Fréjus is one of the Var region's iconic seaside destinations. It offers a rare combination of beaches, sunshine, and historical heritage: a 1st-century Roman amphitheater that could seat nearly 10,000 spectators, an old town center, and Saint-Léonce Cathedral.
The long beaches of Fréjus and Saint-Aygulf are perfect for relaxing, while water sports enthusiasts can enjoy paddleboarding, jet skiing, or diving.
Located at the mouth of the Argens River, the town is an ideal starting point for a catamaran trip: the bay of Fréjus opens onto the red creeks of the Esterel and the Var islands.
Why choose a YOT catamaran?
Nautic Evolution is the distributor of YOT catamarans in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and Monaco. These new-generation boats are designed for an intense experience of the sea: performance, safety, wide open spaces, and pleasure are at the heart of the brand's DNA.
The YOT 36 model features a convertible lounge and two folding platforms that create an XXL terrace at anchor. The YOT 41 offers modular spaces, a central opening for fluid circulation, and side wings offering a 360° view.
Thanks to their shallow draft and stability, these catamarans are ideal for exploring coves and anchoring close to beaches. Nautic Evolution supports its customers in renting or purchasing by offering turnkey services: financing, mooring, registration, insurance, and after-sales service.
Day 1: heading for the Esterel calanques and the Corniche d'Or
From Fréjus to Boulouris
Leaving the port of Fréjus, head towards Saint-Raphaël and Boulouris. The coast here is dominated by the Esterel massif, a volcanic massif with red rocks that plunges into the sea.
The Corniche d'Or, a scenic road between Saint-Raphaël and Théoule-sur-Mer, offers a striking contrast between red cliffs and turquoise sea. By catamaran, this maritime route allows you to sail along the coast as close as possible to the creeks.
The creeks
The Esterel calanques are wild coves carved into red rhyolite. Among the most beautiful are Maupas, Aurelle, Maubois, Saint-Barthélemy, and Petit Caneiret.
They offer crystal clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. The site is classified as a Natura 2000 area, home to remarkable Mediterranean flora and fauna.The Esterel calanques are wild coves carved into red rhyolite. Among the most beautiful are Maupas, Aurelle, Maubois, Saint-Barthélemy, and Petit Caneiret.
Enjoy lunch in the convertible lounge of your YOT 36 facing Île d'Or, a small iconic island crowned with a tower.
Cruise itineraries organized from Saint-Raphaël pass through Boulouris, Île d'Or, Cap Dramont, and Agay Bay before stopping between Cap Roux and Anthéor for swimming and paddleboarding. At the end of the afternoon, return to the anchorage of your choice for a peaceful night at the foot of the red rocks.
Day 2: Saint-Tropez, Port Grimaud, and the capes of the Gulf
Stopover in Saint-Tropez
In just one hour of sailing, your catamaran will reach Saint-Tropez. This legendary stopover is an opportunity to stroll around the port, shop at the Provençal market, visit the citadel and its maritime museum, and lose yourself in the narrow streets of the old village.
Port Grimaud: the “Venice of Provence”
Just a few miles away, Port Grimaud appears like a floating village. Nicknamed the “Little Venice of Provence,” it was designed in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry.
The latter wanted to create a lakeside hamlet with colorful facades, curved bridges, and open squares. The village consists of 12 islands connected by 14 bridges and has around 2,000 moorings for boats, most of which are located in front of the houses.
Cars are virtually banned here: people get around on foot or by boat. Port Grimaud does not have the history of Saint-Tropez, but its canals lined with houses reminiscent of fishing villages and its restaurants make it a peaceful and highly sought-after location. The town has only about 300 year-round residents, but more than 18,000 in the summer and nearly a million visitors.
The capes and beaches of the Gulf
After lunch, continue on to the majestic capes of the gulf. Pampelonne is a 5 km white sand beach lined with vineyards, pine forests, and hills.
Cap Camarat impresses with its colorful granite cliffs and its lighthouse rising to a height of 180 m. Cap Taillat, connected to the mainland by a sandy isthmus, is surrounded by turquoise waters. Day cruises to Cap Taillat pass through Saint-Aygulf, the bay of Saint-Tropez, Cap des Salins, and Pampelonne, and offer stops for swimming and paddleboarding.
Optional excursions: Lérins and Îles d'Or
Lérins: an archipelago opposite Cannes
To extend your weekend, head northeast to the Lérins archipelago. Sainte-Marguerite Island is home to Fort Royal and a maritime museum, while Saint-Honorat Island is known for its abbey, where monks produce wine and liqueurs.
The crystal-clear waters are perfect for paddleboarding and snorkeling, and an underwater eco-museum with submerged sculptures adds to the experience.
Lérins: an archipelago opposite Cannes
Off the coast of Hyères, the Îles d'Or are a wild getaway accessible from Saint-Tropez or La Londe. Porquerolles, located 15 minutes from the Giens peninsula, is the largest and most popular of the islands. Classified as part of the national park since 2012, it offers a patchwork of landscapes: cliffs, sandy beaches, cultivated plains, and vineyards.
The main beaches (Langoustier, Notre Dame, Argent Beach, and Oustaou de Diou Cove) offer idyllic scenery. The pine forests are home to a variety of wildlife, and motor vehicles are prohibited. Visitors can explore 51 km of marked trails and rent bikes, go kayaking, diving, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Port-Cros, the smallest island in the archipelago, is notable for its historic forts (Tour Éminence, Fort de l'Estissac, Port Man) built around 1630 to repel pirates. Fort de l'Estissac, built in 1635, offers a sublime view of the Hyères harbor and hosts exhibitions dedicated to biodiversity. Hikers have access to some 30 kilometers of trails, and the beaches—Argent, Port Man, La Palud, Courtade, and Notre Dame—are perfect for swimming.
Île du Levant combines history and nature: founded as an abbey by Cistercian monks in 1150 and then transformed into a fort by Napoleon in 1811, the island is now known for its nature reserve and naturist village. It is not suitable for all visitors, but it reflects the diversity of the archipelago.
Optional excursions: Lérins and Îles d'Or
• Although distances are short, plan a realistic itinerary and find out about anchoring regulations. Some protected areas, particularly around Posidonia seagrass beds, prohibit anchoring.
• Check the weather and navigation advisories. YOT Powers offer excellent stability, but it is important to follow safety rules at sea.
• Bring fins, masks, paddles, and towels to enjoy the coves. The fold-down platforms on YOT catamarans transform the boat into a terrace, perfect for breaks.
• Our team of enthusiasts assists boaters with renting or purchasing YOT catamarans. Financing solutions, insurance, and after-sales service allow you to sail with peace of mind. Take advantage of this opportunity to test a model over a weekend before committing to a purchase.
