Sail from Provence to Cap Corse In Praise of Time Regained

We dreamed of it, and now it’s possible: reaching Corsica in a gentler, more sustainable way. Forget planes and ferries, bonghjornu sailboat! A wonderful excuse for a sun-drenched trip to the south of France. This sailing trip lasts for about 20 hours and serves as an organic link between the beauty of the French Riviera and the azure colours of Corsica. Everything begins in the Luberon, where, among mountains, cedar forests, vineyards, maquis, and olive groves, charming hilltop villages offer a warm welcome. Villages with brightly coloured buildings, sun-kissed stones, shaded little squares and fragrant flowers, where life, art, and simple living are celebrated. A pair of sandals hastily slipped on to wander the narrow streets, a shutter creaking shut at siesta time, a cotton curtain dancing in place of a door and the joyful cacophony of meals on the terrace. And then there’s that languid calm which, all around, allows nature to live as it wishes. From Lourmarin, ambassador of Provençal charm, you head to Saint-Raphaël. This is where the sailboat is moored that will take you to Cap Corse in less than 24 hours. You’ll go to Calvi, to be precise, where an electric car gives you the freedom you need to explore the north of the island. Settle into the delightful coastal village of Erbalunga, nestled at the end of a bay boasting a shade of blue that only Corsica knows how to produce. In the XXS port, the water laps around the small boats. You spend your time between land and sea, enjoying the freshness of narrow streets and small coves, and visiting baroque churches and mysterious caves. Time passes differently here. On the way back to Calvi, you settle by a bright harbour framed by mountains. The Genoese citadel extends into the waves between two bays. The preserved Revellata peninsula conceals intimate and wild beaches nestled in the hollow of rugged cliffs. In the sky, cormorants, ospreys and gulls circle - winged representatives of a sublime marine and mineral world that you can continue to admire from the sailboat as you move away from the Corsican coast, which gradually blends into the horizon.

Your trip

By skipping air travel, you also avoid all the airport logistics - waiting, scanners and all the people. You can reach Lourmarin and Saint-Raphaël however you wish - we can also take care of booking a train ticket, a car or a parking space for your car, if necessary. The other journeys are made using an electric rental car, private transfers and, of course, a sailboat on the Mediterranean Sea. At each stop, your comfortable accommodation reflects the local atmosphere, allowing you to easily explore the surroundings and enjoy exclusive views. As for your itinerary, it is filled with sunshine and the sea, and with wishes that often arise unexpectedly - a massage, a nap or a moment of contemplation from a cafe terrace. However, we did include three lovely activities: a visit to an organic olive grove near Lourmarin; a day spent around Erbalunga, on land and at sea; and a spontaneous evening with a local in Calvi. And for everything we cannot anticipate, such as minor setbacks and spontaneous, unavoidable wishes, you can rely on our Concierge, who is available throughout your trip.

The sailboat

The crossing between Saint-Raphaël and Calvi is made aboard a Bavaria 50, a 15-metre (49 feet) sailboat that is operated by a professional skipper, who is assisted by a crew member. The boat can accommodate an additional eight passengers thanks to four double cabins, each equipped with small storage spaces and a porthole. The common areas are modern and well designed, with a living/dining area and a kitchen. On the deck, other areas allow you to enjoy the crossing with the wind in your face, either in the shade or in the sun. You might spot dolphins, pilot whales and even whales as you cross the Pelagos Sanctuary. Meals (vegetarian) are included and prepared with ingredients that are as organic and local as possible. If conditions allow, you can learn the basics of sailing with the skipper or even take part in the manoeuvres.