Yacht charter in France

Short legs, plenty of towns, and islands to retreat to if the mistral comes through. The easiest French week to rearrange mid-charter.

1. 1

   Hyères or Le Lavandou

   Handover; cross to the islands rather than staying on the mainland.

2. 2

   Porquerolles

   Anchor on the north shore; the village is a short walk.

3. 3

   Port-Cros

   The national-park island — mooring is regulated and anchoring restricted.

4. 4

   Saint-Tropez or Canoubiers

   Book ahead for the port in season; the bay is the alternative.

5. 5

   Cavalaire or Pampelonne

   Open bays, settled weather only.

6. 6

   Île du Levant or Le Lavandou

   Work back west.

7. 7

   Hyères

   Short final leg to base.

More demanding than the mainland week: longer legs, real anchorages, and a strait that accelerates the wind. Sardinia is a day sail away if you want to cross.

1. 1

   Ajaccio or Propriano

   Handover and provisioning — supplies get thinner south of here.

2. 2

   Campomoro or Roccapina

   Down the west coast.

3. 3

   Bonifacio

   Into the cliff inlet; time the strait rather than the clock.

4. 4

   Lavezzi islands

   Buoyed bays in the reserve, nothing ashore.

5. 5

   Porto-Vecchio or Santa Giulia

   Round onto the east coast, which is gentler.

6. 6

   Pinarellu or Solenzara

   Last night on the eastern shore.

7. 7

   Back to base

   Either retrace or arrange a one-way drop if the operator allows it.