Cruising Log for French Riviera, Nice
Classic, Easy Itinerary Leaving From, and Returning to Nice
Note: If the Mistral is blowing or is in the forecast, you specifically want to start going East, i.e. Monaco, to avoid hard beating the first day. This particular cruising area, as most in the Med., has a lot to see ashore. You should set aside ample time to visit the old towns, forts, colorful markets, local art shopping areas, etc. Well worth it! However, be aware of the fact that this is VERY touristy region, and therefore beware of tourist traps, which are sometimes abusive there. All general info about the cruising area (weather, ports, etc.) Map of general area - Picture of Nice Harbor (courtesy of Bill Timm).
Day 1: Nice to Villefranche-sur-mer
Easily done by looking at the chart (3NM)
Villefranche is a huge bay, extremely well protected in almost any kind of weather. Go all the way to the northeast part of the bay to anchor in calm, shallow waters. There is a lot to see ashore, right near the small harbor, which is located right in the old town. Also, lots of nice restaurants right on the shorefront. If you like seafood, you'll be happy.
If you need to enter the port, you have to call in advance to ask if they have a transient slip. There are also very nice beaches and beach restaurants on the entire northern part of the bay. Alternative protected anchorage out of the Villefranche bay: From Nice, heading 117¾M for 2NM, then Hdg 26¾M for 1NM, going around Cap Ferrat, leave Pointe de Lilong on starboard. Anchor on the NE part of the bay.
Day 2: Villefranche-sur-mer to Monaco
Leave the bay on a heading 171¾M for about 2NM then heading 50¾M for 6NM.
Definitely go to the Fontvieille Port, located on the west side of the Monaco Rock, and not the Monaco port, which is not well suited for charter boats.
Monaco needs an entire book by itself. However, we recommend the Exotic Gardens, the Oceanographic Museum (home to the Cousteau Fondation), the Prince Castle, and of course, the Old Casino. Shopping is outrageous in Monte Carlo. Good news is, almost everyone here speaks English.
Day 3
Spend one full day in Monaco.
Day 4: Monaco to Antibes or Golfe Juan
Leave Monaco on Hdg. 230¾M for about 17NM to Cap d'Antibes. This is a nice long sail. At Cap d'Antibes, you have 3 anchorages: one is on the eastern side of the Cap at Anse de la Garoupe. Next one, at southern tip of Cap d'Antibes. Last one, on the west side of the Cap, next to Port du Crouton. However, make sure you know where to position your boat in regard of the prevailing wind.
The Antibes old town is a delight to visit and shop. If needed, Port Vauban may have transient slips, since it is the one of the largest marina in Europe. Or you may try the port of Juan Les Pins on the NE side of the the Golfe, but it is a very crowded little town, especially in August.
Day 5: Antibes to Cannes
Hdg 270¾M for about 6NM. You will find 1 marina on the way, in the NW end of Golfe Juan: the port of Golfe Juan. Once in Cannes, there are no anchorages, so you need to go to the Old Port, at the western end of Cannes, again close to the charming Old Cannes. Port Canto is all the way East (right after Pointe de la Croisette) and very large, but it is not too close to town.
After visiting Cannes, you definitely want to stop at Iles de Lerins, situated about 2NM SE of Cannes. There is a beautiful anchorage between the 2 islands, on the south side of Ste. Marguerite, except if the Mistral blows. Saint Marguerite has a fort and a museum to explore, and Honorat has a 1,500 year-old abbey to visit.
Day 6 Return to Nice
Depending on how you have spent your week and the number of days left in your charter, you can go back to Antibes, or Villefranche or straight to Nice.
To Villefranche from Lerins, hdg. 65¾M for 3NM (at Cap d'Antibes) then hdg. 40¾M for 12NM.
To Nice from Lerins, hdg. 65¾M for 3NM (at Cap d'Antibes) then hdg. 35¾M for 10NM.
If you have not done it when you first arrived, you have to do it now: Spend time in Nice. Walk in the Old Town with its Italian architecture, explore its two famous markets: the colorful Cours Saleya with flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and the incredible fish market of Saint-François Square. If you go to the town northern hills, you even will be able to explore authentic Roman ruins! The city visit is endless and a treasure of art and history. Highly recommended.
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