Côte d’Azur – Antibes – St. Tropez – Îles d’Hyères
This sailing trip along the Côte d’Azur combines relaxed sailing with the discovery of picturesque coastal towns, idyllic islands, and stunning beaches. This special journey is entirely dedicated to enjoyment and tasting – a perfect blend of sailing, sun, sea, and the refined cuisine of the Côte d’Azur. Chef Peter prepares fresh Mediterranean dishes daily using ingredients from local markets and shares his culinary tips and stories. The trip offers an ideal mix of adventure, culture, nature, and gourmet experiences in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
The route
The following itinerary is a non-binding but realistic suggestion; the actual route will be determined by the ship’s crew, depending on wind and weather conditions.
Day 1 – Arrival in Villefranche-sur-Mer
You’ll travel to Nice and board in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a picturesque town with colorful façades, narrow streets, and a beautiful anchorage.
Boarding begins at 6:00 PM with a festive welcome drink. This is followed by an introduction to the crew, a tour of the ship, and an overview of the itinerary. The first shared dinner takes place at the large table on the aft deck, after which there’s time for an evening stroll along the promenade or to relax on board.
Day 2 – Sailing to the Îles de Lérins
After breakfast, Peter finalizes the shopping list with us, and then we set sail for the Îles de Lérins near Cannes. Along the way, those interested can help with the sails or simply enjoy the sea and sun.
We anchor idyllically between the islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. A walk across the islands takes you past historic forts, abbeys, vineyards, and stunning natural scenery.
Day 3 – The Massif de l’Estérel
We sail along the impressive coastline near Cannes and the red-hued Massif de l’Estérel. The combination of red rocks and deep blue water makes this one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Côte d’Azur. Swimming and snorkeling are possible along the way.
Day 4 – Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud
In the bay of Saint-Tropez, we explore both the glamorous harbor and the authentic fishing village. A breakfast at the Place des Lices and a visit to the market are included. If desired, we can take a trip in our tender to Port Grimaud, the charming “lagoon town” with canals instead of streets.
Day 5 – The Îles d’Hyères
We sail to the Îles d’Hyères. On Île de Porquerolles, we explore beaches with white sand and turquoise waters, vineyards, and car-free walking and cycling paths. On Île de Port-Cros, a unique underwater nature trail awaits, perfect for snorkelers.
Day 6 – Antibes and the World of Luxury Yachts
We dock in Antibes, home to the “billionaires’ harbor” with its impressive mega-yachts. Using the tender, we explore the harbor and then the old town, enjoying a stunning view from Fort Carré.
Day 7 – Menton and a Touch of Italy
Today we head to Menton, famous for its citrus groves and picturesque streets. From the harbor, we stroll along the promenade – and after just 2 km, we’re already in Italy.
Day 8 – Return to Villefranche-sur-Mer
The final day is dedicated to relaxation: swimming, unwinding, and enjoying the last gourmet meal on board. The journey concludes at 3:00 PM in Villefranche-sur-Mer, from where Nice Airport is easily accessible.
Culinary Indulgence on Board
Feast on board like a god in France: on this journey, everything revolves around authentic cuisine from Provence and the French Riviera – combined with fresh sea air and the relaxed atmosphere of life on deck.
Ship’s chef Peter Richter treats you daily with Mediterranean delights: a hint of garlic, plenty of olive oil, fresh herbs, market-fresh vegetables, and, of course, delicious fish and seafood. The cuisine of the Côte d’Azur is colorful, diverse, and purely Mediterranean.
What makes this journey special: Peter visits local markets and fish auctions together with the guests, where we select our own ingredients. Everything is freshly prepared on board and served immediately.
Peter is not only a fantastic chef but also a charming personality with an infectious dose of Rhineland humor. His enthusiasm, organizational skills, and conviviality make him a great asset to any journey. As a former ship’s chef on our Sir Robert Baden Powell, he cooked not only for many young and adult sailing friends but also for Peter Maffay.
Although he is known in Germany as an oyster sommelier, he serves oysters only at the guests’ request. There is so much more to discover with him – and while he cooks, he gladly shares his secret tips and culinary stories.
