Nouveau Port des Lecques: A transformation for a Provençal marina
For years, boaters dealt with limited slips and aging facilities. The town of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer decided to change course by undertaking a major renovation of its Nouveau Port des Lecques, with the work now nearing completion.
Why visit Nouveau Port des Lecques now?
Nouveau Port des Lecques occupies a prime spot on the Var coast, midway between Bandol and La Ciotat. Small but active, it serves as the nautical gateway to a beach town that has maintained a family-oriented vibe without trying to mimic the larger, glitzier marinas nearby.
The conclusion of the renovation project marks a real turning point. The new infrastructure modernizes how boats are received, secures access points, and improves comfort at the docks for both visiting boaters and local residents.
What the renovation actually delivers
The work focused on several key areas: restoring pontoons, upgrading water and electricity networks at the docks, redesigning reception zones, and securing the surrounding areas. The result visible from the pier is immediate. The port feels more open, pedestrian walkways have been rethought, and the entire area is much easier to navigate.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the redesigned docks to grab a table at a terrace facing the boats in the late afternoon. The light hitting the water at this hour makes it one of the best times to soak in the atmosphere of the renovated port.
A stopover between sea and village
Beyond the nautical aspects, Nouveau Port des Lecques remains a place deeply tied to the daily life of the village. The restaurants on the quay offer menus focused on local fish, and the promenade that runs from the port to the plage des Lecques (Lecques Beach) remains one of the most pleasant walking paths on the Var coast.
Highlights of the new port
- Modernized infrastructure with brand new pontoons and utility networks
- Pleasant setting, well integrated into the resort town
- Central location between Bandol and La Ciotat
- Family atmosphere, without the chaos of large marinas
Things to keep in mind
- Limited docking capacity, so booking is recommended in high season
- Parking on the quays becomes crowded in July and August
- Some minor peripheral work is still being finalized
Boat rental pricing at Lecques and La Madrague
Departing from Nouveau Port des Lecques or La Madrague, renters on the SamBoat platform offer a wide range of vessels, from small, no-license open boats for a family outing to high-end rigid-inflatable boats for larger groups.
| Vessel type | Capacity | License required | Daily rate (starting from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-license motorboat (e.g. Karel V160) | Up to 5 people | No | 180 EUR (about $195) |
| Compact rigid-inflatable (e.g. Capelli Tempest 600, ~6 m) | Up to 6 people | Yes | 200 EUR (about $217) |
| Standard open motorboat (e.g. Cap Camarat 6.35, Quicksilver 605) | 6 to 7 people | Yes | 220 EUR (about $238) |
| Cabin motorboat / 6.5m rigid-inflatable (e.g. Cap Camarat 6.5 WA) | 6 people | Yes | 250 EUR (about $271) |
| Powerful family rigid-inflatable (e.g. Joker Boat Clubman 22, Bénéteau Flyer 6.6) | 8 people | Yes | 369 EUR (about $400) |
| Large format rigid-inflatable (e.g. MV Marine 770, Axopar 28) | 10 to 12 people | Yes | 500 EUR (about $542) |
| Prestige group rigid-inflatable with skipper (e.g. Dariel S1200, 12 m) | Up to 15 people | Skipper included | 600 EUR (about $650) |
| Sailboat (weekly rental) | Variable | Yes | 620 EUR to 3,360 EUR (about $672 to $3,640) / week |
| Skipper supplement (excluding offers with skipper included) | N/A | N/A | + 200 EUR (about $217) / day (on average) |
Indicative rates subject to change based on season, owner, and availability. Source: SamBoat.fr.
Opening hours
How long for this activity
*Information subject to change
Visiting this port is a nice little surprise. I appreciated the cleanliness and the layout. Really, it is a big plus when you see some other places. It makes for an enjoyable walk. Here, we are not really in a big city, and that is for the best! The open feel reminds me a bit of Corsica. Practical and easy to access, you can park nearby.