The French Riviera is known for being a playground for the rich and famous with prices to match. Whether you’re young or retired, on a budget or not, it’s always good to feel like you have a choice about when and how to spend your hard-earned money. Having sailed up and down this popular area for the past three years and visited most of the ports and anchorages along the way, we believe that we have discovered the secrets to enjoying life on board without worrying about the fares on board. marina consume your budget. In this article we explore between The Ciotat and Cannes on the western riviera.

Tip 1: Make sure you have a good anchor and a decent dinghy.

We have a large 25kg CQR / Plow heavy anchor at the bow of our yacht with 35 meters of chain and another 40 meters of thick, strong rope attached. When positioned correctly it will hold up well in most conditions and you can be sure to leave your boat at anchor for a trip ashore. We also have an aluminum Danforth anchor as a secondary anchor and have used it with great success as a stern anchor to hold us up against wind and surf, making some nights that much more comfortable. How to choose an anchor? Research your area, the types of anchor suitable for that area, and what weight is recommended for your boat. Some of our sailing friends use the new ‘shovel’ anchor and swear by it. Well worth the investment, it re-accommodates if it is ever disturbed and everyone has a quiet night at anchor.

One of the joys of being in a marina is that you can get off your boat, ready for dinner, without the worries of the water having an adverse effect on clothing or hair! With a good rigid bottom tender and of course a good rudder, you can also arrive dry and presentable for dinner from an anchored boat.

Tip 2: choose your marinas wisely

Follow the advice of other sailors. Whether it’s from online sources, almanacs, or pilot guides, the people who have been there before are a valuable source of information. Very often, the more expensive marinas have poor facilities but a bright, free anchorage on the outskirts. Most French marinas include water and electricity in their prices, so fill up your tanks and charge your batteries while you’re there.

Best value for money marinas (prices based on a 15 meter sailing yacht)

• La Ciotat – A well kept secret with good security, good showers, a nearby shipyard that will fill your gas bottles, wifi, very helpful staff, some of the best seafood on the Riviera in lovely harbor restaurants, approx £ 25 per night. year.
• Sainte-Maxime – Very helpful and friendly staff, gas available at the pier gallery, good provisions and restaurants, very good local services, ferry to St Tropez, approx £ 50 per night in high season.
• Port de la Figueirette: a careful approach to the port is needed as the depths are limited. Outside of August, dock at the fuel dock overnight for a small charge. Good provisions, nice family beach with non-motorized water sports, good restaurants.
• Cannes Harbor: Although it is one of the largest ports and the most popular locations on the Riviera, Cannes is one of the few marinas that you can book, by email, in advance and their prices are extremely reasonable, just £ 50 per evening. Excellent facilities, supplies, shelter and helpful staff. A great place to place the ship while exploring the interior. Beware of noisy night parties in high season at the Palais de Festivals.

Tip 3: secure anchors

Choosing your anchors carefully is vital and most depend on the direction of the wind or swell. Carefully follow the forecasts, as well as local information and advice.

• Porquerolles: a beautiful island that is worth exploring on foot or by bike. Anchor in a large area outside the small marina, or in a bay, Calanque du Maure, on the north side of the west end of the island, marked by a black and yellow cardinal buoy.
• L’Estagnol: a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay west of Brégançon with white sands and shallow waters. Surrounded by forests and well protected from most winds, the calm, crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling. A restaurant of the same name offers delicious lunches throughout the summer just behind the beach.
• Baie des Canebiers – the perfect antidote to the bustling city of St Tropez. Drop anchor outside of St Tropez for the day and take the boat into town, but when you’re ready to sleep, move a couple miles around the corner for the best night’s sleep. Well maintained, beautiful views, quiet and out of the predominantly southern surf.
• North of the Port Grimaud harbor wall: very good grip, sandy bottom, easy access to Port Grimaud by boat, not so good with strong local winds but sheltered from south swells.
• Rade d’Agay – You can pick up a buoy here for a small fee, but you can also anchor at select locations outside of protected areas. Good grip, it can be deep, quiet at night but quite open to the surf.
• Théoule sur Mer – North of the harbor entrance, it offers a great location opposite beachside apartments that sell for around £ 900,000. Charming French holiday complex with a good variety of restaurants, facilities and sports, including jousting by boat!
• Îles de Lérins: southeast of Cannes, a beautiful nature reserve with several anchorages suitable for shelter from most winds. A restaurant on each island offers expensive lunches, but Sainte Marguerite also has a few tourist bars and pizzerias. Don’t be put off in peak season by the number of boats – everyone will go home at sunset, leaving you alone.

Food and wine:

When you find a large supermarket, like in Cannes, stock up on dry supplies and fill your cellar. Small marinas and anchorages can provide you with beautiful views, peace, quiet, and a free night’s sleep, but local shops will charge you land for basic supplies.

Eating Out – Look out for the busy restaurants full of locals. If you are not sure where to go, ask for the marina on other boats and at the office. They will always be happy to recommend you somewhere within your price range.

Keep an eye on the weather:

Always keep an eye on the local weather as well as the long-term forecast. The weather on the Riviera can be very local, 30 knots west in Cannes, 0 knots in Antibes and 25 knots east in Nice, all at the same time! If you see Mistral or Tramontane wind warnings, do more research with the nearest marina and make plans in advance for shelter. These winds only last about a day, but it is worth paying for a secure mooring for your peace of mind. Make the most of the situation and take the opportunity to stock up, refuel, recharge, and explore further on land.