Navigation #14 Toulon-Porquerolles La baie du Langoustier, incredible encounter!

 
Leaving Toulon

As we prepared to depart Toulon harbor, our excitement for the day’s sail was already buzzing. The Mediterranean sparkled under the morning sun, and our boat was ready to glide through the waves.
Just as we were about to exit the main channel, a group of military personnel approached us in a small patrol boat, their expressions friendly but firm. They directed us to divert to a smaller, secondary exit from the harbor. The reason? A maritime giant was making its grand return.

Incredible Encounter!

The Charles de Gaulle, France’s iconic nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was steaming back to Toulon after a five-month deployment in the Pacific. This 42,500-ton behemoth, one of the most powerful warships in the world, was an awe-inspiring sight. As we maneuvered to the smaller exit, we caught glimpses of its massive silhouette on the horizon, its deck bustling with activity. For a brief moment, we shared the waters with this floating fortress—an unforgettable encounter that left us marveling at the sheer scale of naval engineering.

Below, in French, the explanation of the Charles De Gaulle's mission in the Pacific:

But the surprises didn’t end there. As we cleared the harbor, our eyes caught another rare sight: a sleek submarine slicing through the water at a distance. Its low profile and stealthy movement were a stark contrast to the carrier’s imposing presence. Was it one of France’s Rubis-class or a visiting vessel? We could only speculate, but spotting a submarine on the open water felt like a scene from a naval thriller.

Once we were clear of Toulon’s busy waters, the rest of the journey to Île de Porquerolles settled into a quieter rhythm. The wind, unfortunately, was uncooperative, barely mustering enough strength to fill our sails. With a sigh, we fired up the engine, its steady hum accompanying us as we cruised along the coast. Thankfully, a gentle tailwind nudged us forward, making the ride smoother and more efficient. The Mediterranean stretched out endlessly, its deep blues and greens a serene backdrop to our thoughts of the morning’s excitement.

After a few hours, the golden shores of Île de Porquerolles came into view. 

This car-free island, part of the Îles d’Hyères archipelago, is a haven of pine forests, vineyards, and turquoise coves. 

We guided our boat into the tranquil mooring bay, the anchor dropping with a satisfying splash. 

As we secured the lines, the day’s events replayed in our minds—the military escort, the Charles de Gaulle’s majestic return, the elusive submarine. Even with the lackluster winds, this navigation had etched itself into our memories as one for the books.

 Here is a summary of our short visit: