Anchorage

Anse de Boumandariel

2.7FranceMarseille and the Calanques

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Shelter: N, NE, E, W, NW
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sand cove on the Côte Bleue between Carro and Sausset-les-Pins, Bouches-du-Rhône.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south along the Côte Bleue, white limestone cliffs visible from offshore. The cove itself is now closed off by yellow swimming-zone buoys, so anchor outside the line, about 300 m off, on sand in 5 to 8 m. That far out gives less cover from west and northwest swell, which rolls in even in light winds, though holding is good and it has held in mistral gusts to 40 knots. Shelter from N, NE, E, NW and W winds; exposed to southerlies straight off the Gulf of Lion, and clear in a building mistral given the coastal acceleration. Sainte-Croix beach just west is an alternative when it is full.

Practical

Port of Sausset-les-Pins 0.8 NM east, 550 berths, water, fuel and shops in the village. Port of Carro 2.2 NM west, fishing harbour with 350 berths and morning fish market on the quay.

Ashore

Sentier du littoral coast path runs above the cove, linking Sausset-les-Pins to Carry-le-Rouet to the east and La Couronne to the west. Calanques de la Côte Bleue protected marine park covers the seabed from Carry to Martigues with a no-take reserve at Cap Couronne. Chapelle Notre-Dame du Rouet above Carry-le-Rouet, built in the 12th century.