The best places to visit on your next French Riviera cruise on a sailboat:

The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, is a French dream region that stretches along the southern coast of France, from Menton to Monaco. The Riviera contains several cities (including Nice and Cannes), 14 natural parks, Roman ruins, medieval villages... The South of France is therefore a very popular destination in summer. And for good reason! The climate is perfect, the landscapes are enchanting, the people are relaxed and know better than anyone what the expression "having a good time" means. Cities like Collioure, Sète, Saint-Tropez, Saint-Cyprien, offer a mosaic of colours to their visitors. Discover large parks, beautiful gardens, typical narrow streets, superb harbours and traditional buildings.

Cannes and Saint-Tropez

Cannes is not just a jet-set town with an obsession for red carpets and evening dresses. The city has preserved its heritage and traditions, as well as an authenticity that visitors can enjoy as they escape the main roads to the older part of the city to savour the views and French charm.

The mythical village of Saint-Tropez, made famous and glamorous by the actress Brigitte Bardot, attracts celebrities and visitors from all over the world. But there is also a quieter side to Saint-Tropez, steeped in culture and history. Locals still gather to play petanque on the Place des Lices, the central square which hosts a lively market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Whether you're looking for a bit of culture or a moment of relaxation in the sun, Saint-Tropez is perfect. Don't miss a trip to the famous Pampelonne beach which offers 5km of white sand and crystal clear water.

The islands of Hyères

Off the coast of Hyères lie three idyllic islands - Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Le Levant. Also known as the Golden Islands, this archipelago is part of the Port-Cros National Park. These are the places to go if you want to marvel at the resplendent landscapes. Between fine sandy beaches, small creeks with translucent waters and pine forests, these islands could boast the most beautiful beaches in France.

Porquerolles is the largest of the three islands. Apart from the beautiful scenery, the village of Porquerolles is worth a visit, it is centred around a large square with a church. There are restaurants in the village - be sure to try a local wine made from grapes grown on the island with your meal. Port Cros is just as beautiful. It is a French National Park and the wildest and most unspoilt of the three islands.

The calanques of Cassis

The calanques are one of the jewels of the region and therefore a must-see on a cruise on the French Riviera. As the name suggests there is not one but several calanques, 10 in total, which stretch between Cassis and Marseille, and are part of the Calanques National Park. Long limestone massifs that fall majestically into a green/blue water. Its difficult access has preserved its natural beauty, making it a popular area for hiking, diving and discovering the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean all year round. The Calanque d'En-Vau is particularly beautiful. Its long corridor of turquoise water seems to come straight out of a dream! On board your sailboat we recommend you to go there.

Isle of Lérins

Fans of tranquillity will be won over by the Lerins Islands. Made up of two islands, two islets and a rock, these islands steeped in history are located in the Bay of Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite, the largest, was made famous by the legendary presence of the man in the iron mask. Today it is especially noted for its formidable forest of eucalyptus and pine trees that enhance it. Another island of the archipelago, Saint-Honorat, whose fortified monastery, present for several centuries at the southern tip, guarantees cruisers a setting conducive to tranquillity.

The old town of Nice

The old town can be considered the tourist heart of Nice. A picturesque and colourful place that is lively both day and night. There is a real medieval village atmosphere. Teeming with people, the district is lively and can only be visited on foot.

Finally realise your dream of cruising the French Riviera with a skipper on board a sailing boat:

• The best time to take a sailboat cruise on the French Riviera is April to October.
• On the budget side, depending on the type of boat, the level of service on board, you can find weekends from 150€ and weeks of cruising with skipper from 450€.Be careful though, prices vary according to the period.
• The solutions to reach the French Riviera are varied, just choose the one that suits you best. For those arriving from France cars, trains and buses allow you to get to the main ports of embarkation (Marseille, Toulon Hyères, Antibes and Nice). For those coming from abroad, the ideal way is to travel by plane to Marseille or Nice, served by many low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.
• Last but not least, if you want to learn to sail while enjoying a sunny climate, the French Riviera is the destination for you!

The best itineraries for your next sailing cruise on the French Riviera with skipper:

• A week's cruise in the west of the French Riviera: a first option is to cruise the west coast by sailboat. Depart from La Ciotat. Set sail towards Port-Cros, classified as a natural park, then towards Saint Tropez along the Esterel massif and the famous Pampelonne bay, continue towards Cavalaire and the pretty bay of Bonporteau with its crystal clear waters. Then take the direction of Brégançon, then cross to the island of Porquerolles, finally stop towards the islet of Petit Rouveau to finish your cruise before returning to La Ciotat.
• A week of cruising in the east of the French Riviera: a very nice week of sailing in the east. From Saint Raphaël, you take the direction of Cap d'Antibes, then mark the stop in the bay of Agay, with a pretty anchorage in front of a sandy beach, the bay of the Angels, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and its dream anchorage in the cove of the Scaletta, and the roadstead of Villefranche. Don't miss the Lérins islands and the splendid cornice of the Estérel then return to Saint Raphaël.
• Three days sailing from Marseille: head for the Calanques de Cassis with, on the way, the possibility of lunch in one of the anchorages
• Two days sailing from Hyères: a weekend is enough to decompress. Take the direction of Porquerolles and Port-Cros and enjoy.