The Most Beautiful Sailing Cruises on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is a splendid region, with its coastlines lined with iconic cities, secret coves, and wild beaches and inlets to be discovered only by boat. Enjoy a sailing cruise to explore the most beautiful sites of the Mediterranean coast and admire unique panoramas found nowhere else in the world! What are the most beautiful sailing cruises on the French Riviera? Follow our guide!

Porquerolles Island: An Essential Mediterranean Stop

Located just 15 km from the French Riviera, Porquerolles Island has managed to preserve its wild nature. In a peaceful and typically Mediterranean atmosphere, this cruise stop welcomes you to a calm and flowery landscape. The island is part of the Port-Cros National Park, classified since 1975. During your French Riviera cruise, take the opportunity to stroll on the almost deserted Plage d’Argent during the low seasons, or on the fine sandy Plage de Langoustier. As you tour the island, you will discover the Porquerolles lighthouse standing at 24 m. This remnant also allows you to discover an absolutely breathtaking panorama of all the surrounding Mediterranean islands. Finally, take advantage of being on land to visit Le Moulin du Bonheur, the Sainte-Agathe church, or the 16th-century military fort, essential historical symbols during your sailing cruise.

The Bay of Toulon: Discover the French Riviera on a Cruise

The Bay of Toulon is a bay that stretches for 16 km along the French Riviera. This maritime heritage, exceptionally rich in history, has preserved its vestiges such as the French naval base since the 17th century. Discovering this exceptional place on the Var coast during your sailing cruise on the French Riviera is also a unique opportunity to discover Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, as well as the very famous seaside resort of Sanary-sur-Mer and the Hyères Islands. Moreover, if you are a scuba diving enthusiast, take advantage of your getaway in this Mediterranean region to dive into the clear waters of the wild Calanques where you can peacefully practice kayaking or paddleboarding.

Sainte-Marguerite Island: A Peaceful Sailing Cruise

Sainte-Marguerite Island is located off the coast of Cannes, just 15 minutes by boat. It is the largest of the Lérins Islands, recognizable by its imposing 17th-century Fort Royal. Amidst this robust architecture, dense flora characterizes this island and gives it a peaceful and restful soul. Your sailing cruise on the French Riviera can also lead you to take a sporty break on the island: discover hiking trails on marked paths in the heart of a protected natural site and encounter nature preserved in its intact state.

The Embiez Archipelago: For a Memorable Sailing Cruise on the French Riviera

The Embiez Archipelago is accessible just 1 km from the Var coast. It is composed of five islands and is classified as a protected natural site. In this exceptional natural sanctuary, the archipelago offers you wild Calanques, hiking and cycling trails that invite you to make a stop during your sailing cruise on the French Riviera. The Embiez Archipelago is also exceptional for its intimate beaches. This is the case, for example, of the Salins Beach or the Petit Rouveau Beach, which you can easily access during the low seasons. And, if you want to go snorkeling, you will find exceptional sites to discover absolutely during your Mediterranean cruise.

The Calanques of the Esterel: An Exceptional Site to Discover During a Sailing Cruise on the French Riviera

Stretching between Saint-Raphaël and Théoule-sur-Mer, the Calanques de l’Estérel immerse you in their red and ochre cliffs. This striking scenery shelters unique coves, wild beaches, and hiking trails accessible to all walking levels. During your stopover, explore the hiking paths where you’ll find wildlife in its natural state. The same is true for the Rocher de Saint-Barthélemy. Accessible by boat, this rocky promontory invites you to admire an exceptional panorama of the calanques and the Mediterranean. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset during your sailing cruise on the French Riviera. Discovering the Calanques d’Estérel is also an excellent opportunity to savor the flavors of Provence in a typical Provençal restaurant located on the coast: grilled fish, bouillabaisse, or the must-try Provençal daube.