A WEEK AFLOAT THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Lu Heikell discovers picturesque anchorages and buzzing cultural hubs while sailing between Toulon, Marseille and St. Tropez

- Lu Heikell

Mention the South of France and it immediately conjures up images of Belle Epoque opulence, palm-lined avenues and elegant villas. Of painters and poets, of adventurers in a bygone age. Names trip off the tongue; Cassis, Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Nice. We imagine dusting off our school-age French and diving into the original café culture, foodie paradise and warm waters of Provence, the Côte d’Azur or the Riviera.

For sailors the combination of modern marinas, city-centre Vieux Ports, conveniently spaced anchorages, and a reliable sea breeze makes this area very popular. Even so there are nowhere near the numbers of charter operations as in the Balearics or Italy and most charter yachts are now based around Toulon. Make no mistake though, in summer the waters fairly churn with boats of every description as the large numbers of local craft are joined by considerable numbers of visiting yachts, many of them the mega variety, enjoying this famous patch of the Mediterranean. Finding a medium- to long-stay place can be difficult, as berth numbers here have not kept up with demand. We have managed to secure a berth for a week or so without too much trouble, but you may need to head for the less fashionable areas for longer stays.

For a one-week trip out of Toulon, you have the choice to head either west into Provence, or eastwards along the Côte d’Azur. Much will depend on the weather forecast, but either way, a mix of pristine anchorages and cultural hubs are easy to find.