The French Mediterranean coast has lost its reputation with many crews in the last few years. Some sailors suspect that it only stands for expensive, overcrowded harbors, little beautiful islands and bays and that it is very expensive. Almost exactly the opposite is the case: If you are not out and about during the French school holidays, you will experience an area whose versatility is surprising and which is comparatively cheap after the price rally in the Adriatic and Italy over the past ten years. Also, the days are long gone when you couldn't get through in France without speaking French.
A small-scale jewel of the coast are the Calanques, a steep stretch of coast with white limestone cliffs, which are strictly protected national park. Nevertheless, yachts are allowed to sail and anchor there and find a beautiful landscape with unspoilt nature and crystal-clear water that shines in all shades of turquoise. A trip from Toulon to the lively metropolis of Marseille is ideal for a charter week and offers more than enough to discover. With a distance of only about 80 nautical miles, it is something for connoisseurs who value experiences rather than long distances. We present the stretch of coast with all its highlights.
Port entrance of Marseille