Yachting in the French Riviera
When it comes to the Riviera, otherwise called Côte d’Azur, I don’t have the words to describe it. I just know its coastline is mesmerizing, the food is out of this world, and that it’s got those charming fishing villages and the most happening parties around. Sure each beach town has its own personality from the atmosphere, the sightseeing and even just the overall vibe of the place, but the promise of the Riviera is that no matter what, you’ll see turquoise-hued waters and powdery pristine beaches. It’s still one of the hottest places to be if you think about the Cannes Film Festival and the number of times we’ve seen it featured in classic Hollywood films since Brigitte Bardot’s debut in ‘And God Created Woman’. Just looking at the coastline from a helicopter is enough to make your jaw drop. Its picture perfect beaches, secluded coves for anchoring and ample berths at full-service marinas, honestly make it THE spot for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean. Let’s not forget how super accessible it is. There’s the Côte d’Azur Airport, heliports at major marinas and excellent public transport links.
In our opinion, the best way to see this sexy holiday spot is on a luxury yacht. Not only is it one of the safer ways to travel during Covid - kind of like a protective bubble to see the coast from, but the best ones boast plush interior decor, spacious rooms, sumptuous bathrooms and terraces, with each deck offering different pampered services like gastronomical experiences from award-winning chefs onboard, a cinema room, spa treatments and sunbathing areas. And this is all apart from the charter pit stops you’ll make at the exotic beach towns. It’s really during the summer season that you see all of the superyacht action though, gleaming majestic vessels all moored up at the bustling harbors making most visitors at the marina stop and stare. If you’re looking to see the South of France like Jay-Z and Beyoncé inside the best private charter yachts, fun water toys and all, this is the place.
Here’s a couple tips to get the ball rolling for your next yacht charter wkndtrp.
Choose the right yacht and the right crew
The French Riviera yacht charter scene is getting bigger and most yacht destinations offer all types of yacht charter including motor, sailing, skippered, crewed yachts and catamarans. You’ll also have to see if you want a monohull or multihull boat. With the Monaco Yacht Show and Cannes Yachting Festival drawing nearer and nearer, not to mention the other A-list events going down this year, superyachts in Côte d’Azur are going to be in serious demand. It really depends on when you want to travel because if your heart is set on superyachts then you’ll need to book well in advance. How about the captain and crew? Both motor and sailing yachts can provide a chef, concierge, deckhands, housekeepers and even a masseuse, but you can book a bareboat charter as well. Will you be hitting up any beachfront restaurants and nightclubs along the way or would you prefer partying on-deck? It’s really up to you. Plan ahead and you’re better off making the best possible choice for your luxury vacation.
Keep your itinerary flexible but plan well
Mix the glamour of a yacht charter and the enchanting backdrop of the Mediterranean and we’ve got a winner y’all. But what good is a yacht with nowhere to go? More often than not, experiences, especially for large yachts, come with chase boats that shuttle guests back and forth as they explore the coastline on their own. The extensive coastline of the Riviera really does send you on a trip in more ways than one so it's good to really know about where you’re going before you hit the water. Yachts give you the chance to explore the beautiful beach towns Riviera is so well known for where delectable highlights like Michelin starred fine dining, luxury shopping and outdoor markets, perfume factories and Provencal vineyards await you. However, be ready to change up your itinerary if it’s your first time sailing. Okay let’s get right to it. Some popular places to visit from the water!!!
Monaco: Helicopter ride to Nice International Airport, a chase boat ride and you’re ready to set sail for Monaco. There’s no doubt that Monaco is a small principality but what it lacks in size it makes up for in the general insane energy and buzz it brings to the Mediterranean by hosting so many events and festivals such as the popular Monaco F1 Grand Prix. Having both Port Fontvieille and Port Hercules, there is so much to see and do on even the shortest sojourn to Monaco, especially on a private yacht! If you’re not living it up at the Monte Carlo Casino, then you might as well be exploring the Oceanographic Museum or grabbing drinks at Café des Paris and then an elegant dinner at Joël Robuchon at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo.
Antibes: Leave Monaco for a short cruise to Cap d’Antibes. Antibes is a little bit more rustic than the rest of Riviera’s beach towns but its rich history is really interesting. When you dock there, why don’t you check out the ancient walled harbour where the superyachts rest at the giant marina? This limestone peninsula is dotted by the best of the best in Mediterranean haute cuisine at restaurants like Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris and the most glorious villas for a nice breather in between your sea travels. Let’s not forget the Museums of Picasso and Matisse. The busy Marché Provencal and historical ramparts are just as magical.
Cannes: Cannes is as happening as St. Tropez but with a slightly more refined attitude - think sophistication and glamour. Formerly a cute fishing village, it has quickly risen to becoming one of the most popular and buzzing yacht charter destinations in Côte d’Azur. When your yacht comes to anchor, grab your suitcase and credit cards and get ready for Hotel Barrière Le Majestic and other grande dame hotels as well as the fabulous designer shopping experiences at Boulevard de La Croisette. In between all your people-watching, hit up the trendy beaches like Bijou Plage. Your dedicated crew will be waiting to tend to your every need when you come back on board.
St. Tropez: Cruise from Cannes to St. Tropez. If Monaco is the playground of the rich then St. Tropez is the resident spot for artists, movie stars and fashion models. Known as one of Leo DiCaprio’s favourite hangouts with the ladies, this gorgeous resort is home to legendary Le Club 55 but it’s also the perfect place to sip on Rosé all day and all night, party hard at VIP Room and Caves Du Roy, maybe even catch a glimpse of Madonna or George Clooney. These days, the summers are full of chilled out seafood lunches and wild pool parties at Nikki Beach. Pro tip: Pampelonne Beach can only be experienced by yacht so don’t miss out on this. It’s like a mini Ibiza over there!
Island hopping anyone?
A yachting vacay is all about having a good time! There is an amazing opportunity to take full advantage of all cool toys on your luxury yacht. Ask the yacht skipper or the captain to make a stopover at the Porquerolles and Îles d’Hyères islands to try out the jet skis, paddle boats, kayaks, inflatable doughnuts and trampolines (yep!). These untouched islands have crystal clear waters and are a thing of beauty, stretching into the horizon, where you can enjoy a dip or splash while your chef prepares a sumptuous dinner for you under the stars in the cool Riviera breeze.
There’s no better vantage point to see the Riviera and it doesn’t get any more exclusive than on-water luxury aboard a private yacht. Maybe you’re thinking of the Caribbean for your winter plans but hear me out. The summer isn’t over just yet and the cosmopolitan shores of the Mediterranean are literally calling your name. Right now the region is going to be absolutely packed with people since its peak time but in a couple of months, you’re looking at a chilled out vacay :) Perfect time to start planning a cruise on our WKNDTRP app.
