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French Riviera in October - hidden gems.

Why visit the French Rivera in October?

It might be surprising to learn that October is a fantastic time to visit the French Riviera, as you will benefit from fewer crowds and a cooler climate that still promises plenty of sunshine for those looking to boost their levels of vitamin D. Many of the area’s seasonal beaches and restaurants remain open in October and there are plenty of cultural offerings from which to choose.

Rediscover this famous coastline with an autumn charter in the last of the golden sunshine

The Cote d’Azur has long been a popular destination for those looking to experience the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle, from the palm tree lined boulevards of Cannes and the stylish nightlife of Monaco to the bustling Old Town of Nice and the charming cobbled streets of Antibes. Attracting artists and industrialists alike, its allure is undeniable. In the early 20th Century, Picasso and Matisse fell in love with the landscapes and light of the region and made it home, while Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956 put the Principality on the map as an essential stop on any fashionable European tour. Scratch the surface and you will find there is so much more to the region than fast cars and palatial villas.

Immerse yourself in the scents and sights of the bustling markets in very port

Nice

Nice, also known as Nissa, is an ancient city with an interesting history. As far back as the 14th Century, Nice and the surrounding region was aligned with the House of Savoy, which went on to become the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia and eventually a part of Italy as we know it today. As such, you will notice a distinctly Italian style of architecture in the city, particularly in the Old Town, which still proffers both the Italian and French names on its street signs. With a superyacht marina nestled in the port area of Nice, you can dock right in the heart of the city and be a short car ride or walk from some of the most interesting attractions on offer.

Superyachts nestle in the city-centre marina

Why visit Nice?

As the fifth largest city in France, Nice is a buzzing and vibrant destination for any superyacht charter. The Old Town boasts a famous quaint market in the Cours Saleya, where you can pick up local souvenirs like olive oil, linens and perfume. After meandering through the winding alleyways and taking in the charming ambience, stop in Place Rossetti by Nice Cathedral for an out of this world ice cream at Fenocchio, where there are dozens of homemade flavours from which to choose.

Opera de Nice

The Opera de Nice is renowned for attracting big names and putting on superb productions. From ballet and opera to classical music and contemporary dance, take in a performance from one of the opulent boxes set in the spectacular surroundings of this historical theatre dating back to 1828. After, head for a late supper at La Petite Maison; the legendary, low-key restaurant is celebrated for its fun atmosphere, with upbeat wandering musicians providing the soundtrack to your evening.

Saint-Tropez

The name Saint-Tropez conjures images of Bridget Bardot, crisp white linen and sprawling villas overlooking the bay. In recent times, it has also become famous for its vibrant party scene featuring long lunches at the lively beach clubs of Pampelonne Beach followed by even longer nights spent in the upscale restaurants and nightclubs that this picturesque port town has to offer. A visit to Saint-Tropez in early October provides a particularly special experience, as it is at this time of year that the port welcomes dozens of sailing yachts for the Voiles de Saint-Tropez, a legendary regatta for elegant classics as well as high-performance modern craft.

Why visit Saint-Tropez?

Liquid sunshine - local vineyards are famous for their rose wines

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 visit to Saint-Tropez during your October 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 sailing yachts that are in town for the Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta.

L’Auberge des Maures

During your October yacht charter to Saint-Tropez, be sure to dine at the town’s oldest restaurant, L’Auberge des Maures. The homely establishment offers a menu of traditional regional fare including barigoule artichokes, grilled lobster and sea bass with sage. Enjoy lunch or dinner at a cosy table under a charming canopy of vines. Booking is essential as the restaurant is so popular, it gets booked up months in advance.

Tarte Tropezienne is a traditional Saint-Tropez favourite

Monaco

Monaco is considered by many to be the epicentre of yachting in the Mediterranean, with a vast port that is home to numerous iconic superyachts as well as the Lord Foster-designed Yacht Club de Monaco. The Principality is renowned for being clean and safe, with a large selection of luxury boutiques, international restaurants and cultural hotspots on offer.

Why visit Monaco?

Cocktails before dinner? You're spoilt for choice

If you enjoy the finer things in life, Monaco will surely not disappoint. Away from the port, the central hub of activity in Monte Carlo is Casino Square, with many of the Principality’s iconic hotels located a short distance away. The American Bar in the Hotel de Paris is the perfect setting for an early evening cocktail before dinner at Nobu, Buddha Bar, Cipriani or the Chef’s Table at Joel Robuchon Monte-Carlo. If you are looking for things to do in Monaco in October, enjoy a night at the Beaux-Arts casino, take in a ballet performance at the Salon de Garnier from the internationally-renowned Monte-Carlo dance company, or enjoy a spectacular musical performance at the Monte-Carlo Sporting. For a little history, a tour of the Old Monaco area – known as Le Rocher – is fascinating, with the Royal Palace taking pride of place at the top of the hill and the Saint Nicholas Cathedral and Oceanographic Museum well worth a visit, too.

Walk in Grace Kelly's footsteps in the Royal Palace

La Montgolfiere Henri Geraci

Nestled among the pretty cobblestone alleyways of Le Rocher, the Gastronomic Flight experiences at La Montgolfiere Henri Geraci have put this establishment firmly on the map for those in the know. Run by Monegasque chef Henri Geraci and his wife Fabienne, the restaurant is famed for its distinctive menu fusing local cuisine with influences from around the world, always with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.

Fresh seasonal food is always on the menu

Cannes

Perhaps most famous for its annual film festival, Cannes 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, extending into October for those who prefer to avoid the high-season crowds.

Why visit Cannes?

Behind the glamour, Cannes is a market town

Whether you are chartering a yacht to coincide with an event in Cannes or simply visiting for a holiday in October, 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 young and vibrant crowd.

Cannes' beach clubs are a good start to your night out

Iles de Lerins

For an active morning on the Iles de Lerins, enjoy a hike around Sainte Marguerite just a short tender ride from Cannes, finishing up at celebrated beach restaurant Le Guerite as a reward; or tour the monastery and vineyard of nearby Saint Honorat, where the monks produce seven different wines through traditional, sustainable methods.

The view from Saint Honorat is worth the hike

French Riviera in October - hidden gems.

Why visit the French Rivera in October?