Côte d'Azur

Côte d'Azur – The Great Blue under Sail

The Côte d'Azur has long fascinated sailors. From the Belle Époque villas of Nice and the film festival glamour of Cannes to the Principality of Monaco, no other cruising ground combines so much culture, history and sea in so little space.

Antibes and Port Vauban

Antibes is the heart of the Riviera charter market. Port Vauban, with room for over 2,000 boats, is one of Europe's largest marinas. The old town (Vieil Antibes), with the Picasso Museum, the ramparts and the lively market, is within walking distance. Cap d'Antibes, with its lighthouse, has dramatic views.

Cannes (12 nm to the east) is known for its festival glamour and the Lérins Islands just offshore: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, with its active Cistercian monastery, offer a quiet contrast to the bustle. Monaco (30 nm to the east) is an essential stop – Port Hercule, directly beneath the rock of the Prince's Palace, is unforgettable.

Hyères and the Var Coast

West of Antibes lie the Hyères Islands (Porquerolles, Port-Cros, Le Levant) – a national park and nature reserve with crystal-clear water. Porquerolles, with its white beach Plage Notre-Dame, is considered the most beautiful island in France.