COVID-19 Update: Cruising in the South of France

France has lifted restrictions on its internal European borders and is moving towards gradually opening its external borders from July 1, as is all Europe.
 
People coming from EU member states are now able to enter French territory without restrictions and are exempt from quarantine.
 
Restaurants, hotels, beach clubs, casinos and shops are open with social distancing measures in place and masks may also be required. But for fairs, exhibitions and nightclubs, the restriction will be extended at least until September - Pampelonne beach clubs are open as well as other famous beach clubs along the coast.
 
There are still a few restrictions and procedures to be observed for entrance to French waters, especially if you come from outside Schengen, so we highly recommend that you do you speak to Evolution Yachting before making plans.

Florian Feret is the St. Tropez office manager for Evolution Yachting, and has travelled the world since he was born. He has been in Saint-Tropez for the last 21 years where he worked in the hotel industry for 12 years before moving into yachting. Here he tells us the top hotspots to visit this summer.

Collioure & Sete

En route from Spain, by hurrying to the Cote d´Azur, many treasures are missed along the western Mediterranean coast. The first ¨must-see¨ is Collioure, a small fishing port made famous by the likes of Picasso, Derain and Matisse in the early 20^th century and still proud of its artistic notoriety as well as its strategic importance and heritage as a French/Spanish border town. And then you arrive in Sète, the city on the water and called ¨the Venice of Languedoc¨. 

The best superyacht marina along this section of the Mediterranean coast is ready to welcome you, as well as the local wineries, oyster and mussel farms. Sete is the centre of water jousting (who knew?!) and is gateway to the Camargues national park.  Just enough reasons to add to your itinerary this summer!

Les Calanques of Marseille

If there's one thing about Marseille that everyone agrees on, it's that the “Calanques” must not be missed! The high limestone coast stretching from Cassis is riven with tiny fjords, where sheer cliffs rise from its waters of dazzling blue. The landscape has launched a thousand postcards with it clear waters, rugged rock faces and surrounding vistas of forests, fig trees and aloe plants. There are plenty of isolated anchorages from which you can explore the narrow inlets. At the heart of the which lay the small and picturesque coastal town of Cassis, the name also given to the surrounding wine growing area.

Porquerolles and Saint-Tropez

Porquerolles is the most visited of the Golden Isles (îles d’Or) including Port Cros and Levant Island. The natural beauty of Porquerolles is best explored by boat of course, but stay for a few days and enjoy bike rides, hikes along the coast or in the orchards, sailing, paddling and snorkeling. On the southern side, the coast is made of steep cliffs and secluded creeks only accessible to hikers. The northern side, on the other hand, offers fine sand beaches and turquoise waters…our very own Caribbean!

Saint-Tropez evokes elegance and luxury. It is a must-see travel destination for its beautiful beaches in the famous Pampelonne Bay. The village, famous for its boutiques, market, café terraces and animated vibe at any time of day, will seduce the visitor as they wander from shops to restaurants to experience French cuisine at its finest. Make sure to visit the local market at the “Place des Lices” to taste the fresh produce of Provence.

For information and advice on cruising in the South of France this summer please contact Florian here.