Top 10 prettiest ports to see this summer
The most charming ports in the world are in France. From Northern France to the French Riviera, each one has its own style but remains impressive for all who visit the French coastlines. Have a look at the loveliest ports of France :
1- Sète
Located between Marseillan and Frontignac, Sète is magnificent due to its unique situation between the Etang de Thau (an enclosed salt water lake used primarily for oyster and mussel fields) and the Mediterranean Sea. The view over the bay from the Mont St-Clair is absolutely gorgeous. Sète is nicknamed the “little Venice of the Languedoc” with its 12km of sandy beaches and its typical districts crossed by canals, which reflect the colourful facades of houses; Sète is a seaside resort and a town of 40,000 inhabitants active all year round.
2- Nice
The famous ‘Promenade des Anglais’ borders the magnificent coastline in Nice, one of the most expensive but glamorous cities in France. Well protected from the wind by the surrounding hills and mountains, it enjoys mild temperatures all year round and moderate rainfall. The Cathédrale Sainte Réparate de Nice remains the icing on the cake along with the Vieux Nice district (the old town) and the mountain backdrop. Its port, called “Port Lympia”, was begun in 1749. In 1770, the first basin was finished butit will be only in 1880 that it was all finally completed. Various enlargements regarding the outer harbour, the last around 1975, allowed the largest ferries to dock in the port of Nice, improving links with Corsica.
3- Marseille
From La Cannebière to the Quai Marcel Pagnol, the Vieux Port of Marseille is known worldwide. If you go to the Park du Pharo, you’ll have a charming view over the Vieux Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stylish cathedral sitting on a hill. But if you visit the Basilica, the view over the Port and Marseille is absolutely breathtaking. As well as its dynamic industrial activities, Marseille is among the most powerful ports on the Mediterranean Sea with Barcelona and Athens.
4- Antibes-Juan les Pins
Close to Cannes and Sophia-Antipolis, the port of Antibes (or Port Vauban) is the biggest port on the Cote d’Azur, and is made for the docking of large tonnage boats. Thanks to its advanced technology and its Environmental Management, Port Vauban was awarded the ‘Blue Flag of European ports’, a supreme award for any French port.
5- Grimaud
Set in the Gulf of Saint Tropez, Port Grimaud is a collection of houses emerging from the water. This port is a real maze for those who aren’t use to navigating in small spaces. The bell tower gives a stunning view over Port Grimaud, St Tropez and the Massif des Maures hills beyond. Port Grimaud has its own large sandy beach with a variety of water sports facilities. The beach faces St Tropez and the view is particularly stunning at sunset.
6- Menton
Located close to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Monaco, the port of Menton is set a stone’s throw away from the Italian border. Menton is also a town with a great cultural heritage- the town was Genoese and then Monegasque until it became French. With Antibes, Menton is one of the largest ports of the Riviera with around 800 moorings. The Vieux Port de Menton welcomes you with its dolphin fountain and the mermaid who scans the sea.
7- Sauzon
The port of Sauzon is located in the north of Belle-Ile, a beautiful island facing the Brittany coastline. The port is in a sort of estuary that goes into the island, which is composed of the Port d’échouage and the Bassin de Pen-Prad. The atmosphere is stylish with a charming lighthouse on the Pointe du Cardinal.
8- Honfleur
Honfleur is a commune in the Calvados department in Normandy. Though not the sunniest area in France, Honfleur boasts a charming little harbour founded by the Vikings. The port of Honfleur is known throughout the world because many explorers left from this port to sail to America, such as Jacques Cartier, the man who discovered Canada. You can also dock below the terraces of cafés and enjoy the landscape painted by many artists…
9- Cassis
Cassis is a small fishing port set on the French Riviera between La Ciotat and Marseille. You can have a walk on the docks where you’ll find a traditional lighthouse at the top. From here you can admire the stunning view given your position over the port, the Mediterranean Sea and the the ocher cliffs of Cap Canaille Soubeyranes ( a huge, magnificent rock peninsula). On the other side, visit Calendau’s statue, representing the local poet.
10- Sanary sur Mer
Between Bandol and Toulon, Sanary-sur-Mer is a typical Provençal village owing to the architecture of its houses reminiscent of Nice. Sanary remains a picturesque location, and is still a charming coastal shelter and a small active fishing port. Known as the most beautiful port on the French Riviera, its sea urchins are the delight of tourists and locals alike.