A guide to cruising the South of France's lesser-known towns post-Olympics

Hosted in the South of France, the Olympic Sailing events will take place on the waters of the Marseille Marina between 28 July - 8 August 2024. Yet the turquoise waters are not just reserved for the athletes; sailing and superyacht aficionados rejoice, BOAT has compiled the ultimate guide to cruising hotspots in Marseille and beyond.

While the South of France is undoubtedly a popular holiday destination, lesser-known towns and villages curve its border, where azure coastlines and colourful seaside towns set the tone for a summer of sailing. Unsurprisingly, the French Mediterranean coast is amongst one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world with its abundance of marinas, varied scenery and docile winds, allowing safe conditions for even the less experienced sailor.

If the Côte d’Azur runs east from Saint-Tropez, there are approximately 250 miles of coastline to the west that are equally interesting and picturesque. This stretch is perhaps less trendy than the Côte d’Azur but will appeal to those seeking a more authentic South of France. Here you will find a slice of L'hexagone away from the hustle and bustle of lively Nice and glamorous Monaco. Along this coastline, French is the predominant language, there are more boulangerie than haute-couture boutiques and more people drive Citroëns than Ferraris.

Step onshore to soak up the bustle of city life or diverge from the crowds and drop anchor at the more remote islands – perfect for embracing the peripatetic lifestyle associated with sailing.

Îles d'Hyères

There is of course more to the South of France than the "Mediterranean Milk Run" (a term coined to reflect refined locations along the Côte d'Azur and into the Italian Riviera). Take the Îles d'Hyères for example, a group of three rocky islands just to the east of Toulon, where you can expect stunning walks, great views, and wonderful diving. Dubbed "the Golden Islands" for their red-brown rocky coast that glows golden at the end of the day, the Îles d'Hyères are not to be missed.

The largest is Île de Porquerolles, which was declared a national park in 2012 and is only explorable by bike or foot. Thanks to its crystal-clear waters, popular activities consist of snorkelling, jet skiing, sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking. Meanwhile, Île de Port Cros will appeal to hikers; in the sixties, the owner donated the island to the state under the promise that it would become a national park that protects the flora and fauna. Finally, Île de Levant is the smallest of the three and has a completely different feel – intended mainly as a naturist's paradise. 

Drop anchor at: Port des Porquerolles, with 660 moorings for yachts up to 45 metres.

Toulon

The third-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast (after Marseille and Nice), Toulon has a role as home to the French naval fleet. Although not a massive tourist destination, the town is worth visiting for its historic buildings and maritime culture – notably the Musée National de la Marine (the National Museum of the Navy). The museum tells the story of the navy in this war harbour and the history of the arsenal and shipbuilding, including the evolution of boats in the Mediterranean from the 17th century to the present day.

The coast between Toulon and Marseille abounds with picturesque towns, sheltered bays and small beaches, all waiting to be explored by tender. Marseille itself is rather lovely, but the nearby Îles du Frioul are very pretty and the fort there was where the fictional Count of Monte Cristo was imprisoned.

Drop anchor at: Toulon Vieille Darse, with 615 berths for yachts up to 45 metres. 

Marseille

Host to the Olympics Sailing 2024, it would be rude not to pitstop in Marseille. Lose yourself in Marseilles’ oldest quarter, Le Panier (translating as "the basket"), and notice the colourful graffiti, potted plants and painted shopfronts. Be sure to sample the Med's best-loved bouillabaisse – a fish stew originally made by Marseille fishermen.

Whilst you're in town, visit Marseille’s newly revamped Roucas-Blanc Marina, which has been renamed Marseille Marina for the games. Here the marina will transform into the competition venue to cater for 14,000 spectators throughout July and August. For a day trip out of Marseille, venture to Aix-en-Provence, just a 45-minute drive away.

Drop anchor at: Marseille Vieux Port, with 3200 berths for yachts up to 100 metres.

Montpellier

Montpellier is considered a university city, recognisable by its narrow medieval streets, cosy squares lined with cafes and its fortress cathedral. A stroll through the Ecusson Quarter will tell the story of the city's rich history; it's worth a look at the architecture of Cathédrale St-Pierre and the street art along rue de l’Université. Settle into the bustling pavement terraces for an early morning coffee and capture the lively bar scene with an apéro as the sun sets. Expect all the French Mediterranean coast classics – beaches, bars and botanical gardens (namely Jardin des Plantes, France’s oldest botanical garden).

Drop anchor at: The Superyacht Marina Sète, with 650 slips for yachts up to 180 metres.

Côte d’Azur

Of course, if you want to stay in more familiar territory, the French Riviera (commonly known as the Côte d’Azur) is a popular spot to set sail as the country's most eastern shoreline. Although there is no official boundary, it is generally considered to cover the area between Nice and Saint-Tropez. Fittingly named for its stretches of azure coastline, the Côte d’Azur is no stranger to quaint towns with charm tucked into every pocket. 

Nice

Nice is a good place to start being more accessible by air than some of the smaller towns. Dubbed by many as the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, the city will appeal to yacht aficionados with its historical port – best viewed from "Le Chateau", where a cannon is fired at midday – as well as Club Nautique de Nice, built in 1883, and architecture that speak to its ancient Italian-connection. Navigate the narrow streets of Vieux Nice and find a plethora of drinking and dining options, check out the antique shops of Rue Catherine Segurane and be sure to take a stroll down the iconic Promenade des Anglais. 

Cannes

Cannes, known by many for its Cannes Film Festival in May and Cannes Yachting Festival later in the year, is another popular cruising spot. Venture into the old town, Le Suquet, and up through its winding streets. Here you can expect vibrant markets, pastel-toned houses and impressive views over the old port.

Èze

Nice and Cannes aside, there are plenty of lesser-known towns along this stretch of the French Riviera. Sandwiched between Monaco and Cannes, the village Èze promises Medieval ruins and jagged cliffs, often thought to be split between two villages on three levels: Èze-bord-de-Mer, where the Nice to Monaco railway is located; Èze village, where you will find the medieval village with a perfume factory; and Saint-Laurent-d'Eze, one of the lesser known beaches of Èze.

Antibes

Antibes is another charming seaside city evoking centuries of history and beautiful sandy beaches. East of Cannes, Antibes is its calmer sibling, although there is no shortage of restaurants, ice cream spots and markets. Leave time to soak up all the sights and smells in the Provençal market, where you can pick up plenty of local produce for days at sea. Its thriving superyacht port is one of the main attractions.

Drop anchor at: Antibes I.Y.C.A (The International Yacht Club of Antibes), which can accommodate 20 or so superyachts from 50 metres up to 165 metres.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is inextricably bound to a boating history and, until the start of the 20th century, was a sleepy fishing village. Today, the town attracts tourists for its beautiful beaches, sea views and old town lined with rustic cafes, bars and restaurants. In its marinas, you will find an eclectic mix of old, wooden sailing masts and state-of-the-art superyachts. Later in the year, the city plays host to one of the key regattas on the sailing calendar: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. 

Drop anchor at: Port de Saint Tropez, with berths for 734 yachts up to 50 metres. Alternatively, find Marina de Port Grimaud seven kilometres from Saint-Tropez, with over 2000 berths across three marinas, which are connected by a network of canals, bridges and man-made islands.