Dear Captain,
We would like to inform you that the French maritime authorities have published updated regulations* governing anchoring and mooring in Pampelonne Bay (Ramatuelle).
These new regulations entered into force on 24 June 2026, the day following their publication. Although the official nautical charts have not yet been updated, the new regulatory boundaries are already legally applicable and should therefore be taken into account when planning operations in the area.
From Cannes to Antibes: the coastal area between the Rocher de la Bocca and the Pointe de l’Ilette (Cap d’Antibes)
Pampelonne Bay: Regulations Governing Anchoring, Mooring, and Speed of Vessels
The main changes are as follows:
- Several anchoring zone boundaries in Pampelonne Bay have been revised.
- The former 45–80 m western anchoring area has been reclassified as a 24–45 m anchoring zone and is now incorporated into the ZMEL (Light Mooring and Equipment Zone).
- This new 24–45 m zone is now under the authority of the Ramatuelle Municipal Police, who are empowered to carry out inspections and issue fines where applicable.
- Several ZMEL mooring sectors have also been modified, including changes to buoy locations, the number of available moorings, and the maximum vessel length permitted in certain sectors.
- Near Île Sainte-Marguerite (Cannes), the eastern anchoring zone has been updated following the relocation of the AQUAFRAIS fish farm.
As a reminder, within the Pampelonne ZMEL:
- Vessels under 24 metres may not anchor within areas equipped with mooring buoys.
- Anchoring remains prohibited over Posidonia seagrass meadows.
- Anchoring is also prohibited within the sandy anchoring area reserved for vessels between 24 and 45 metres.
Our digital charts and monitoring systems have already been updated to reflect these regulatory changes, ensuring that our services remain fully aligned with the latest applicable regulations.
Should you require any further information regarding these changes or their operational impact, please do not hesitate to contact us.
References
Updated official regulations on anchoring and mooring in Pampelonne Bay (Ramatuelle):
- Prefectoral Order No. 177/2026 of 23 June 2026, consolidating and updating Prefectoral Order No. 157/2024 of 23 May 2024, regulating the anchoring and stopping of vessels 45 metres and above, or 300 GT and above, in French Mediterranean territorial waters.
- Temporary Occupation Permit (AIP) No. 182/2026 of 23 June 2026, amending the regulations governing the Pampelonne Bay ZMEL (Light Mooring and Equipment Zone).
All the links here:
AP 2021-350 & AIP ZMEL Ramatuelle_à jour de l’AP 2026-182 (1)
AP 2024-157 mouillage navires 45m à jour du 2026-177
AP 2026-177 modif de l’AP 2024-157 navires 45 mètres
AP 2026-182 du 23 juin AIP Ramatuelle modifiant AP 2021-350
Kind regards,
The FLYN-YACHTING Team