Anchorage

Les îles Paul Ricard

4.1FranceVar

Shelter: SE, S
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage between the islands of Les Embiez and Le Gaou, off Six-Fours-les-Plages in the Var.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south between Île des Embiez and Le Petit Gaou. The water is shallow and shoals quickly, under 1.5 metres in places, so boats run aground here regularly; it suits motorboats and shallow-draught yachts. The bottom is largely posidonia with sand patches, so drop on clear sand and check the set. Open to S and SE swell, sheltered from W to N behind the islands. Ferry wash runs from about 0700 to midnight, quiet at night. Saint-Pierre-des-Embiez lies 0.2 NM W, Le Brusc 0.6 NM E.

Practical

No services on the mooring itself. Fuel, water and all services at Saint-Pierre-des-Embiez marina, 0.2 NM W. Bakery, grocery and restaurants in Le Brusc village.

Ashore

Île des Embiez was bought by Paul Ricard in 1958. The island has the Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard with an aquarium open to visitors, and a salt-marsh loop trail of about 5 km round the perimeter.

History

Paul Ricard, founder of the pastis brand, acquired Les Embiez in 1958 and opened the oceanographic institute in 1966 to study Mediterranean pollution and marine species.