Anchorage

Plage de Briande

3.7FranceVar

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

Open anchorage off a sand beach on the south flank of the Cap Lardier, between Cavalaire and La Croix-Valmer, Var.

Beach
Seagrass

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south. Sand and weed bottom, holding variable on the weed but good on the sand strips closer to the beach, in 3 to 8 metres. Sheltered from NW through NE to E, yet a residual swell from the open sea works in even under an easterly and the anchorage rolls, often beam-on, so several crews leave before dawn and it suits a lunch stop better than a night. Fully exposed to S and SW. If the wind shifts, boats can move round Cap Taillat to the other side. Within the Port-Cros park zone, so seasonal regulations may apply; check the latest arrêté before anchoring.

Practical

No services on site. Closest refuge is Cavalaire at 4.3 NM west with fuel and full marina services. Port du Pilon lies 5.8 NM north. No road access to the beach, which keeps the site quiet on weekdays.

Ashore

The beach is the seaward end of the Cap Lardier coastal path, part of the Conservatoire du Littoral protected area. Footpath north to the Cap Taillat tombolo, around 40 minutes on foot. The main sand beach gives an easy dinghy landing, unlike the rockier east side of the cape. No shops, no water point, bring everything from Cavalaire.