Discover the Côte d'Azur

An exceptional destination for catamaran sailors thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the Côte d'Azur offers a unique experience, combining optimal cruising conditions with breathtaking scenery.

Looking to get away from it all?

Set sail for a coastal trip in one of the world's richest sailing basins. Côté mer: Hidden coves, exceptional anchorages, underwater excursions....

Côté Terre: Mediterranean gastronomy, hiking and heritage discovery.

A trip to the Côte d'Azur is full of emotions and enthusiasm.

From lazing on the Côte Bleue with Marseille's calanques, to discovering the flora and fauna around the Golden Isles (Porquerolles, Port Cros and Levant), you'll also love having a drink near St Tropez in the straw huts of Pampelonne beach.

Information before you leave

When to go?

Prepare your cruise

Good to know

The climate

The Côte d'Azur enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters with periods of heavy rainfall (Cévennes episodes). Conditions are ideal for catamaran sailing, with pleasant temperatures. Sailors can enjoy sunny summer days and mild nights, making sailing even more enjoyable.

The best time to sail this basin is from April to October, with July and August being the hottest months. For greater peace of mind, sailing in the early season (May-June) and the late season (September-October) will make it easier to find berths and moorings.

Swimming

The water temperature is very pleasant in summer. July and August are the months when swimming is a real pleasure, with temperatures around 28°C all along the Côte d'Azur.
It should be noted, however, that the water can sometimes cool overnight due to the winds, particularly the Mistral, which affects sea currents. The very dry air will cause surface water to evaporate and be replaced by much cooler water. At the same time, there is an upwelling effect linked to the onshore wind, which pushes surface water out to sea, causing colder water to rise. On the wings of the season, the water temperature is between 16 and 25°.

Geography

The Côte d'Azur is made up of mountain massifs such as the Maures and Estérel, and is heavily forested. It is the 2nd most forested département in France.
It boasts 2 recognized national parks, including Port Cros and the Calanques de Marseille (Côte Bleue), as well as 3 regional nature parks. The biodiversity of its flora is incomparable, with 50% of the plant species recorded in France growing here spontaneously. The flora is equally rich, with over 600 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, batrachians, etc. listed in these parks.
A veritable wine-growing region, it is the proud representative of the world's 2nd largest rosé producer.

Prevailing winds

The Côte d'Azur is a particularly breezy area. A north or southeasterly breeze sweeps along the coast. This wind will be mild and humid, generating rain.
As for the Mistral, originating in the Rhône valley, it directly impacts Marseille and the Côte Bleue with a north-westerly wind, and is also very present on the Côte d'Azur, particularly the Var coast and Corsica with a westerly wind. This regional wind is rather cold and dry. It blows all year round, but more frequently in winter and early spring. With an average speed of 50 km/h, the Mistral can gust up to 100km/h. It is in spring and autumn that this dual circulation brings the year's main climatic instabilities and rainfall. In summer, the maritime wind from the southeast tends to cool the air, while maintaining fine weather that can occasionally be disrupted by sudden thunderstorms.

The formalities

For French nationals, for a tourist stay of less than 3 months, all travelers, including minors, must be in possession of a passport or national identity card valid for the entire duration of their stay. For other nationals, please contact the relevant authorities. Please note that proof of identity is required to embark with one of our rental partners.

Currency and exchange rate: Euro. In France, credit cards are used almost everywhere. French retailers are obliged to accept at least 2 means of payment: cash, cheque or CB. On holiday resorts, some retailers don't respect this rule and impose cash. It should also be noted that some retailers refuse to accept payment by CB below a certain amount, generally 10 or 20€.

Administrative formalities France Côte d'Azur

How do I get there?

Airport: Toulon/Hyères, Nice and Marseille
Train: There are numerous stations serving the entire Côte d'Azur. The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) passes through Marseille, Hyères/Toulon, St Raphael, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monaco and Toulon.
Car: You can come by car directly via the many roads and freeways serving the entire Côte d'Azur. Please note, however, that in summer, cars are not the best way to get around because of the dense traffic (it can take several hours to drive a few kilometers) and parking is quite expensive.
By boat: There are several ports, including Toulon and Marseille, which link the mainland to Corsica in both directions, as well as more distant destinations such as the Balearic Islands, Sardinia and Elba.

What license do I need to sail?

In France, no license is required to sail a sailboat. However, most charter companies will ask you for a CV Nautique to prove your sailing ability. What's more, if your engine exceeds 6 hp, you'll need a motorboat license (even for cruising catamaran tenders). There are several types of motorboat license: river, coastal and offshore.

How do I fit out?

To protect the catamarans on which you sail, we recommend you use only soft bags and no hard cases.
In terms of equipment, it's best to plan for several layers of clothing, depending on the weather. Of course, in summer you won't need to cover up too much to sail. On seasonal wings, it's important to bring wind- and rainproof jackets, ideally a watch or deck jacket. In all cases, sun protection and a cap are essential, as the sun's reflection, whatever the season, is very powerful. Lightweight, quick-drying pants or shorts are recommended. As for footwear, to avoid black marks and damage to the deck, we recommend light sneakers with white soles. Of course, heels are to be avoided.

Discover the Côte d'Azur

The Côte d'Azur in pictures

Port Cros Porquerolles catamaran anchorage

The itineraries and anchorages we suggest are given for information only.

They can be adapted to suit your desires, weather and anchorage conditions (crowds, accessibility) and your departure base.

In the case of a skippered charter, the skipper, who is responsible for the smooth running of your cruise, will decide on the best navigation options in exchange with you.