Baie du Gau

Closed to the north by the Pointe de la Ris and to the south by the Pointe de L’Esquilette, the Baie du Gau is located in the Cap Bénat area and is one of the most popular bays on the western part of the Côte d’Azur

The bay is made up of a long series of smaller inlets and is open to the east but offers good protection from westerly winds.
However, the heavy maritime traffic, especially in the summertime, makes it not always easy for boaters to stay in this area, due to the wave and roll motions caused by the frequent passage of motor boats on their way to the islands l’Île du Levant and that of Port-Cros.

Generally, the surrounding traffic and the crowding of tourists in the cove subside after 6 p.m., thus causing the swell to subside and bringing back tranquility for those who intend to stay a while longer here .
In any case, staying in the bay du Gau is recommended only in favorable weather conditions.
A restaurant can be found in the central part of the bay, as well as a number of campsites.

Within the bay are a whole series of coves and beaches, the last ones before reaching Cap Bénat, where only rocks and reefs will be encountered.
The largest beach is the plage du Gaou, which is located in the central part of the ‘inlet, consisting of fine sand and small pebbles. The only possibility of access for those coming from the mainland is to take the shoreline path at the height of the beach de la Favière (north of the anse de Gau and south of the ports of Bormes-Les Mimosas) and walk south in the direction of Cap Bènat.

The one with the easiest access is the beach located immediately after Pointe de la Ris, near a seawall. The closer you get to Pointe de l’Esquilette, the more difficult access to the beaches of the Baie du Gau from the mainland becomes.