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7 Days Cruising West from St Tropez along the Mediterranean Coast

Living the high life in St Tropez can be yours when chartering a luxury superyacht to this fantastic hotspot in the Med. St Tropez plays host to about 50% of the world’s yacht fleets with approximately 90% mooring here at least once in a lifetime.

There are vibrant night clubs in St Tropez, beautiful coves and bays along with a laid-back atmosphere. Sail along the Mediterranean coastline to experience amazing days, spectacular views and night life that surpasses everything else.

Here’s a typical itinerary when spending seven days cruising west from St Tropez along the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

Day 1 – living it up in St Tropez

If you fly into Nice the best way to meet your superyacht is by helicopter across to St Tropez. Unpack your luggage and take a stroll around the port to get your bearings. The town of St Tropez is usually very busy with holidaymakers throughout the year, however it still has that feeling of “je ne sais quoi” (literally translated as “I do not know what”). This makes it very popular not only with celebrities but day trippers too.

To get your yacht charter vacation off to a good start in St Tropez, how about reserving a table at the Residence de la Pinede on the Plage de la Bouillabaisse? This is a splendid restaurant that has two Michelin stars, so do book up well in advance. Take a leisurely walk back to the yacht and spend a night on deck rounding a wonderful day off nicely. Conversely if you’re in a party mood, this exclusive resort definitely won’t disappoint. Visit one of the many vibrant night clubs to dance until the early hours.

Day 2 – swimming in crystal clear waters

Take a lazy breakfast before heading west from St Tropez and drop anchor at the exquisite Pampelonne Beach. This is certainly one of the most amazing beaches in the Med. This popular beach is ideal for swimming, paddling, as well as eating and drinking in the bars or restaurants that stretch as far as the eye can see. During the summer months, there are many superyachts anchored here while owners and guests go ashore.

It often gets a little busy here especially during the hotter times of the year so for a more peaceful and relaxed beach, move on. If you enjoy being among the “beautiful people” have lunch, then it’s back to the yacht for a cruise in a westward direction.

The next stop are the Illes d’Hyeres. This spectacular group of islands can be found between St Tropez and Toulon. Anchor in a sheltered cove, take a tender to do a little exploring or have a dip in the calm blue waters. End your second day with dinner al fresco under the stars – wonderful.

Day 3 – head for the hidden South of France

After a slow, relaxing morning exploring islands via the tender, spend time and lunch in a pretty anchorage before sailing further west in the afternoon.

You’ll sail around the Ile du Gaou as you pass Toulon on the starboard side heading for Sanary-sur-Mer. Take a tender to the shore with a member of the crew so the yacht can cruise to Bandol in the next bay. The lovely town of Sanary is quaint and picturesque so why not enjoy a tisane (herbal tea) and a pastry in one of the harbour-fronted cafes? Then it’s time to get back in the tender and meet up with the yacht in Bandol.

Bandol is a lively, vibrant and cosmopolitan town. It has unique bars, fabulous restaurants and great nightlife, ideal if you wish to spend more time here.

Day 4 – follow in the footsteps of the Count of Monte Cristo

Passing lots of Provencal fishing villages, you will come across rocky headlands and small beaches. Marseille has many islands that are always worth a visit.

There are plenty of amazing diving sites around the Ile de Riou and Ile de Plat for those guests who are diving enthusiasts. Explore the unusual rock formations and see brightly coloured marine life.

The Iles du Frioul near to Marseilles are extremely pretty. The fort here was where the fictional Count of Monte Cristo was imprisoned, so a little bit of “history” to see. After a day of island hopping, your next stop is Port Camargue near Montpellier. This is a great base from which to see what the Rhone delta has in store for you.

Day 5 – horse riding in the Camargue and Roman ruins

For something a little different a good idea is to hire a taxi or car for a day. This will also give the captain and crew time to chill out. Take a morning drive inland to Nimes to discover the Roman Amphitheatre and the fascinating Pont du Gard (a well-preserved three-tier Roman aqueduct). There’s probably time to see the stunning Maison Carree, a Roman temple that has also been well preserved.

Onto Arles where there’s another magnificent Roman Amphitheatre including lots of laid back places to eat.
After a leisurely lunch, why not take an interesting tour of the Camargue on horseback? It’s recommended to book this type of tour well in advance, they are extremely popular with the many visitors. It’s not necessary to be an experienced rider as companies do cater for all levels and all ages.

Enjoy the magical feeling of riding through the Camargue late in the afternoon to get a feel for this historically famous place. Then it’s back to the superyacht for a truly delicious and welcome dinner which the chef will have prepared while you’ve been out horse riding.

Day 6 – lazy days and lazy evenings

What you get on a charter yacht vacation are lazy days and lazy evenings. Day 6 is a long day at sea when the captain heads back to St Tropez. He will stop wherever you ask him, whether it’s somewhere you missed on the way out or something you particularly enjoyed and would like to see again. Take this opportunity to sunbathe on the sun deck with a book and refreshing drink or spend the day being pampered.

When evening comes around, the anchor can be dropped in the lee of Porquerolles or tied up in the harbour, if there’s space. Spend another gorgeous evening under the stars, people watching and relaxing after a most pleasurable day.

Day 7 – Pampelonne Beach then homeward bound

The last day could be spent having a look around Porquerolles. It has lush forests, orchards of figs and white sandy beaches. In the afternoon, you will sail east for a few hours before anchoring off Pampelonne Beach for a last swim in the sea or chill out on the beach.

Return to St Tropez as the sun goes down to disembark for the last time. With so much still to see in Provence you could stay on for a few more days. How about renting a car to explore at your own pace to see what this beautiful part of France has to offer?