Cannes | I tested the solar-powered boat on the Lérins Islands

“Oh my boat oh oh oh! You are the most beautiful boat and you guide me on the waves! ” Hey travelers, how about renting a boat without a license to explore Cannes and the Lérins Islands?

If you’re coming to the Côte d’Azur on vacation and don’t really know what to do around here, you should know that there are a variety of interesting activities to experience around here.

In fact, I invite you to take a look at all our articles on accommodation and activities for couples, friends and families in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region:

• My unforgettable encounter with the Mercantour wolves
• What to see and do in Cannes, discover my must-sees
• Cannes, a must-try guesthouse in the city center
• Discover Marseille and its calanques by boat
• The new Tohapi mobile homes in the hinterland
• The Monts d’Azur reserve for unusual accommodation and wildlife watching

You want to rent a boat with your family or friends, but you don’t think it’s possible because everything on the Côte d’Azur is so expensive! What’s more, everything is fully booked at the height of the season and you don’t have your boating license. Well, you won’t have to say that sentence again, because yes, there is an alternative to motorboats! I’d like to introduce you to a little nugget I’ve been looking forward to testing: the license-free, solar-powered boat also known as Solar Boat. Rendezvous in Cannes harbor (port Canto) to climb aboard and discover the Lérins islands in a different way (Sainte marguerite island and Saint Honorat island) in the bay of Cannes.

For our first experience, it was Antoine who volunteered to drive the boat (which suited me because I wanted to get a tan). Nicolas, the boat owner, will accompany you on board to explain the basic rules (starting, stopping, moving forward and reversing) and give you a quick workout in the harbour. I assure you, it’s a shot in the dark.

As the name suggests, the solar boat has an electric motor and solar panels to power the batteries. No need to fill up on fuel or go into debt, everything is eco-friendly and easy to use! This company, which has been in existence since 2016, is entering its third season and is enjoying great success on the Côte d’Azur, the Var and Corsica. You’ll find these boats in Cannes, Saint Raphael, Beaulieu, Hyères , Sanary, Porto (2A) and Ile Rousse (2B). Rather practical, isn’t it?

How does it work? Once on board, this 7-seater mini-boat speeds from 4 to 6 knots, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the craft, enjoy the panoramic views and cruise along the coast and islands. Its autonomy is 7 hours, so it’s up to you to control your speed: the faster you go, the more you consume!

If, like us, you’d like to go to the Lérins Islands, you’ll reach the first island in 15 minutes and will be able to sail around the island in 1 hour to anchor.

What’s on board? All you need to know about this boat without a license:

• vests and safety equipment
• a bath ladder
• a large sunbathing area
• a sun awning
• a large table for your lunches and aperitifs on the water (indispensable and rather practical)

Why did we like this concept? ✖️ It’s ECOLOGICAL: yes, think of the environment and minimize our impact thanks to its electric propulsion and solar panels! Sail without polluting ✖️ It’s FRIENDLY and very COMFORTABLE: since it doesn’t require a license, anyone can pilot the boat, even grandma or grandpa! Its on-board comfort and silent operation make it a real asset and a very user-friendly boat ✖️ IT’S AFFORDABLE in terms of price: no more full tanks and €800 boat rentals ✖️ IT’S THOUGHT FOR EVERYBODY: the boats are equipped with PRM access and a large space at the stern of the boat!

 

So what do you think of this experience? Will you think of that next time? I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

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