South France / France Yacht Charters

Winds are generally light. West of Toulon winds from the Northwest dominate throughout the year. The Mistral is responsible for the exceptionally sunny conditions in the region, parts of which have the largest number of sunny days in France. East of Toulon the impact of the Mistral is very moderate. In the summer the dominating wind is a South/ South-East breeze from the sea that rises around noontime and calms down in the evening rarely more than 15 knots.

There is easy access to the French Mediterranean via Nice, Marseilles and Hyeres airports, with regular flights from the UK including the low-cost operators.

7 Day DAY 1: Embark at Bormes les Mimosas. There are shops and a supermarket nearby and a market on Saturdays. This delightful Provencal village takes its name from the abundant mimosa plants that grow in the hillside surrounding the village. This is a great starting place to explore the Iles d’Hyeres. DAY 2: Port de Poquerolles (20nm) This island is a designated Nature Reserve, and the protected waters (part of a nature reserve) make for wonderful snorkelling. Hire bicycles to explore the botanical trails across the wild interior of this island. Port de Porquerolles is the main harbour and offers good shelter and a wide range of restaurants. DAY 3: Sail east to St Tropez (25nm) one of the best known ports along the coast. Relax in one the many waterfront cafes where you can soak up the atmosphere and view the megayachts of the rich and famous. Moor in a visitor’s berth or anchor just outside the harbour. DAY 4: Explore the canals of Port Grimaud (5nm). The village is built around a series of canals which can be explored by dinghy. Arched bridges across the canals have made the village inaccessible in places to cars, contributing to a sense of tranquillity. Overnight on the yacht quay here or across the bay at St Maxime. DAY 5: Sail west to Cavalaire (17nm), formerly a small fishing harbour, but now a popular summer resort due to the long sandy beach stretching round the bay. Excellent marina and a wide choice of restaurants and bars. DAY 6: le de Port-Cros (15nm) is the highest of the Iles d’Hyeres, also a Nature Reserve with an excellent snorkelling trail. DAY 7: Back to Bormes les Mimosas (15nm)