French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) Yacht Charters

The following French Riviera Yacht Charter summarized guide is proposed by Allied Yachting to better discover the most prestigious yachting destination in the world.

As reputable charter brokers based in Cannes, the heart of the French Riviera, and having an extensive rental program comprising luxury sailboats, motor yachts, superyachts and up to passenger class vessels in our charter fleet, we provide extensive and professional services if you’re looking to charter a yacht in our world renowned destination.

The French Riviera, often known in French as the “Cote d’Azur”, is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, also including the sovereign state of Monaco. There is no official boundary, but it is usually considered to extend from the Italian border (Italian Riviera) in the east to Saint-Tropez, Hyeres, Toulon, Cassis and even Marseille in the west.

This coastline is a privileged destination in the world for celebrities, the rich and the famous and counts upon some of the most modern and high-end resorts in the Mediterranean, with a fabulous climate and sunny weather all year around.

YACHT CHARTER DESTINATIONS

Saint Tropez

You may want to start your yacht charter on the French Riviera, on board your selected rental boat, Saint Tropez. Visit Pampelonne beach and its beach club-restaurants where party starts from noon into the late night, downtown, sit down in Senequier on the port and have a coffee or an ice cream at Barbarac, before visiting the high-end boutiques and other local shops, discover art in its various galleries, stroll around the narrow streets of the old city during day-time and enjoy the extensive nightlife in the many night clubs and discotheques Saint Tropez offers, such as VIP Room, Niki Beach, Papagayo or Les Caves du Roy.

Cannes

On your way up to Monaco have a stop in Bay of Cannes, the “must see” of all charter destinations in our region and our home-port. Visit famous Iles de Lerins – Saint Marguerite Island is famous for the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask, who was kept here imprisoned in the 17th century. Flora and fauna of the island is unique: strongly recommend the walk in its pine forest before lunch in the restaurant La Guérite, tasting home-made Bouillabaisse, their “Langouste de notre vivier” (fresh lobster) and the local “Pan Bagnat”, a tuna fish sandwich with fresh vegetables. Visit also Saint Honorat Island and its monastery, founded in 410. The Monk’s wine degustation is highly recommended. Contemplate the sunset aboard your yacht charter between the two islands and assist to spectacular fireworks in the summer’s evenings illuminating its seaside Boulevard de La Croisette and its Palace Hotels.

Antibes

Antibes is famous for its picturesque downtown, Picasso museum, the Fort Carré designed by famous military architect Vauban and the largest yacht and superyacht marina in the whole Cote d’Azur. Visit the market place for fresh local food (opens every morning) and its flea market (Marché aux Puces in French). From Cap d’Antibes you can observe the famous Eden Roc Hotel and multiple sumptuous luxury villas.

Nice

Nice is yet another jewel of the Cote d’Azur: you will discover this by observing this splendid city from on board your French Riviera yacht charter in the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges in French). Should you decide to visit Nice, then ask your captain to berth the yacht in the port of Nice and have a stroll on the Promenade des Anglais, visit the Old Town, Cours Saleya and have fresh seafood or pasta at “La Barque Bleue” before re-boarding your luxury yacht.

Villefranche

Villefranche is a small beach town founded in 1295 by Charles II d’Anjou, Count of Provence. It has the nicest and more protected bay at anchor in our coastline to swim and a quiet beach.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Right around the peninsula is Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, with its famous and most expensive real estate properties in the world. Visit villa-museum Ephrussi de Rothschild. Mala Beach facing the bay of Beaulieu, is well known on the French Riviera, quite packed in summer though. You can rent a scooter there and enjoy sea and sun, and eat at the beach restaurant at noon.

Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is worth visiting above all. Monaco became a privileged destination resort and meeting scene for worldwide celebrities since the marriage of Prince Rainier and the American actress Grace Kelly, in 1956. Monaco attracts scores of tourists and yachting enthusiasts every year who come to enjoy its splendor and to admire the view of the most impressive and beautiful Superyachts and megayachts berthed in Port Hercule of Monaco.

The new building of the Monaco Yacht Club was inaugurated in 2015 and made the famous marina even more prestigious. Sightseeing in Monaco includes but not limited to: gorgeous Prince’s Palace, opened to public daily, the Monaco Cathedral built in romaine-byzantine style, Oceanographic Museum, dedicated to marine science and oceanography, Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House. Cafe de Paris is the legendary brasserie “Belle Epoque” of Monaco, situated on Place du Casino, in front of famous Hotel de Paris. If you plan to stay overnight, have a drink in the American Bar of Hotel de Paris before diving into the mythic night life of Monaco.

Many night clubs open their doors every year, the most famous are Buddha-Bar, La Rascasse, Black Legend and Sea Lounge. But, if you want your night to be memorable, ask the captain of your French Riviera yacht charter to bring you to Jimmy’z Sporting Monte-Carlo: you may disembark right into the club, party and have your best night out ever.

Events and Festivals

As a yachting hub in the world, the French Riviera is also home to two of the most famous boat shows in the world: The Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show, held every year in September-October.

Corporate and event yacht charters on the French Riviera are equally frequent as day-charters or cruising charters since the region welcomes throughout the year and every year, international events like the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, MIDEM, MIPIM, MIP WORLD, MIPTV, MIPCOM, TFWA, MARE e MODA, MAPIC, ILTM, Cannes Lions Advertising Festival, Tax Free and other events on the Cote d’Azur.

You’re welcome to read our next article about Corporate and Event Yacht Charters on the French Riviera.