Blue Ocean Club
8 days · 8 stops

From the Calanques to the Golden Isles

The limestone coast of Provence glimmers under a Mediterranean sun, its scent a mix of wild rosemary, pine, and salt. Your journey begins in the ancient maritime heart of Marseille, cruising into the dramatic, fjord-like gorges of the Calanques National Park, where sheer white cliffs plunge into water of an impossible turquoise. The anchor drops in secluded coves before you continue east, trading rugged cliffs for the soft, sandy shores and fragrant eucalyptus groves of the idyllic Golden Isles, a protected paradise awaiting exploration.

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  1. DAY 01

    Marseille & Îles du Frioul

    Embark in the bustling heart of Marseille's Vieux Port, the air alive with the cries of gulls and the scent of the sea. As the city's historic skyline recedes, a short cruise west brings you to the chalky, sun-bleached shores of the Frioul archipelago for your first tranquil evening at anchor, with the infamous Château d’If silhouetted against the sunset.

    • Embarkation champagne reception at Vieux Port
    • Tender cruise past the historic Fort Saint-Jean and MuCEM
    • Aperitifs with views of the Château d'If, setting of The Count of Monte Cristo
    • First swim in the clear waters of Calanque de Morgiret on Île de Ratonneau
    Anchorage
    Calanque de l'Eoube, Île de Ratonneau
    Dining
    Le Dîner du Chef on deck, featuring a classic Bouillabaisse
  2. DAY 02

    Calanque de Sormiou

    Awake to the sheer limestone cliffs of the Calanques National Park. Sormiou, one of the largest fjords, reveals a wide basin of aquamarine water and a small, sandy beach dotted with traditional 'cabanons'. The scent of Aleppo pine hangs in the warm air as you dive from the swim platform into the cool, clear sea.

    • Kayaking into hidden sea caves along the coastline
    • Hiking a section of the GR 98 trail for panoramic views
    • Snorkelling over the protected posidonia meadows
    • Watching rock climbers ascend the Paroi de la Grotte
    Anchorage
    Mouillage de Sormiou
    Dining
    Le Château Sormiou for fresh fish with your feet almost in the sand
  3. DAY 03

    Calanques de Morgiou & Sugiton

    Navigate east to the neighbouring calanque of Morgiou, a narrow fjord with a tiny, picturesque fishing port nestled at its head. After exploring its intimate charm, drop anchor near the 'Le Torpilleur' rock formation of Sugiton, a wilder calanque accessible only by foot or sea, offering pristine waters for an afternoon of watersports.

    • Tender exploration of the Grotte Bleue near Morgiou
    • Swimming at the twin pebble coves of Sugiton
    • Paddleboarding beneath the 'Le Torpilleur' (The Torpedo Boat) rock
    • Observing the fishing boats in Morgiou's authentic small port
    Anchorage
    Mouillage de Sugiton
    Dining
    Nautic Bar in Morgiou for a simple, local lunch; a gourmet barbecue on the sundeck for dinner
  4. DAY 04

    Calanque d'En-Vau & Cassis

    Today you experience the jewel of the Calanques, the breathtakingly narrow and deep Calanque d'En-Vau. Its towering white cliffs plunge into water of an intense turquoise, creating a truly dramatic anchorage. In the afternoon, a short cruise takes you to the vibrant port of Cassis, its pastel-coloured houses framed by the imposing Cap Canaille.

    • Morning swim in the iconic, cool waters of En-Vau
    • Tender ride to the 'Doigt de Dieu' (Finger of God) sea stack
    • Strolling the quayside and art galleries of Cassis
    • Wine tasting the crisp, mineral white wines of the Cassis AOC
    Anchorage
    Port de Cassis
    Dining
    La Villa Madie (3 Michelin stars) for an exceptional culinary experience, or La Poissonnerie for fresh seafood on the harbour.
  5. DAY 05

    La Ciotat & Île des Embiez

    Cruise past the Bec de l'Aigle headland to discover the ochre-hued cliffs of Calanque de Figuerolles near La Ciotat. After exploring this geological wonder, continue east to the Île des Embiez, part of an archipelago owned by the Paul Ricard family. This island sanctuary combines wild coves with a well-equipped port and a focus on marine conservation.

    • Anchoring beneath the red conglomerate rocks of Calanque de Figuerolles
    • Visiting the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute
    • Cycling through the island's pine forests and vineyards to hidden coves
    • Using the watertoys in the sheltered Baie de Six-Fours
    Anchorage
    Port Saint-Pierre des Embiez
    Dining
    SARTI for refined Italian cuisine or Le Garlaban for provençal flavours with a sea view.
  6. DAY 06

    Bandol

    The scent of sun-baked earth and Mourvèdre grapes welcomes you to Bandol, a name synonymous with some of France's most celebrated rosé wines. The yacht berths in the town's lively port, the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding terraced vineyards or simply relax on the wide sweep of Plage de Rènecros.

    • Private tour and tasting at a renowned Bandol wine estate like Domaine Tempier
    • Shopping for local produce at the daily market on Place de la Liberté
    • A round of golf at Dolce Fregate Provence with sea views
    • Relaxing on the sheltered golden sands of Plage de Rènecros
    Anchorage
    Port de Bandol
    Dining
    A table at L'Auberge du Port for classic seafood, or Le Shardana for creative Sardinian-influenced cuisine.
  7. DAY 07

    Île de Porquerolles

    Arrive at the largest of the Golden Isles, Porquerolles, a protected paradise where cars are few and bicycles rule. Drop anchor off Plage Notre Dame, a magnificent crescent of white sand fringed by eucalyptus and pine. The water is crystalline, inviting a day spent swimming, paddleboarding, and absorbing the island's serene atmosphere.

    • Anchoring off the famed Plage Notre Dame
    • Exploring the contemporary art collection at Fondation Carmignac
    • Cycling through pine forests to the lighthouse for 360-degree views
    • Swimming at the silvery sands of Plage d'Argent
    Anchorage
    Mouillage de la Plage Notre Dame
    Dining
    Le Mas du Langoustier for a gourmet dinner, or L'Orangeraie in the village square for a livelier atmosphere.
  8. DAY 08

    Port-Cros & Hyères

    Your final day is spent in the wild heart of the Îles d'Hyères at Port-Cros, France's first marine national park. The anchorages are strictly regulated, preserving an underwater world teeming with life, best explored with a snorkel. A final, gentle cruise across the bay brings you to Port de Hyères, where you disembark with the scent of pine and salt still fresh in your memory.

    • Snorkelling the underwater nature trail at Plage de la Palud
    • Hiking to the Fort de l'Estissac for views over the archipelago
    • A final swim in the tranquil, sheltered waters of Anse de Port Man
    • Spotting protected species like dusky grouper and barracuda
    Anchorage
    Anse de Port Man (day anchorage), disembark at Port de Hyères
    Dining
    A farewell luncheon prepared by the chef, celebrating the best of local Provençal produce.
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