Nouveau Port des Lecques: A project transforming a Provençal marina
For years, boaters dealt with tight slip space and aging infrastructure. The town of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer decided to change course by launching a major overhaul of its Nouveau Port des Lecques, with construction now coming to a close.
Why visit Nouveau Port des Lecques now?
Nouveau Port des Lecques holds an enviable spot along the Var coastline, halfway between Bandol and La Ciotat. Small yet lively, it serves as the nautical gateway to a resort town that has kept a family-friendly vibe without trying to mimic the mega-marinas nearby.
The completion of the renovation project marks a genuine turning point. The new facilities modernize boat handling, secure access points, and improve dockside comfort for visiting sailors and local residents alike.
What the renovation brings in practice
The work focused on several key areas: repairing docks, upgrading dockside water and electrical networks, redesigning reception areas, and securing the surroundings. The visible result from the quay is immediate since the harbor breathes easier, pedestrian pathways have been rethought, and the whole layout is much clearer.
Friendly tip: Take advantage of the redesigned quays to grab a table on a terrace facing the boats in the late afternoon. The low light hitting the water makes it one of the best times to soak in the atmosphere of the renovated harbor.
A stopover between sea and village
Beyond the boating side of things, Nouveau Port des Lecques remains a community fixture tied into daily village life. Quay-side restaurants focus on local catches, and the waterfront promenade leading all the way to plages des Lecques remains one of the most pleasant strolls along the Var coastline.
Highlights of the new harbor
- Modernized infrastructure, with docks and utility networks completely rebuilt
- Pleasant setting, well integrated into the resort town
- Central location between Bandol and La Ciotat
- Family-friendly atmosphere, free from the commotion of large marinas
Watch-outs
- Limited capacity: booking recommended in peak season
- Quayside parking gets packed in July and August
- Some minor ancillary work still wrapping up
Indicative boat rental rates in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and La Madrague
Departing from Nouveau Port des Lecques or La Madrague, rental companies on the SamBoat platform offer a broad fleet, ranging from small license-free open boats for family outings to high-end RIBs for groups.
| Boat type | Capacity | License required | Daily rate (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| License-free motorboat (e.g., Karel V160) | Up to 5 people | No | $210* |
| Compact RIB (e.g., Capelli Tempest 600, ~6 m) | Up to 6 people | Yes | $230* |
| Standard open motorboat (e.g., Cap Camarat 6.35, Quicksilver 605) | 6 to 7 people | Yes | $250* |
| Cabin motorboat / 6.5 m RIB (e.g., Cap Camarat 6.5 WA) | 6 people | Yes | $290* |
| High-performance family RIB (e.g., Joker Boat Clubman 22, Bénéteau Flyer 6.6) | 8 people | Yes | $420* |
| Large-format RIB (e.g., MV Marine 770, Axopar 28) | 10 to 12 people | Yes | $570* |
| Group prestige RIB with skipper (e.g., Dariel S1200, 12 m) | Up to 15 people | Skipper included | $680* |
| Sailboat (weekly rental) | Variable | Yes | $700 to $3,780* / week |
| Skipper add-on (excluding offers with skipper included) | - | - | + $230* / day (average) |
Indicative rates subject to change based on the season, owner, and availability. Source: SamBoat.fr.
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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.