French Riviera
If paradise means sailing in clear blue water, sunning on glorious beaches rimmed with palm trees, romantic island hideaways, first class cuisine and shopping, all surrounded by some of the best natural, cultural and historical sites in Europe, then let Dream Yacht Charter take you to the playground of kings and queens—the French Riviera.
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From our base in St. Mandrier sur Mer, Port Pin Rolland, on the western end of the Azure Coast, you’ll experience inspiring sailing along some of the earliest Western trade routes. From Marseille to St. Tropez, the Iles d’Or to the Calanques – there are resplendent beaches, majestic flora, and protected aquatic wildlife.
St. Tropez has long been a favorite destination of artists, writers, and celebrities. An early trading port, it became a fashionable resort in the 18th century because of its long, golden beaches and nearby Provencal landscapes – and it still aims to please with fine French cuisine and designer shopping.
Toulon is known for its fountains and opera house. There are sheltered, sandy beaches in Mourillon, and a cable car that runs up Mt. Faron. You can visit the Museum of the French Navy, and visit the oldest resort on the French Riviera.
A must on any Cote d’Azur cruise are the Iles d’ Or. There you’ll find protected anchorages, lovely beaches with plenty of opportunities for lounging and snorkeling, and an 1837 lighthouse.
From our two bases in Marseille (Port Corbières and Vieux Port – “Old Port”), you’re right in the heart of Provence and as close as possible to the Calanques (rocky inlets). Easily accessible by TGV or plane, Marseille benefits from a rich maritime and cultural heritage.
The National Park of the Calanques, created in 2012, spreads betweens the cities of Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat and covers some 11,100 hectares on the ground and over 140,000 at sea.
The National Park of the Calanques, created in 2012, spreads betweens the cities of Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat and covers some 11,100 hectares on the ground and over 140,000 at sea.
“All very good. Staff was excellent. Service was very good.”
-Mr. L (Cote d’Azur)
American: A valid passport. If travel is more than 90 days a Visa will be needed
For European countries: There is no Visa (Schengen Aera)
English: No Visa but a valid ID or passport
French: No Visa but a valid ID or passport
German: No Visa but a valid ID or passport
Italian: No Visa but a valid ID or passport
Currency: Euro
Credit Card: Visa/MasterCard/Amex (but not accepted in the base)
ATMs: near the base at Les Sablettes, or in the airport or train station.
Traveler Checks: No
Banking Hours: 9.00 AM to 12.00 AM – 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Climate: The Mediterranean can be divided in two large zones. West of Toulon, northwest winds dominate throughout the year. The “Tramontane“ blows from the Pyrenees to Sète, and “the Mistral” blows down from Vallée du Rhône and may even reach as far as Corsica and Sardinia. Summer breezes that rarely exceed 15 to 20 knots from the south and southeast are most common during summer. The Mistral is responsible for the exceptionally sunny conditions in the region. East of Toulon, the Mistral’s impact is moderate. South and southeast breezes off the sea and rarely more than 15 come up about noon, and then calms down in the evening.
Sea and Tides: A strong swell from the south, southwest builds west of Toulon, but is considerably weaker east of Toulon. Water temperatures in the summer are perfect for water sports of all kinds. Tides are less than 30 cm.
Winds: May to September generally light on East side and West side. Strong North West (Mistral – 2 or 3 days).
