Anchorage

Plage du Grand Jardin

4.8FranceVar

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

Anchorage off Plage du Grand Jardin on the western shore of the Cap Bénat peninsula, Bormes-les-Mimosas, with sand bottom.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the W along the Bormes shore. Sandy bay, no charted hazards on the run in. Drop the anchor clear of the marked posidonia zones. Holding is good in sand from about 4 to 8 metres, and boats can anchor close to the beach in shallower water. Shelter from NW, N, NE and E winds; exposed to SW swell, and it often rolls at night from a south or west swell even in calm air.

Practical

Forain mooring, no services on site. Bormes-les-Mimosas harbour 2.5 NM NE for diesel, water and visitor berths. Port privé du Cap Bénat 2.6 NM E is reserved for members. Beach refreshment in summer only.

Ashore

Beach backed by the pine woods of the Domaine du Cap Bénat, a protected coastal estate managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral. Sentier du littoral runs along the headland towards Cabasson beach and the Fort de Brégançon 1.5 km E, the presidential retreat since 1968.

History

The Fort de Brégançon on the neighbouring headland dates from the 11th century in its earliest form and was rebuilt as a coastal stronghold under Louis XIV; it became the official holiday residence of French presidents in 1968.