Anchorage

Archipel des Embiez

3.4FranceVar

Shelter: NE, E, SE
Seabed: algae
Anchoring: Allowed

Small archipelago off Six-Fours-les-Plages in the Var, owned by the Paul Ricard foundation, with anchorages on the western and southern shores of the main island.

Beach
Seagrass

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south or west leaves the Rouveau islet to starboard when heading to Saint-Pierre-des-Embiez. The holding ground is weed over rock, so set the anchor with care and check the set by diving if possible. The anchorage is open to W and SW winds and untenable in a mistral.

Practical

No shore services at the anchorage itself. The marina of Saint-Pierre-des-Embiez is 0.4 nm to the NE with 750 berths, water, electricity and a fuel berth. Le Brusc harbour lies 1.1 nm to the E.

Ashore

The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard runs an aquarium on the main island. A signed footpath loops around the island past the salt marshes and the Tour Sarrasine. The mainland village of Le Brusc has daily shops and a morning market on Sunday.

History

The main island was purchased in 1958 by the pastis maker Paul Ricard, who created the marina and the marine research institute. The old fort overlooking the port dates from the 16th century.