France's Golden Isles
The air on France’s Golden Isles hangs thick with the scent of pine and eucalyptus. Your yacht glides into the harbour of Porquerolles, where the clinking of masts provides a gentle soundtrack to a car-free world of silver-sand beaches and lauded vineyards. This is a protected paradise, a trio of islands where nature dictates the pace. From the wild seclusion of Port-Cros National Park to the vibrant underwater life of its marine trails, the Îles d’Hyères offer a pure, elemental escape, just a short cruise from the Côte d'Azur mainland.
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- DAY 01
Porquerolles Island
After embarking at Port de Hyères, a short, scenic cruise delivers you to the main harbour of Porquerolles. Step ashore into the charming village, a pastel-hued centre where the primary modes of transport are bicycle and foot. The island reveals itself through sandy tracks winding past olive groves and vineyards, leading to some of the Mediterranean's most celebrated beaches.
- Cycle the shady path to Plage Notre Dame, famed for its crescent of white sand.
- Discover the subterranean art collection at the Fondation Carmignac.
- Taste the island's acclaimed rosé at Domaine de la Courtade.
- Hike to the Fort Sainte Agathe for commanding views over the harbour.
- Anchorage
- Porquerolles Harbour or Baie de l'Alycastre
- Dining
- Le Mas du Langoustier for refined Michelin-starred dining, or L'Orangeraie in the village square.
- DAY 02
Porquerolles' Southern Calanques
Explore the wilder, southern side of Porquerolles, a world away from the gentle northern beaches. Here, the coastline is a dramatic composition of steep limestone cliffs plunging into deep turquoise water. Your yacht provides exclusive access to these secluded 'calanques' or coves, perfect for private swimming and enjoying the yacht's water toys in total seclusion.
- Anchor in the stunning Calanque de l'Oustaou de Diou, the 'House of God'.
- Kayak or paddleboard along the rugged cliff faces, exploring hidden sea caves.
- Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Calanque de l'Indienne.
- Enjoy the sunset from the deck, cocktail in hand, in perfect tranquility.
- Anchorage
- Calanque de l'Oustaou de Diou
- Dining
- A bespoke Provençal barbecue prepared by your chef on the sundeck, featuring locally sourced fish and vegetables.
- DAY 03
Port-Cros National Park
A cruise east brings you to Port-Cros, France’s first marine national park and a haven for nature lovers. The island is a strictly protected reserve; the silence is broken only by cicadas and birdsong. Ashore, hiking trails weave through dense forest to historic forts, while below the surface, a protected underwater world teems with life.
- Hike the 'Sentier des Crêtes' (Ridge Path) for superb views towards the other islands.
- Snorkel the designated underwater nature trail at Plage de la Palud.
- Visit the 17th-century Fort de l'Estissac, now a park visitor centre.
- Explore the tiny, charming harbour, one of the most sheltered in the Mediterranean.
- Anchorage
- Port-Cros Harbour (booking essential) or Anse de Fausse Monnaie
- Dining
- Le Manoir d'Hélène, set within the island's historic manor house.
- DAY 04
Anse de Port-Man, Port-Cros
Position your yacht in the magnificent Anse de Port-Man, a deep and sheltered bay on the easternmost tip of Port-Cros. This expansive natural harbour is an ideal spot for a full day of watersports, with calm, protected conditions and beautiful scenery. The rugged silhouette of the neighbouring Île du Levant provides a dramatic backdrop for a peaceful day at anchor.
- Enjoy a morning of water-skiing or wakeboarding in the calm, expansive bay.
- Take the tender to explore the rocky coastline towards Pointe du Vaisseau.
- Find a quiet spot for a long swim in the bay's deep, clear-blue water.
- Relax on the sun pads with a book, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
- Anchorage
- Anse de Port-Man
- Dining
- Sundowners on the aft deck watching the light fade over Île du Levant, followed by a seafood platter prepared on board.
- DAY 05
Giens Peninsula & Return to Hyères
Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at anchor before a gentle cruise back towards the mainland. Pause off the Giens Peninsula, a unique double tombolo, to watch the colourful sails of kitesurfers dance across the famous Plage de l'Almanarre. It is a vibrant final spectacle of Riviera life before your short return journey to port for disembarkation.
- A final morning swim in the clear waters off the coast.
- Watch the skilled windsurfers and kitesurfers at Plage de l'Almanarre.
- Savour a farewell brunch on deck with views of the mainland coast.
- A smooth and final cruise into Port de Hyères to disembark.
- Anchorage
- Day anchorage off Plage de l'Almanarre
- Dining
- A final gourmet breakfast or brunch prepared by your private chef.
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- Cres Yacht Charter
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- Cres Town / ACI Cres berths
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