Menu
The French Riviera west of Saint Tropez, stretching to the Hyères Islands, offers a captivating blend of rugged coastline, charming towns, and secluded anchorages.
This less-traveled stretch of the Côte d'Azur is ideal as a tranquil stop-over along a broader itinerary or for a more intimate charter experience. Its serene beauty makes it stand out from the bustling eastern Riviera. A minimum charter duration of 3-4 days is recommended to truly savour the essence of this picturesque region.
Also known as the Var Coast or ‘La Côte Varoise’ this part of the French Riviera boasts stunning natural beauty, from the dramatic calanques of the Massif des Maures to the pristine Golden Islands (Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Le Levant).
Explore charming coastal towns like Le Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas, known for their floral displays and medieval architecture. Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling in marine reserves, or hiking scenic coastal paths. Don't miss the Port-Cros National Park, a protected marine and terrestrial reserve.
For anchoring, some of the most famous secluded bays and protected beaches include the Plage de Notre Dame on Porquerolles Island, often lauded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and the tranquil coves of Port-Man and La Palud on Port-Cros, which are part of the marine reserve and offer exceptional snorkeling. The numerous smaller coves and calanques between Le Lavandou and Cavalaire-sur-Mer also provide idyllic, protected anchoring spots.
While major international events are rarer than in Saint Tropez or Cannes, local festivals celebrating seafood, wine, and Provençal traditions often take place in summer, offering an authentic cultural experience.
The primary airport serving this area is Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN), located directly within the region. It offers scheduled flights, mainly from other French cities such as Paris (via Air France) and occasionally from European destinations during peak season.
For a wider range of international flights, Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) are viable options, though they require a longer transfer by road or train to reach the western Riviera.
From the major marina hub of Marseille, it's approximately 40-50 nautical miles, equating to an average sailing time of 6-8 hours. From Antibes, expect a slightly longer journey of about 45-55 nautical miles to the western Riviera, taking roughly 7-9 hours of sailing. From the Nice area marinas, the distance is approximately 55-65 nautical miles, with an average sailing time of 8-10 hours. From the closest main marina hub in Corsica (Calvi), the distance is roughly 100-110 nautical miles, requiring an average sailing time of 10-12 hours in favourable conditions, making it an excellent leg for a longer charter.
The main marinas in the area cater to a range of vessels. Port of Hyères (Port Saint-Pierre) is one of the largest, accommodating vessels up to 28-30 meters, offering comprehensive services including fuel, water, electricity, waste disposal, Wi-Fi, and repair facilities.
Port de Bormes-les-Mimosas and Port de Cavalaire-sur-Mer are also significant, typically handling yachts up to 25 meters, providing similar essential services.
Smaller ports like Le Lavandou offer more limited facilities, usually for vessels up to 20 meters, focusing on basic amenities.
The food scene in this part of the French Riviera is deeply rooted in Provençal traditions, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. Look out for delicious seafood, including fresh grilled fish, bouillabaisse (a rich fish stew), and often octopus dishes. Local specialities also include daube provençale (a beef stew), tapenade (olive spread), and a variety of sun-ripened vegetables like tomatoes and zucchini. The region is renowned for its rosé wines, particularly from Côtes de Provence, which pair perfectly with the local cuisine. Many excellent restaurants, from casual beachside eateries to more upscale establishments, are accessible directly from the sea by tender, offering high-quality, authentic dining experiences.
For comprehensive provisioning, the larger towns and their associated yacht hubs like Hyères, La Londe-les-Maures, and Cavalaire-sur-Mer offer excellent options with well-stocked supermarkets, local markets for fresh produce, and specialized delis. You'll find everything from gourmet cheeses and charcuterie to fresh seafood and fine wines. In less developed or smaller coastal towns and islands like Porquerolles, provisioning can be more limited to small convenience stores or local bakeries. It's advisable to stock up on major provisions in the larger hubs before heading to more secluded areas.
The main language spoken is French. In all major tourist destinations, marinas, and upscale establishments, English is widely understood and spoken, as are other European languages. The widely accepted currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are universally accepted, but having some cash on hand is advisable for small purchases at local markets or in rural areas.
For US, Canadian, UK, and EU passport holders, a visa is generally not required for short tourist stays (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in France, as it is part of the Schengen Area. This allows for free movement within the Schengen zone. However, it is always recommended to check the most current visa regulations with the French embassy or consulate in your respective country before travel, as requirements and international agreements can change.
Fields marked with * are required