day and leave at dusk.”
Tristan on lorevent | sailboat — 12 m
C’était la dernière destination de notre liste des meilleurs mouillages Côte d’Azur (Partie 1). Vous aussi, partagez vos destinations préférées sur notre app Navily, et faites voyager nos lecteurs avec vos plus belles expériences de mouillage.
Bon Vent Capitaine,
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