Top sea excursions in the south of France

Change heading in the Alpes Maritimes

Head for Cap Martin on the la Côte d’Azur, opposite Cap Moderne, for a sailboat outing with a skipper. Its beautiful fine sandy beaches, its wild creeks and steep cliffs are also ideal for diving. As you explore the seabed with an experienced guide, you’ll see corals, multicoloured fish and even shipwrecks Amazing! Thrill-seekers will probably prefer waterskiing, wakeboarding and even kayaking. To connect with local biodiversity the favourite green activity is still snorkelling for fans of diving and nature. With your goggles and your snorkel, you’ll see some typical species: groupers, moray eels and sea bream. You can also visit the island’s historic monastery and get your fill of the panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur and a big “Wow!”

An underwater idyl in the Var

Come and have an amazing dive on the island of Port-Cros, the wildest and best protected of the Iles d’Or, or on the island of Porquerolles. See barracudas, corbs and octopuses or set off on a kayaking expedition with a few stops for a swim. All along the Corniche d’Or, a magnificent coast road runs along the Massif de l’Esterel, and promises some memorable sea outings. First and foremost, a paddleboard outing from Baumette beach in Saint-Raphaël or Pointe de l’Aiguille beach in Théoule-sur-Mer. Paddle along the coast past creeks and spectacular cliffs to Figueirette beach.

Seeing blue in the Bouches-du-Rhône

The Calanques de Cassis[1], the famous creeks and cliffs along the coast between Marseille and Cassis, are just dreamy! To get closer, what about a paddleboard of an introduction to foil-boarding to fly above the water? Nearby, Cap Canaille, between Cassis and La Ciotat, looks over the Mediterranean and offers a wide view of the calanques and Cassis. You can actually visit the visite the calanques and underwater caves with a few stop-offs for a swim or a dive. In snorkelling mode, you won’t want to take your head out of the water and if you’re kayaking, you’ll be bowled over by the beauty of the most famous calanques such as Port-Miou, En-Vau and Port-Pin. And on the Côte Bleue, you can work up some speed and respect the environment with an electric jet ski in Carry-le-Rouet or Ensuès-la-Redonne and its panoramic views of the Mediterranean!

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Une publication partagée par Frédéric Larrey (@fredericlarrey)

Le Sanctuaire Pélagos, incredible but true

Le Sanctuaire Pélagos is a surprising protected maritime area in the western Mediterranean. Located in France, Italy and Monaco, it was created in 1999 to protect the sea mammals of the region. Here, dolphins, whales and sperm whales can be seen on an outing with an authorised company for the observation of marine wildlife. It respects a minimum safety distance so as not to disturb the cetaceans. In this sanctuary whose Greek name “Pélagos” means “open sea”, diving is permitted in certain areas, but regulated to minimise the impact on the marine environment. Sailing enthusiasts can also make the most of the steady winds and crystal waters in this unique place.

Pescatoursim, environmentally-friendly fishing

It’s a way of discovering the rich local marine life and learning to fish and enjoy freshly caught fish at the same time. The region offers a wide variety of fish such as bluefin tuna, sea bass, bass and even trout, which all need protecting, and this is done with sustainable and environmentally-friendly fishing. Pescatourism is for fishermen who are committed to respecting the fishing quotas and using selective fishing techniques that do not harm marine biodiversity. By helping people to discover the wealth of marine wildlife and raising their awareness of the protection of natural resources, this activity contributes to the valorisation of local sea products and the protection of local fishing-related traditions.