Region · yacht charter
French Riviera.
The Côte d'Azur from Saint-Tropez to Monaco, with Cannes, the Lérins islands and the anchorages of Cap d'Antibes between.
- Cannes
- Monaco
- Saint-Tropez
Overview
What to expect.
The French Riviera is one of the most concentrated yacht charter coasts in the Mediterranean. From Saint-Tropez in the west to Monaco in the east, a few hours under way link the harbours, the headland anchorages and the events of the European summer. It is the coast many first charters start with, and the one many experienced charterers return to.
Three ports carry the coast. Cannes has two harbours, the Vieux Port below the old town and Port Pierre Canto at the eastern end of the Croisette, with the Lérins islands a short run offshore. Saint-Tropez holds the west, with the bay of Pampelonne and the anchorages towards Cap Camarat to its south. Monaco closes the east: Port Hercule takes the large yachts, the Grand Prix fleet among them, and Port de Fontvieille the smaller ones. Antibes and Cap d'Antibes lie between, with their own sheltered anchorages.
The season runs from May to early October. The Cannes Film Festival in May and the Monaco Grand Prix, in late May or early June, are the most demanded weeks of the spring; the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show follow in September, and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez runs from late September into early October. Anchorages between Cap d'Antibes and Pampelonne fill in July and August; June and September are the most rewarding months, with calmer water and more room at anchor.
A French Riviera charter is planned around the ports and the events, and run end to end by one advisor: the yachts and crews that fit, the berths in harbours where space is allocated months ahead, and the day-to-day route once aboard. For the event weeks, the Grand Prix above all, yachts and berths are committed a year or more ahead, and early planning is the only reliable approach.
Destinations
Where we cruise in the French Riviera.
3 destinations curated through our network of brokers, owners and management firms.
Season
When to cruise.
- Best months
- May to early October
- Prevailing winds
- Sea breeze · Mistral
- Base ports
- Cannes · Monaco · Saint-Tropez
May to early October. The Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix make late May and early June the most demanded weeks of the spring, and the September shows and regattas close the season. Anchorages between Cap d'Antibes and Pampelonne fill in July and August; June and September are the most rewarding months for cruising.
Frequently asked
Practical questions.
- When is the best time for a French Riviera yacht charter?
- From May to early October. June and September are the most rewarding, with calmer anchorages and lighter winds; July and August carry the largest fleet and the busiest bays. The event weeks are the most demanded of all: the Cannes Film Festival in May, the Monaco Grand Prix in late May or early June, and the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Monaco Yacht Show and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in September.
- Which ports does a Riviera charter use?
- Most charters are based in Cannes, Monaco or Saint-Tropez, with Antibes between them. Cannes uses the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto; Monaco uses Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille; Saint-Tropez uses its harbour, with day anchorages in the bay of Pampelonne.
- How far ahead should a French Riviera charter be arranged?
- Six months is comfortable for a standard summer week. For the event weeks, and the Monaco Grand Prix in particular, berths and yachts are committed twelve months or more ahead.
- Can one charter cover the whole coast?
- Yes. The distances are short: Saint-Tropez to Monaco fits comfortably within a week, with stops at Cannes, the Lérins islands and the Cap d'Antibes anchorages along the way. The route is set to the weather and the events of the week.
- How do you reach a French Riviera charter?
- Nice Côte d'Azur airport is the gateway, a short transfer from Cannes, Antibes and Monaco, with Saint-Tropez further west. The advisor arranges the transfer to the yacht, by car or by helicopter.
- What does a French Riviera yacht charter cost?
- As a Mediterranean guide, a 20 to 30 metre motor yacht runs from around EUR 30,000 to EUR 80,000 a week before running costs, a 30 to 45 metre yacht from around EUR 80,000 to EUR 250,000, and yachts above 50 metres from around EUR 250,000, quoted individually. The Advance Provisioning Allowance and a customary gratuity come on top, and the event weeks sit well above that.
- What size of yacht suits the French Riviera?
- The full range, from smaller motor yachts for day and short cruising to the largest superyachts for a full week. Berths for the largest yachts are the main constraint in peak weeks, particularly in Monaco, so the size is matched to the ports on the route.
Plan your charter
Guides and charter services.
Elsewhere
Other cruising grounds.
Plan a charter
Plan a charter in the French Riviera.
A private advisor will return a short, curated proposal within the hour.