Anchorage

Plage de la Galère

4.5FranceVar

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

Sand anchorage on the west side of the Cap Bénat peninsula, between Bormes-les-Mimosas and Le Lavandou in the Var, beneath the Fort de Brégançon presidential residence where a security zone is enforced.

Pontoon
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Clear approach from the south, anchoring easily on sand in 3 to 5 m. Sheltered from N, NE, NW and E, wide open to the SW and to the swell from the Îles d'Hyères, and it can roll at night when an easterly wind meets a southerly swell. Space is tight and it fills with day boats in summer, so arrive early; boats over about 12 m may be moved on by the gendarmerie enforcing the restricted zone. Leave at the first sign of a westerly or SW building.

Practical

No services at the anchorage. Port privé du Cap Bénat 1.6 nm to the east and the marina of Bormes-les-Mimosas 2.4 nm to the NE for fuel, water and provisions.

Ashore

The small beach can be reached only from the water and is backed by a seasonal restaurant and bar that close around 7.30pm. Land the dinghy at the little private pontoon at the north end, where tenders may tie up but crews may not cross the property ashore.