Cap Taillat & Wild Beaches
Explore the wildest stretch of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, classified Coastal Conservatory. Anchor at Gigaro, swim at L'Escalet, round Cap Taillat — a narrow sandy peninsula accessible only by sea or a coastal trail. Dreamlike snorkelling.
2-hour response · Free cancellation 72h before · No commitment
Saint-Tropez's hidden side, preserved by the Conservatory
Cap Taillat is the southeastern tip of the Tropezian peninsula, where the mainland thins into a 300m sandbar connecting a former island to the Maures massif. Classified by the Coastal Conservatory since 1990, this 19-hectare zone is protected from all construction: no restaurants, no parking, no vendors. Access only via a coastal trail (2h from L'Escalet) or by sea — our favourite playground for a wild day.
From Sainte-Maxime, navigation is a progressive discovery of the peninsula's south: past Pampelonne (without stopping — too crowded), Cap Camarat and its lighthouse, then Gigaro and L'Escalet beach. Cap Taillat appears past Cap Lardier, immediately recognisable by its twin turquoise bays separated by a fine sand isthmus.
The day is paced by three anchorages: Gigaro for morning swimming (public beach, sand, beach restaurant possible), L'Escalet for snorkelling (posidonia beds, abundant fauna), and Cap Taillat itself for the afternoon — anchorage in one of the two bays depending on wind, swimming in 24°C water, optional hike on the isthmus to the lighthouse. The perfect contrast to a Pampelonne day: here, no champagne, no DJ, just the Mediterranean.
A picnic is recommended over a restaurant — L'Escalet has a beach shack but it loses charm in high season. Our partner caterer prepares a Provençal hamper (crudités, cold Basque chicken, pasta salad, cheeses, fruit — €30/person) delivered to the boat before departure. Ideal for an anchored lunch at Cap Taillat, feet in the water.
Cap Taillat, the secret peninsula: 300m of sand connecting two preserved bays, accessible only by sea.
Not-to-miss spots
Five confidential locations on the peninsula's southern coast. All reachable by boat, none by road.
Plage de Gigaro
Beach · Swimming500m public beach, white sand, turquoise waters. Le Club de Gigaro restaurant on the seafront (seaside bistro cuisine, €55/person, reservation advised). Anchorage in front of the beach in authorised zone (300m from shore). Perfect for a quiet first morning swim.
Plage de l'Escalet
Snorkel · NatureClassified cove with protected posidonia beds — the Var's emblematic snorkelling spot. 10m visibility in season, abundant fauna (damselfish, wrasses, octopus, occasional groupers). Chez Camille beach shack for a drink (no formal lunch). Anchorage 100m from shore.
Cap Taillat
Peninsula · WildThe heart of the itinerary. 300m peninsula, sand isthmus connecting a former island to the mainland. Two turquoise bays on either side — we pick based on wind. Shallow waters, sandy bottom, zero boats most of the time. Optional hike to the lighthouse (20 min one way).
Baie de Briande
Anchorage · ConfidentialBetween L'Escalet and Cap Taillat, a bay forgotten by guidebooks. Accessible only by sea or 45-min coastal trail. Limpid water, rocky bottom with abundant fauna. Ideal for a second snorkel session or late-afternoon aperitif.
Cap Lardier
Cliffs · ViewpointSouthern entry point to the route, ochre cliffs and secret coves. We sail past on departure and return. Remarkable sea beds for expert snorkelling. Lighthouse 130m above the waves — gorgeous sunset photos.
Your day in 5 steps
- 0109:00
Departure from Port de Sainte-Maxime
Navigation + weather briefing. Snorkel kit distribution (masks, snorkels, fins 3 sizes). Picnic hamper loaded on board. Actual departure 09:15.
- 0210:15
First swim at Gigaro
Anchoring 300m from Gigaro beach. Water at 23°C in season, white sand. Warm-up swim, 45 minutes. Option to paddle to shore.
- 0311:30
Snorkelling at L'Escalet
Heading to L'Escalet cove, 10 min sail. Anchoring 100m from the beach. Guided snorkel session (1h) through posidonia beds. The skipper points out fauna hotspots (octopus, wrasses, damselfish).
- 0413:00
Lunch at Cap Taillat
15-minute sail to the cape, anchoring in the day's most sheltered bay. Onboard picnic facing the sand isthmus. Nap or swim, optional cape hike (45 min return).
- 0516:00
Return via Cap Lardier
Rounding Cap Lardier, coastal return along the peninsula's western side. Possible swim stop at Pointe de la Rabiou. Arrival Sainte-Maxime 17:00.
Tips for a successful day
Picnic rather than restaurant
Cap Taillat has no infrastructure (Conservatory's will). Gigaro and L'Escalet have beach shacks but basic. Caterer hamper from our partner in Sainte-Maxime (€30/person) = ideal solution. Notify 48h in advance.
Water shoes for the hike
If you hike on the Cap Taillat isthmus, bring water shoes or sturdy sandals: the trail is sandy-rocky. Flip-flops slip. About 45 min return to the tip and lighthouse.
Book early in high season
July-August, Cap Taillat bays fill with sailboats from 11am. We arrive before 10:30am to secure a premium anchorage. 9am sharp departure = perfect anchorage guaranteed.
Protected area: respect the rules
Classified Natura 2000: no anchoring on posidonia beds (visible surface markings), no spearfishing, no fires on the sand. Our skippers know authorised zones. Respect = site preservation for future generations.
Frequently asked questions
Can you land at Cap Taillat?
Yes, respecting the protected zone. Anchor in both bays 100-150m from shore, dinghy landing on the south beach. No infrastructure: no restaurant, no toilets, no fresh water. You pack in, you pack out.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes for children 6+ who can swim. Waters are calm, beaches shallow, and L'Escalet snorkel sessions perfect for introducing kids to Mediterranean fauna. We provide kids-size masks and fins (from EU 28).
Can we fish during the day?
Line fishing (rod) allowed outside Natura 2000 zones (between anchorages). Spearfishing forbidden around Cap Taillat, Cap Lardier and L'Escalet. Coastal fishing licence mandatory (€25/year). We don't provide fishing gear — bring your own.
How much fuel for this day?
Comparable to a Pampelonne day — around €80-120 depending on boat and weather. More direct route than Estérel, but more zigzagging between anchorages. Billed on return per actual meter consumption.
What if the mistral blows?
In mistral (northwest wind), Cap Taillat bays are perfectly sheltered — even the best day to go (fewer sailboats on water). We systematically pick the east bay in mistral, west bay in easterly wind. Above 35 knots, reschedule.
Explore each stopover
Other itineraries to explore
Full dayPampelonne Beach Day
Cruise from Sainte-Maxime across the Gulf to the legendary beaches of Pampelonne. Drop anchor off Club 55, Nikki Beach, or Plage de Tahiti and enjoy crystal-clear waters all day.
Half daySaint-Tropez Port & Old Town
A short 20-minute cruise across the Gulf brings you to the iconic port of Saint-Tropez. Moor at the old port, stroll the cobblestone streets, and enjoy lunch with a harbour view.
Half dayPort Grimaud & Cogolin Canals
Discover the 'Venice of Provence' by boat. Navigate the colourful canals of Port Grimaud, then cruise to the Marines de Cogolin — a stunning 1,500-berth marina surrounded by vineyards.
Full dayEstérel Red Cliffs & Calanques
Head west along the coast to the dramatic red porphyry cliffs of the Estérel massif. Swim in hidden calanques, snorkel around Île d'Or, and explore the wild coastline between Agay and Anthéor.
Half daySunset Cruise Around the Gulf
Set sail in the late afternoon for a magical sunset cruise around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Watch the golden light paint the coastline as you glide past Cap Camarat and the Ramatuelle vineyards.
Want wild beaches?
Full day €650 + fuel + caterer picnic option €30/person. 2-hour response with availability.