Ascension Weekend in Provence – 4 Days cruise
From Marseille to Porquerolles

Meet at Marseille’s legendary Old Port, under the watchful eye of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, for boarding your catamaran from 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14.
Once settled into your cabins, your crew will brief you on safety procedures and life on board. After lunch, around 2:00 p.m., you will leave the Old Port for a first sail along the Calanques, heading toward the village of Cassis. Typically Provençal, this harbor village—with its brightly colored houses clustered around the waterfront, its fishing boats, and its relaxed atmosphere—offers the perfect setting for the end of your first cruising day. You can wander through the narrow streets, pick up a few souvenirs, enjoy an aperitif on the port… it feels wonderfully pleasant.
Dinner and overnight at anchor.

After breakfast, a coastal sail will take us to the much‑anticipated stopover on the magnificent island of Porquerolles, the largest of the three Îles d’Or.
Rent a bike and explore its village, vineyards, superb northern beaches, and southern cliffs, all accompanied by the song of the cicadas. You may also enjoy a swim at Plage d’Argent, with its fine gently sloping sand and turquoise waters—one of the island’s true gems. Make a stop at Fort Alycastre. According to Provençal legend, a fearsome dragon, the Lycastre, once lived in a cave, terrorizing the inhabitants. A valiant knight, saved from a shipwreck by the islanders, slew the beast with his sword in gratitude, restoring peace.
In the late afternoon, settle at one of the terraces on the church square—where locals play pétanque—and let yourself be carried away by the island’s gentle, laid‑back atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight at anchor in Porquerolles or sheltered near the Giens peninsula.

In the morning, you will enjoy a stopover in Sanary‑sur‑Mer—another delightful Provençal harbor just the way we love them. Colorful façades, lively little streets, palm‑shaded terraces, and above all its daily flower market on the square in front of the town hall.
For the final stop of the day, we have reserved the Embiez archipelago for you. Paul Ricard, founder of the famous Pastis brand, acquired these islands in the 1950s. Partially designated as a nature reserve, the archipelago is dedicated to environmental preservation. Here, no sun loungers or beach bars on the eight beaches and coves washed by crystal‑clear waters.
Dinner and overnight at anchor in the Embiez.

Wake up and enjoy breakfast in the calm and gentle atmosphere of the Embiez archipelago before lifting anchor and setting course for the legendary Frioul Islands.
This small archipelago, located just a short distance from Marseille, is made up of four main islets: Pomègues, Ratonneau, Tiboulen, and the most famous, If. Château d’If, built in the 16th century, owes its renown to Alexandre Dumas’ novel *The Count of Monte Cristo* and its main character, Edmond Dantès, who was imprisoned in the fortress. A beautiful walk ashore awaits you after lunch. A final short sail of about thirty minutes will bring you back to the Old Port on Sunday, May 17 at 5 p.m.