The French Riviera is one of the most spectacular coastal regions in Europe. But to discover its true jewels — those wild coves, those seabeds of exceptional clarity, those beaches that no road can ever reach — you absolutely must navigate. From Pampelonne beach, in Saint-Tropez, dozens of exceptional spots open up to you.
Here is our selection of must-visit destinations, all accessible by rigid inflatable departing from Pampelonne (Jardin Tropézina).
1. Cap Taillat — the absolute jewel of the Var
About 20 minutes by boat from Pampelonne, Cap Taillat is without doubt the most beautiful natural site in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. This tombolo — a sandbar connecting the headland to the mainland — is completely inaccessible by road. You absolutely need a boat to get there.
The waters are of extraordinary transparency, shifting from emerald green to deep blue depending on the depth. The site is listed and protected: no motors within 300 metres, no construction. Nature here is in its purest state, preserved like nowhere else on the Riviera.
"Cap Taillat is the end of the world, 20 minutes from Pampelonne. Every time I take clients there, they can't believe that such a place exists next to Saint-Tropez." — Lucas Bourdon
Tip: Arrive early in the morning (before 10am) to enjoy the site without too many people. In July-August, the anchorage fills up quickly. Bring mask and snorkel — the seabed is remarkable.
2. Porquerolles — the island with turquoise waters
Porquerolles, the first of the Hyères Islands, is often nicknamed "the French Sardinia". Its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and preserved seabed make it one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean — and rightly so.
The island is part of Port-Cros National Park and benefits from strict protection. More than 80% of its land is state-owned, which has allowed it to remain remarkably wild despite its popularity.
From Pampelonne, allow between 1h30 and 2 hours of sailing depending on the boat. The Capelli Tempest 1000 is ideal for this excursion, thanks to its power and comfort for long distances.
- Notre-Dame Beach: often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe
- Plage d'Argent: crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling
- La Courtade: the closest to the port, perfect for lunch
- Le Langoustier: at the far end of the island, absolute tranquillity
3. Port-Cros — France's first marine park
Port-Cros is an island entirely listed as a national park — the only marine national park in mainland France. Its waters are among the cleanest in the Mediterranean, and marine life there is of exceptional richness.
Snorkeling around Port-Cros is an unforgettable experience: grouper, moray eels, sea bream, gilt-head bream, lobster… The posidonia is protected and the underwater environment has been preserved for decades.
The underwater trail at La Palud is a unique experience: an underwater marked trail where you follow a rope while observing the seabed. Accessible even without a tank, just with mask and snorkel.
4. The Lérins Islands — facing Cannes
Two hours by boat from Pampelonne, the Lérins Islands (Sainte-Honorat and Sainte-Marguerite) form a discreet archipelago facing Cannes. Two islands, two radically different atmospheres.
Sainte-Marguerite houses the fort where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned — a fascinating dive into the history of France. The maritime pine forests descend to waters of exceptional clarity.
Saint-Honorat, owned by Cistercian monks, is a haven of peace. The monks produce a high-quality wine (the Lérina) and a fortified medieval monastery dominates the island. A gastronomic and spiritual stop not to be missed.
5. The Estérel massif — the red calanques
The Estérel offers a unique spectacle on the Riviera: blood-red rhyolite rocks plunging into an intensely blue sea. The colour contrast is striking — one of the most photogenic sights on the French Mediterranean coast.
The Estérel calanques are numerous and mostly inaccessible by road. By rigid inflatable, you can slip into tiny coves, moor two metres from a red cliff, and swim in turquoise waters framed by ochre rocks.
The Maubois calanque, the Agay calanque, the Baumette rock — spots to explore far from the crowds, accessible only by sea.
How to prepare your outing?
To make the most of these destinations, some practical tips:
- Leave early in the morning: the sea is generally calmer and the sites less crowded
- Check the weather: mistral or tramontane wind can make sailing difficult
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen
- Take mask, snorkel and fins — the seabed is well worth it
- Find out about authorised anchoring zones (protected posidonia)
Lucas knows all these spots by heart and will be happy to advise you on the most suitable itinerary for your day, depending on the weather, your level of sailing experience and your desires.
🗺️ Ready to explore the French Riviera?
Book your rigid inflatable departing from Pampelonne (Jardin Tropézina) and choose your destination. Lucas will advise you on the best itinerary according to your wishes.