Suggested Sailing Itinerary from Cannes exploring the world famous French Riviera

Here is a suggested sailing itinerary for exploring the breathtaking coastline west of Cannes along to St Tropez and beyond to Hyères. Please feel free to contact us for more information and availability on boats for this itinerary.

Day One: Cannes, Mandelieu - La Napoule, Theoule –sur – Mer, St Raphael

Board the boat in the morning, and stock up on provisions for a full day on the water, ready for a lunchtime departure from either the Vieux Port or Port Canto in Cannes. As you look to the west and see the imposing and historic landscape, ready yourself to experience a different side of the Riviera.

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. Tack away from the coast to take in the stunning Massif de l’Estérel. This massive 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; Port Grimaud, St Tropez

After a full day sailing, 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. For more information on St Tropez, please click here.

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 some lunch in the afternoon sun whilst watching boats coming to and from the Îles des Hyères. From here, Le Lavandou is but a short sail across the bay and an ideal spot to spend the night with an abundance of restaurants both on the beach front and in the picturesque old town a short walk away.

Day Four: Ile du Levant, Port-Cros, lle de Porquerolles, Hyères

Stock up on fresh supplies in Le Lavandou and 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, as Port Cros is a national park and Ile du Levant is 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. Well worth an extended lunch to explore this 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. The Port of Hyères is located near the beach of la Capte, and is a short walk from the centre of town.

Day Five: Hyères to Ste 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 into the modern port of Fréjus. The town of Fréjus is a short taxi ride away providing another glimpse of the Cote d’Azur’s historic heritage. Take an afternoon to explore this quaint town, dating to the Romans whilst wandering around cobbled alleys and stopping for a pastis in a sun soaked plaza. Return to the old port and the beach to enjoy an evening market in the summer, before taking in dinner at any one of the port side restaurants.

Day Seven: Fréjus – Iles Lérins - Cannes

Leaving the sprawling sands of Fréjus behind, get an early start to make the most of the day! Heading back up along a familiar coastline, really make the most of your last day at sea heading back to Cannes, with an afternoon stop-off at the Iles Lérins, just off the coast of Cannes. These two islands comprised of Ste Marguérite and St Honorat provide some more interesting wind channels, and an idyllic way to end your week exploring the coast. Ile Ste Marguérite is home to Fort Royal, famous as the home of the Man in the Iron Mask – whose true identity is still a mystery!

St Honorat, the smaller of the two islands is inhabited by a cluster of Cistercian monks who reside in the impressive Monastere Fortifié, which faces out to sea. In between these two beautiful islands is a channel with calm waters, where you can drop anchor, jump off the boat and enjoy the liberty that sailing affords you. Relax and enjoy this final leg of your return trip back to Cannes, before disembarking the boat a little browner, thoroughly relaxed with some great memories and ready to contact us for your next charter!

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