Wintering over in the South of France

[Bonno]

Looking at purchasing a yacht in Marseille, but don’t want to leave it in the current marina as it’s a bit expensive. Any secure ports where I could leave it until April/May either on the hard or marina? And does it get cold enough for full winterization?

[Eleuthera 2014]

I lived in the S of France for years. Get used to the high marina prices: you are on the French Riviera!

Some marinas on the E coast of mainland Spain have attractive prices. I'm afraid I don't remember any names but Google should help out.

GL

[Freshman]

Originally Posted by Bonno

Looking at purchasing a yacht in Marseille, but don’t want to leave it in the current marina as it’s a bit expensive. Any secure ports where I could leave it until April/May either on the hard or marina? And does it get cold enough for full winterization?

Go to Almerimar or Cartagena in Spain.
Very resonable offers.

[boatman61]

Almerimar.. ski in the sierras or swim of the beach in the afternoons.. if you like golf theres a great course 2 minutes away a great supermarket and any/everything else you need.
But.. Gotta admit Cartagena is a lovely city.

[mikedefieslife]

Cartagena is full is no point going there. Almirimar is popular mainly because it's cheap. And it's cheap because it's in the middle of nowhere.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by mikedefieslife

Cartagena is full is no point going there. Almirimar is popular mainly because it's cheap. And it's cheap because it's in the middle of nowhere.

Actually its not that bad.. excellent hospital nearby.. coastal highway makes it just 30mins from Almeria and the trains to Madrid, another 10 minutes to the airport.. ferries to Mellilia.. its cheap because it got bad press in the past but..
Gone are the days of the 3hr bus ride, 2hr wait then 3hrs on to Almeria.
Its a love or hate kinda place.. I like it.

[skipperpete]

Port Napoleon marina at Port st Louis du Rhône is an excellent safe place to leave your boat. I've kept mine there on the dry between seasons for the past 4 years, rates are low and service is first class. The Mistral is a bit uncomfortable from the Camargue when it blows. Bus service to Marseille and Arles is regular and reliable for connection to airport or TGV.