My SUP Stories

I love a summer holiday in La Croix-Valmer in the South of France. Just one bay away from the glitz and glam of Saint-Tropez, the unspoiled beauty of Gigaro Beach offers the kind of a serene and simple escape I’m after. June is my preferred time to go. There is plenty of sunshine, it’s warm, but not too hot. The crowds are yet to arrive, so the roads are less congested. The water temperature is nice and refreshing.

We rent a one-bed apartment overlooking the Mediterranean. It treats us to the soothing sound of waves gently lapping onto the beach. Every morning, we carry our boards across the road and launch towards the nature reserve of Cap Lardier. My favourite SUP destination is the Marine Trail of Crocodile Islet, just in front of the wild Jovat Beach. I surrender into the rhythmic sway of the sea, connecting my strokes with the ebb and flow of the water.

The marine trail was installed in the cove back in 2017. It is marked by six buoys with underwater panels. The boards are only in French, but there are colourful photos depicting the various species and their habitat: rocky seabeds, Posidonia meadows, sandy beds, drop-offs and even a shipwreck. And the crocodile? The islet itself forms a rock formation resembling the creature.

Boards securely attached to buoys, I dive into the water, the initial chill sending a tingling sensation through my body. The momentary shock wakes up all my senses. I swim back to my board and get my mask and snorkel. I reluctantly spit into my mask. “Environmentally friendly anti-fogging agent,” my partner calls it.

The underwater world is magical. Gliding effortlessly alongside colourful fish and swaying plants, I feel one with the marine life. And for once in my life, graceful. Breathing through the snorkel, I lose myself in the hypnotic flow of this enchanting world, experiencing a timeless escape of weightlessness and freedom.

I could stay for hours. But I also know the local boulangerie opens at 8:30 (off-season hours). We paddle back and get a brioche au sucre and some croissants for our late breakfast. I’ll be out on the water before lunch again.

Weird & wonderful

I had not realised what a remarkable treasure Posidonia meadows are. These lush seagrass habitats play a pivotal role in preserving the marine ecosystem:

• Biodiversity hotspots: Crucial habitats for diverse marine species, supporting breeding and nurseries.
• Coastal protection: Natural defence against erosion, stabilising sediment and reducing wave energy.
• Carbon sequestration: Efficiently capture and store carbon, aiding in climate change mitigation.
• Water quality improvement: Effective filters, removing pollutants and enhancing coastal water health.
• Indicator of environmental health: Monitoring their presence and condition helps assess coastal ecosystem well-being.

Need to know

• Waterway: The Saint-Tropez peninsula, located in the Mediterranean Sea in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France, is home to the picturesque town of La Croix Valmer. Situated in the Var department, La Croix Valmer boasts 12 kilometres of stunning coastline, nestled at the base of the pine-covered Massif des Maures within the serene Cavalaire Bay. The starting point for this route is Gigaro Beach, reachable with a 25-minute drive from Saint Tropez.
• Entry: Plage de Gigaro, 1242 Bd de Gigaro, 83420 La Croix-Valmer, France
• Exit: Plage de Gigaro, 1242 Bd de Gigaro, 83420 La Croix-Valmer, France
• Distance: The round trip covers 4 km, but you can easily extend your paddle to explore the numerous coves and beaches.
• More details: For essential information on parking, restrooms, food outlets and other facilities, refer to the official website of the La Croix-Valmer Tourist Office. Gigaro Beach is lifeguarded. If conditions are unsuitable for SUP, you can opt for a scenic hike along the Cap Lardier and Cap Taillat Coastal Path, starting at Gigaro Beach. This trail is part of the Port-Cros National Park.

If you liked this story, check out my other France route – SUP Route: Verdon Gorge, France, coastal adventures in Wales – SUP Route: Joy of Guided Tour and Jurassic Coast – SUP Route: Old Harry Rocks. More French SUP spots coming soon. Hit ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ to get the latest posts.

Let’s make some waves! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.