French Riviera yacht charter guide: Destinations and insider tips for the Côte d’Azur

A French Riviera yacht charter is one of the world’s most iconic travel experiences, combining glamorous ports, sun‑drenched bays and chic coastal towns along the Côte d’Azur. From Monaco’s glittering skyline to the untouched beauty of the Porquerolles, this stretch of coastline offers a perfect blend of style, culture and natural splendour. Whether you’re seeking Riviera fine dining, hidden coves accessible only by yacht or vibrant beach clubs and nightlife, each stop reveals a different facet of Mediterranean allure.

Cannes

Perhaps most famous for its annual film festival, a Cannes yacht charter evokes images of old world glamour, beachfront hotels and superb luxury boutiques. The Bay of Cannes and waters off the neighbouring Cap d’Antibes play host to a who’s who of yachting during the summer months and, whether you’re looking to pair a yacht charter with an event in Cannes or simply visiting for a holiday, there are plenty of reasons to drop anchor in the bay or dock in the historic Cannes Old Port.

Dotted along the famous Croisette you will find a world-class array of luxury boutiques as well as five-star hotels that benefit from their own private beach clubs and restaurants. Behind the glamour you will also find markets selling fresh local produce – a chance to immerse yourself in the real Cannes. As evening draws in, head to one of the famous nightclubs to dance the night away among a vibrant crowd.

Saint-Tropez

There is quite simply no place like Saint-Tropez. Other destinations may try to imitate its effortlessly chic style, but the unique combination of location, entertainment and history make this a perennial haven for the well-heeled set. Party people will be drawn to the abundant nightlife and daytime decadence, while those who prefer restful R&R can tour the local vineyards that are famous for their rosé wine, sample the gastronomic delights of the Riviera and indulge in a little retail therapy.

A Saint-Tropez yacht charter is not complete without a stroll along the dock in the heart of the town, with a pitstop for ice cream at celebrated parlour Barbarac or an iced coffee at Sénéquier café while watching the bobbing yachts docked in the marina.

Antibes and Cap d’Antibes

Sandwiched between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is the Riviera’s understated gem. Its charming Old Town, 16th‑century ramparts and the famed Port Vauban marina – home to the superyacht‑lined Quai des Milliardaires – make it a favourite stop for those seeking authenticity with effortless access to neighbouring hotspots. Around the forested Cap d’Antibes, peaceful anchorages such as Baie de la Garoupe and Billionaires’ Bay (pictured below) offer some of the clearest waters on the coast, ideal for swimming and watertoys.

Step ashore to browse the Provençal market, visit the Picasso Museum, or enjoy a long lunch at a classic beach club before returning to the serenity of your anchorage. With its laidback atmosphere and beautiful coves, Antibes is a perfect balance of culture, coastline and calm.

Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer

As the fifth‑largest city in France, Nice brings vibrant energy to any Côte d’Azur yacht charter, with its Italian‑influenced Old Town, lively markets and sweeping seaside promenades. Docking at Port Lympia marina places you steps from Cours Saleya and the city’s colourful historic streets, making it an ideal cultural stop on a Riviera yacht holiday.

Cruise just around the headland and the scene softens into Villefranche‑sur‑Mer, one of the Mediterranean’s deepest natural harbours and a favourite for superyachts seeking tranquillity. The sheltered anchorages offer calm waters for swimming and watersports, with pastel hillside houses and a picturesque old town completing your serene Riviera experience.

Once occupied by ancient Phoenician traders, the village is said to take its name from a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis. Although the medieval ramparts that once enclosed Eze have long disappeared, the charm of the Old Town remains intact. Wander its winding cobblestoned streets, explore artisan boutiques and the world‑famous perfume houses of Galimard and Fragonard, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this clifftop jewel. With its dramatic setting, rich history and sweeping views, Eze is one of the Riviera’s most captivating hidden gems.

Porquerolles Islands

Just 20km from Saint-Tropez, Porquerolles is a Thai-style paradise within the ‘Golden Isles’ that feels a million miles from the glitz of the Riviera. Instead of designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll find a charming village with cafes and French bistros, surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean vegetation – think oak forests, olive and juniper trees, strawberry plants, lavender and rock rose.

The preserved coastline is peppered with tiny wild coves perfect for swimming, while over 20 beaches offer pristine white sands (a must-visit is Plage de Notre Dame). Once the last ferry returns to mainland France at 19:00, the Porquerolles national park island becomes the exclusive playground of the yachting elite, with calm turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling and paddleboarding and a tranquil atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the Riviera.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat is one of the most rewarding Riviera destinations to experience by yacht with peaceful coves, sheltered anchorages, and untouched natural beauty. Approaching by sea reveals the peninsula at its most magical: pine‑fringed headlands, elegant Belle Époque villas, and turquoise bays. The calm, protected waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and getting out your watertoys, while the coastline’s hidden beaches and rocky inlets are best accessed by tender.

Historically inhabited by the 19th‑century bourgeoisie, today it offers an irresistible blend of authentic French charm and understated modern opulence. Wander its quaint port, linger at chic restaurants serving freshly caught fish, or explore hidden gems such as the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, whose manicured gardens and sea‑view pathways offer a serene escape. But its sense of exclusivity is what makes a yacht charter here truly special as the peninsula remains remarkably unspoiled, and many of its most beautiful spots are enjoyed best from the privacy and freedom of your own deck.

Îles de Lérins 

The four Lérins islands are just a 30-minute hop by tender from the bustle of Cannes’ Boulevard de la Croisette, and yet when lounging in the quiet shade of eucalyptus trees it feels far from the madding crowds. Rich in natural beauty and steeped in history, these islands provide the perfect retreat from the glamorous, bustling mainland with quiet walking trails and crystal-clear shallows perfect for swimming.

The two main islands each have their own character: Saint-Honorat, home to a community of Cistercian monks who produce wine and liqueurs, and Sainte-Marguerite, known for its pine and eucalyptus forests and the historic Fort Royal, where the mysterious ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ was once held. Calm anchorages between the islands make this one of the Riviera’s most rewarding stops for a relaxing day on the water.

Nightlife 

The French Riviera is famed for its vibrant nightlife, from Monaco’s refined late‑night institutions like Jimmy’z and the Amber Lounge to Saint‑Tropez’s iconic Nikki Beach and Club 55. In Cannes, stylish bars and high‑end nightclubs line the Croisette, offering the perfect place to end your evening after a day on the water. Whether you prefer elegant lounges or lively dance floors, the Riviera delivers unforgettable nights.

Michelin-star restaurants

The Côte d’Azur is home to some of the world’s most exceptional culinary experiences, making Riviera fine dining a highlight of any yacht charter. From Monaco’s iconic Michelin‑starred institutions to elegant seaside restaurants in Antibes, Cannes and Saint‑Tropez, on your yacht charter you will be spoilt for choice with everything from refined Provençal tasting menus to inventive contemporary cuisine.

Whether enjoyed on a glamorous night ashore or arranged as a private chef’s experience on board, the region’s gastronomy elevates every moment of your Riviera journey.