New flotillas for 2017. Mix with the jet set with a France flotilla, sailing along the beautiful Cote D’Azur. Enjoy the countless beaches and swim in the clear blue waters that give the region it’s name.
Villefranche: The town and north harbour with behind, the Citadel and marina entrance
There’s a chance to visit two nature reserves and explore the area’s quieter spots. These echo back to the times when this was a fishing and flower growing region.
A France flotilla contrasts the ancient and modern; from Roman ruins, through architecture that dates from Queen Victoria’s holidays here, to the super yachts. (It’s claimed that 50% of the world’s super yachts visit this coast each year).
These France flotillas sail from Toulon, with the option of heading east for a week, west for a week, or combining the two. Winds are typically force 3-5 in the afternoon. Moorings are mainly in marinas, with the occasional night on mooring buoys.
Take your pick from
About the Cote D’Azur Flotilla
Difficulty: Moderate Departs: Saturdays from Port Pin Rolland, Toulon
Nearest airports: Marseille (Nice also possible)
Direct flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol & Manchester.
Operates: Alternate weeks May to September
2021 Dates and Route Map| Flotilla | May | June | July | August | September | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cote D'Azur - 2 weeks | 28th | 11th |
See About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the France gallery. For what’s included see Flotilla inclusions and options.
Cote D’Azur Flotilla Itinerary
| Day | Miles | Destination | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Sat | 0 | Check in at Port Pin Rolland marina, Toulon | |
| 2: Sun | 21 | La Ciotat: A swim stop at the lovely Ile D’Embiez, then on to the interesting town of La Ciotat. Welcome punch party & dinner ashore | |
| 3: Mon | 19 | Ile Frioul: The route past the Calanques national park is spectacular with some great swim stops. The island destination is just off the fascinating old town centre of Marseille which is well worth visiting on the regular ‘navette’ ferry service that takes about 15 minutes. | |
| 4: Tue | 14 | Cassis: We moor on buoys in Port Miou in a pleasant green setting. The historic town of Cassisis a 20 minute scenic walk and well worth the effort | |
| 5: Wed | 12 | Bandol: The seafront of this pleasant and very civilised town is dominated by the marina, with an excellent choice of bistros, cafes boulangeries and bars ashore | |
| 6: Thu | 14 | Free sail suggestion: Calanque de Morgiou: Get away from it all in this beautiful steep sided inlet. | |
| 7: Fri | 12 | Free sail suggestion: Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer: A choice of beaches, an aqua park, the local museum and a miniature Statue of Liberty will keep you entertained in this pleasant town | |
| 8: Sat | 27 | Free Sail Suggestion: Ile de Porquerolles: Largest of the Iles d'Hyerres, though just 4 miles long, this island nature reserve offers some great walks | |
| 9: Sun | 12 | Presque Ille de Giens: Get to k now your fellow sailors at the welcome punch party on the beach. There are great walks ashore on this so called “almost island”. | |
| 10: Mon | 21 | Cavalaire-sur-Mer: First to the delightful garden village of Rayol Canadel (with its 400 plant species from around the world), then on to Cavalaire marina for dinner ashore. | |
| 11: Tue | 16 | Saint Maximes: A pleasant spot in its own right, but also ideal for taking the ‘navette’ for the short ride across the bay to St Tropez. | |
| 12: Wed | 26 | Ile Port Cros: This delightful island and national park has a charming village with a small marina and mooring buoys. Go swimming and snorkeling or enjoy great walks ashore. | |
| 13: Thu | 8 | Free sailing: You are spoilt for choice between the mainland coast with Le Lavandou and Rade D’Hyeres or the stunning island of Porquerolles, all within easy reach. | |
| 14: Fri | 23 | Return to Port Pin Rolland marina. Take a bus or ferry across to the historic naval town of Toulon before the farewell dinner. | |
| 15: Sat | 0 | Check out and disembark | |
| Average | 17 | You will do more miles than this! |
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week. Flotilla names may differ from those used by the operator.
More about the France flotilla holidays
The Cote D’Azur was first settled in prehistoric times. It formed part of the Greek empire before becoming part of Roman Gaul. For many years it was part of the state of Provence, before being gifted to France in 1486.
The economy back then, based on fishing, olives, flowers and vineyards gave little hint of what was to come. The arrival of the railways brought the British upper classes – the pleasant climate was deemed to offer health benefits. The Brits supplied the coast’s alternative name; the French Riviera.
The superb scenery was also a big draw for artists. The list of past residents reads like a who’s who of French art. And hot on their heals came European aristocracy.
The excellent sailing opportunities were soon spotted and the coast now boats countless marinas. Some, such as Monaco, St. Tropez and Antibes are pitched at the super yachts. Here, competition for spaces can be fierce, and prices likewise.
But fear not, you don’t need to be super rich to join a France flotilla. The routes avoid the more expensive marinas but will take you close enough to famous places such as St Tropez that those who wish can visit.
It’s not all casinos and flashy hotels (though there are plenty of these). There are many pleasant holiday towns for you to visit with some excellent beaches. And if you go just a mile or two inland, to places like Hyeres, you enter a different world.
As you’ll know, the French take their food seriously and no more so than on the Cote D’Azur. Sample local treats such as Tapenade (an olive based dip), Bouillabaisse (fish coup) or Daube (beef stew), washed down with Pastis. As usual, there will be a number of group meals you can join, or you can do your own thing.
There’s also the chance to visit two national parks. The Calanques are a series of steep sided inlets breaking up the steep cliffs along the coast west of Cassis. Further east, the Iles d’Hyeres are designated marine nature reserves, with the islands themselves offering a selection of botanical walks.
With the diverse range of attractions ashore and excellent sailing, grab the chance to enjoy a France flotilla.