Not far from the yachting hotspots of the Cote d’Azur is a trail of little-known islands, which have somehow managed to remain under the tourist radar. To escape the crowds on your next yacht charter in the South of France, seek out these secret hideaways to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
The French Riviera is synonymous with glitz and glamour but, with a mix of deserted sandy beaches, hidden coves, pristine nature reserves and fascinating historical sites, the following islands are the perfect antidote to the region’s razzmatazz.
Located 300 metres off the French coast, not far from Toulon, Île de Bendor was acquired in 1950 by Paul Ricard, the man who amassed a fortune making and marketing the ‘real pastis of Marseille’ under his own name.
Using the island as his plaything and as a place to entertain friends, Ricard added a tennis court, an art gallery and garden, and a 19-room hotel known as the Delos. Today, the island remains in the hands of Bendor’s family and can be called on by those cruising in the region.
After arriving in the tiny north-facing harbour, charterers can sip local rosé in one of the few restaurants, browse the handful of eccentric craft shops, explore the island’s hiking trails or pay a visit to a museum Ricard founded as a ‘permanent encyclopaedia’ of wine and spirits.
Miraculously enough, Porquerolles remains one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. One of the four Îles d’Hyeres, it can be found lying off the coast between St Tropez and Toulon and is an idyllic escape for travellers looking to get back to nature.
Two thirds of its white sandy beaches, pine woods, marquis and eucalyptus are protected by the Parc National de Port-Cross. Development has been limited and a wide variety of indigenous and tropical flora thrive.
Come here to spot the 114 species of birds, potter along the rough unpaved trails – by foot or by bike – break for a picnic lunch on one of the beaches and take a dip in the turquoise waters, this is, after all, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.
Just a mile offshore from Cannes, Ile Saint-Honorat is delightfully quiet. At almost a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide, this tiny forested beauty is one of the four Lérins Islands and seemingly a world away from its popular on-shore neighbour.
Saint-Honorat has been a popular place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages and, today, its Cistercian monastery is home to some 25 monks who tend to the island’s eight hectares of award-winning vineyards.
It’s possible to visit the medieval abbey during a charter vacation, as well as undertake a wine-tasting tour. Or, sample the wine over a delicious lunch at waterfront restaurant La Tonelle before a stroll through verdant pine trees and rocky beaches.
Although the largest of the Lérins archipelago, Île Sainte-Marguerite is still only three kilometres wide and 900 metres wide. And, for an island of such small proportions, it manages to pack in an unimaginable mix of nature and history.
Numerous walking trails wind their way through the sweet-smelling eucalyptus and pine, while the shores are a succession of hideaway coves and deserted beaches. It’s easy to find a secluded anchorage here, made even more appealing thanks to the marine-rich waters.
Presiding over all this picturesque scenery is the 17th century Fort Royal, where France’s most infamous prisoner, the Man in the Iron Mask, was confined from 1687 to 1968. Travellers can see the site for themselves as part of a trip to the Maritime Museum.
Joining Porquerolles in the Îles d’Hyeres island-chain is Port-Cros, France’s first and smallest marine national park. At 7sq-km, the protected zone of water hosts 180 different fish species, making this island a secret hangout for divers and snorkelers.
With 22 miles of hiking trails through unspoilt woodlands, Port-Cros also goes down well with walkers and, as sandy beaches unfurl along the rocky coastline, there is likewise much appeal for those looking to simply escape the stresses of the mainland.
The few signs of man here can be found in the sandy quayside. But, the scattering of beach bars and row of palm trees makes this spot more akin to the Caribbean.
Not quite so easy to reach for those cruising the Riviera, but in need of a mention due to its five-star hideaway rating is Cavallo. A little-known French island, it keeps away from prying eyes in the waters between Corsica and Sardinia.
Mooring in Cavallo’s turquoise coves is prohibited but, if permission is granted by the small consortium of landowners who run this 2km-long island, ‘security, discretion and calmness’ are guaranteed.
The lucky elite who make it here can revel in this island’s untouched natural beauty and understated luxury. Fragrant marquis covers the interior, sandy tracks are navigated by gulf buggies and smooth granite boulders liberally sprinkle the coastline.
For further details on French yachting vacations, speak to your preferred charter broker.
Alternatively, view all yachts for charter in the South of France.
LUXURY YACHTS AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE:
