Where red volcanic cliffs meet turquoise waters. Agay's natural circular bay, surrounded by the dramatic Estérel massif, is one of the most spectacular anchorages on the Mediterranean — and the gateway to world-class hiking, snorkelling, and rock climbing.
Agay occupies one of the most striking natural settings on the entire French Riviera. Its bay — the Rade d'Agay — is a near-perfect circular harbour formed by ancient volcanic activity, enclosed by towering cliffs of red porphyry rock that glow almost supernaturally at sunset. This is the heart of the Estérel massif, and it looks like nowhere else in France.
The small 179-berth port sits at the centre of the bay, flanked by a wide sandy beach popular with families. The water is remarkably calm thanks to the natural shelter of the surrounding headlands — making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding even when the Mistral blows further east.
Agay holds a special literary connection: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, spent childhood summers here and maintained a deep attachment to the bay throughout his life. The landscape's otherworldly quality — red rock, turquoise sea, deep green pines — may well have inspired the imaginary worlds in his writing.
Just offshore, the fortified Île d'Or (said to have inspired Hergé's The Black Island) guards the entrance to the bay. The surrounding waters are a marine sanctuary with exceptional snorkelling. Inland, the Estérel offers some of the best hiking on the Côte d'Azur — the Pic de l'Ours (496m) trail delivers a 360° panorama from the Alps to the Maures. A boat rental from Saint-Tropez via Saint-Raphaël gets you here in 30 minutes, arriving dramatically from the sea.
179-berth harbour in the rade
Red Estérel porphyry cliffs
Natural circular harbour, calm water
From €440 per trip (1-10 pax)
Hikers, snorkellers, adventurers
Red cliffs at sunset from the water
Simple, honest cooking against an extraordinary backdrop. Beachfront bistros, harbourside grills, and hillside terraces under the pines.
Mediterranean seafood
Beachfront terrace overlooking the Rade d'Agay, bouillabaisse and grilled dorade
Beach bistro
Feet in the sand, salade niçoise and fresh moules-frites with a view of red cliffs
French grill
Charcoal-grilled meats and fish, pine-shaded terrace above the harbour
Provençal
Seasonal dishes near Cap du Dramont, tian de légumes and lamb from the Maures hills
The Pic de l'Ours (496m) is the highest peak of the Estérel massif and offers a panoramic 360° view from the Maures to the Alps. The trail starts near Agay and takes 3-4 hours round trip through red porphyry rock and fragrant maquis scrubland.
The tiny fortified Île d'Or — said to have inspired Hergé's 'The Black Island' — sits just offshore. The surrounding waters are a marine sanctuary with exceptional visibility, colourful wrasse, grouper, and sea fans clinging to the rocky reef.
The sheltered circular bay of Agay is ideal for sea kayaking. Paddle along the red cliffs, explore sea caves, and reach hidden beaches inaccessible by foot. Rentals available on the main beach.
The volcanic porphyry of the Estérel provides excellent rock climbing terrain. Routes range from beginner (Bau Rouge) to advanced multi-pitch lines on the Rastel d'Agay. Local guides offer half-day sessions.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, spent childhood summers at the family estate in Agay. The Château de la Môle connection and the bay's literary heritage add a cultural dimension to this natural wonder.
Reserve online or call us. The Agay route runs via Saint-Raphaël with daily departures from June to September.
Meet your captain at the Vieux Port in Saint-Tropez. We send you the exact berth location by SMS before departure.
After 30 minutes along the coast, cruise into Agay's spectacular natural bay. Your captain drops you at the harbour. Return transfers available all day.