Cote d’Azur Cruising Guide
There’s nothing quite like a trip along the spectacular Côte d’Azur, aka the French Riviera. Amongst the glitz and glamour of Cannes and Antibes, tranquil anchorages, some only accessible by boat, provide a welcome escape.
Here we take a look at some of the most popular places to visit in the region. Basing your boat here can also offer incredible cruising opportunities, and you’ll have the support of our expert brokerage teams in Port Napoleon, La Napoule, and Antibes.
Antibes
From Port Vauban, Europe’s largest marina, you can wander the old cobbled streets of Antibes and enjoy magnificent sea views from the ramparts and Phare de la Garoupe lighthouse. Find a picturesque anchorage near La Garoupe for a lazy lunch onboard before heading south around the Cap d’Antibes to discover a rugged landscape of pearly white rocks, emerald green vegetation and sparkling aquamarine nooks.
Saint Tropez
For the best superyacht spotting, drop anchor by Pampelonne Beach. With crystal clear waters and a golden sand shoreline, this is a popular anchorage where you can get amongst some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. For a more peaceful setting, head to the Illes d’Hyeres, where you can find tranquil coves to swim in and waterside taverns offering delicious feasts of freshly caught seafood. Or head to the hidden gem of Cap Taillat, only accessible by boat, boasting deserted white beaches and azure blue bays.
Cannes
Les Iles de Lérins, an archipelago of islands south of Cannes, is a must-see destination by boat. Renowned for verdant shorelines, edged with golden sand beaches and lapped by calm, turquoise waters, there are abundant idyllic anchorages to be discovered here. In contrast, Cannes, home to the rich and famous, is adorned with glamorous boutiques, gourmet restaurants and palm-fringed boulevards, and is host to the world-renowned Cannes Yachting Festival.
La Napoule
As you approach La Napoule, the imposing Château de la Napoule and the verdant conical hillsides of San Peyre will come into view. Cruise along the nearby coastline to admire the red-rock Esterel mountains and enjoy a refreshing swim in a secluded bay. Onshore, the vast marina with nearly 1,000 moorings has everything you need for a comfortable stay, and the town of Mandelieu-la-Napoule boasts friendly bars and restaurants.
Port Napoleon
For a more peaceful getaway, head to Port Napoléon. Although only a few nautical miles down the coast from the glitz and glamour of Cannes and Saint Tropez, its sheltered marina offers a safe haven and an incredible variety of yacht services if you want to base your yacht on the Cote d’Azur. It’s a haven for wildlife, too – head to the biodiverse wetlands of Camargue to spot pink flamingos, wild white horses, and black bulls, or sail along the Rhône delta coastline to discover deserted long sandy beaches.
Ancasta Côte d’Azur
With three brokerage teams along the south coast of France, Ancasta is well placed to advise on boat purchases and sales in the Mediterranean. Our friendly brokers at Port Napoleon, La Napoule, and Antibes invite you to get in touch if you’re visiting the French Riviera to chat about your boating plans and discover more local knowledge about sailing in the local area.
