Anchorage

Les Sardinaux

3.9FranceVar

Shelter: NW, W, SW
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Shallow rocky plateau east of Sainte-Maxime in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, a popular day anchorage with turquoise water over sand patches.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south, staying clear of the drying heads and the cardinal marks that signal the reef. Anchor on sand patches in 3 to 6 metres between the rocks, in the band between the marked channel and the swimming buoys, with more room further out. Partly sheltered from NW to SW by the rocks and exposed to easterlies. Holding is good, crews riding out westerlies of 30 to 35 knots with little swell, though wash from passing craft and jet skis makes it rolly by day and into the early evening, easing after dark. Reduced speed near swimmers in summer.

Practical

No services on the anchorage. Nearest supplies at Port de Sainte-Maxime, 1.5 NM SW, or San Peïre Les Issambres, 1.4 NM NE.

Ashore

Land the tender on the sandy beach for the bars and restaurants along it, one with its own private pontoon. A marked underwater trail off the point carries panels on the flora and fauna. A dance bar plays from Thursday to Saturday until 1 in the morning, so nights are not always silent, though a decibel limit keeps it bearable. The Pointe des Sardinaux footpath links Sainte-Maxime to La Nartelle beach, and the town centre and market lie 2 km off with ferries to Saint-Tropez across the gulf.