Yacht Charter France: Côte D'Azur And Iles D'Hyères

GETTING THERE Flights from Germany to Marseille, Toulon-Hyères or Nice, from there by rental car, train, bus or taxi to the charter base. Practical for those arriving without a rental car: the railway line runs between Menton and Marseille directly on the coast with stops in all major towns

Photo gallery: French Riviera

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CHARTER An ideal starting point for a trip to the Iles d'Hyères and the Calanques is the charter base of Kiriacoulis in Bormes-Les-Mimosas. From there it is only a few miles to the offshore islands and the local infrastructure is good. Dream Yacht Charter has a seat in Port Pin Rolland in Saint Mandrier-sur-Mer, as well as in Marseille, so that one-way trips are possible

CHARTER PROVIDER

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Weather statistics Core d'Azur

WIND AND WEATHER In midsummer mostly light winds, in the afternoon there is often a sea breeze from the southeast. Mistral from the northwest is more common in spring and autumn. Between Marseille and the Iles d'Hyères, the stormy wind that hits the bay of Marseille through the Rhone Valley can be particularly strong. East of the Iles d'Hyères, on the coastline to Italy, the mistral hardly plays a role anymore, but very strong winds from the east can occur here

Good weather and swell forecasts are available from Météo Marine of the French weather service Météo France (www.meteofrance.com and as an app) and the usual sources such as Windy (www.windy.com) or Wind finder (www.windfinder.de) as well as their iOS and Android apps.

PORTS & ANCHORAGE There are dozens of ports between Marseille and Nizz, so short stages are possible. You can only anchor in the Calanques near Marseille. In the Calanque Port Pin alone there are berths for smaller boats and mural for larger yachts, which also have to attach the stern to the rock with land lines. An experience

The infrastructure is good in most ports, but July and August are usually very crowded and ports are few and far between. Then it gets tight in the anchor bays. It is not uncommon to hang out fenders at the anchorage. You register at the ports via VHF channel 9, and a berth is then assigned. Or enter the port, moor at the reception jetty (Pont d'accueil) and ask the harbor master (Capitainerie) for a free berth.

NAVIGATION & SEAT CREW

The micro-area of the Hyerian Islands is well suited for beginners. The distances are short, the anchorage is good, wind and waves are low to moderate - unless mistral or strong easterly winds prevail. However, the 600 meter wide ring around the islands, which are completely national park area and in which strict nature conservation rules apply: Anchoring and landing is forbidden in many places, the speed is limited to 5 knots, and only "Bateaux propres", ships must be noted here with holding tank, are allowed to drive here.

On the maps of the national park, however, the restrictions look more complicated than on site: yellow buoys always mark the blocked areas. So you just anchor outside the marker. The same applies to the bays of the Calanques. Information is available on the national park website at en.portcros-parcnational.fr and www.portcros-parcnational.fr.

LITERATURE AND SEA MAPS The French port and area guide "Bloc Marine Méditerranée" with information also in English is on board the charter ships, as are sea charts. A good English-speaking area guide is the "Imray Mediterranean France & CorsicPilot" from Rod and Lucind Heikell. In general: Knowledge of French helps, but is not a must. Tip: A lovingly drawn anchorage guide is "Carnet de Mouillages II" by Sabine Chautard

AREA CHARACTERISTICS SOUTHERN FRANCE

The French Riviera is one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans. However, relatively few German charter sailors and owners can be found on the water. The stretch of coast between Marseille and Menton is extremely worthwhile, it is also a good starting point for Trips to Corsica.

The great attraction of the district is that versatility: Between Marseille and the Iles d’Hyères you will find the fjord-like bays of the Calanques and the Iles d’Hyères beautiful natural placesin which lonely anchoring à lRobinson turquoise water is possible.

Only a few nautical miles to the east, on the stretch of coast between Saint-Tropez and Nice, the Côte d’Azur shines with full harbors Luxury yachts, Jet-set hype and inviting seaside towns. There are also trips to Provence hinterlandto the wineries in the region, possible from almost every port.

In addition, the area is good suitable for beginners: The distances to the next port or anchorage are always short. Swell builds up quickly in bays, however, in the afternoon numerous motor boats and yachts from the area return to their port, or when an old wind sea meets the French coast from the Mediterranean.

Not to be underestimated mistralblowing from the northwest and Storm strength reached with a corresponding swell: If it is predicted, it is necessary to quickly seek shelter in one to the northwest sheltered harbor - and expect to stay drenched for a week. In the summer months, however, it tends to be rather light wind with one Breeze from the southeastwhich enables pleasant light wind sailing in the afternoon.