The Gulf of Saint-Tropez concentrates about ten major anchorages, each with its own personality. Our ranking based on swim quality, vibe and restaurant proximity — with GPS coordinates.
Top 3 — The iconic anchorages
These three anchorages concentrate 60% of our daily stops. Impeccable water quality, proximity to iconic dining addresses, French Riviera vibe.
- **1. Pampelonne Bay off Club 55** (43.2440°N, 6.6530°E): fine sand, 3m depth, tender to mythical private beaches. Winter: 0 boats, private pool.
- **2. Canoubiers Bay** (43.2770°N, 6.6350°E): Natura 2000 classified, posidonia beds, crystal waters. The yacht "VIP spot". Mistral-protected.
- **3. L'Escalet cove** (43.2150°N, 6.6200°E): accessible only by sea, pocket coves, exceptional snorkelling (10m+ visibility).
Top 4-6 — Well-kept secrets
Less known to tourists, these anchorages offer the best of the Coast without crowds. Frequented by locals and Gulf regulars.
- **4. Baie de Briande** (43.1920°N, 6.6400°E): between L'Escalet and Cap Taillat, nearly deserted on weekdays. Rocky bottom, visible groupers.
- **5. Cap Taillat** (43.1800°N, 6.6280°E): sand peninsula between two turquoise bays. Coastal Conservatory classified — 0 construction.
- **6. Plage de Gigaro (off)** (43.1980°N, 6.5460°E): 4-6m sandy bottom, more village-holiday vibe, Le Club de Gigaro accessible.
Top 7-10 — Alternatives per wind
In mistral or easterly, classic anchorages become uncomfortable. Alternatives we choose based on day's wind.
- **7. Plage de la Briande** (in easterly): protected from east wind, sandy bottom.
- **8. Sainte-Maxime Bay — Plage de la Garonnette** (strong mistral): 500m from the port, handy if early return needed.
- **9. Plage de Saint-Pons (Port Grimaud)**: ideal with children, shallow bottom, tender to village.
- **10. Plage des Graniers (Saint-Tropez)**: limited mooring but fast walking access to village.
All Gulf anchorages are free (outside Natura 2000 perimeters where anchoring on posidonia is prohibited). Our skipper knows the marked zones and depths precisely — indispensable to avoid damaging the seabed.
Mistakes to avoid when anchoring
First trap: anchoring too close to another boat. Respect 3× the chain length (30m minimum between boats). In shifting wind, boats rotate around their anchor — collision happens fast.
Other mistake: anchoring on posidonia beds (up to €150 fine by maritime police). Spot clear sandy bottoms (seen from surface in light). If in doubt, ask the skipper — our seabed map covers the entire Gulf.
FAQ
Which anchorages are wind-protected?
In mistral (NW): Canoubiers, L'Escalet, Cap Taillat (east bay), Pampelonne (south side). In easterly: Pampelonne (north), Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime. Our skipper systematically chooses per day's weather bulletin.
Can we anchor overnight in the Gulf?
Yes, in certain authorised zones: Canoubiers Bay, off Plage de l'Escalet, offshore Plage de Tahiti. Prohibited: Saint-Tropez port (except harbour master booking), Port Grimaud canals. Overnight mooring = night billed €350-800 per boat.
Are there paid anchorages in the Gulf?
A few: official mooring buoys off some private beaches (Club 55, Nikki Beach) billed €50-80 per half-day — handy for guaranteed dry feet but not always needed. Most anchorages remain free.
