French Riviera & Monaco
Delight in the Allure of the Glamorous Côte d'Azur
Delight in the Allure of the Glamorous Côte d'Azur
25-32°C / 77-90°F
Discover French Riviera & Monaco
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is more than the playground of the rich and famous. This area, which includes cosmopolitan ports like Cannes and Saint-Tropez, balances captivating natural beauty with sizzling nightlife. Top destinations offer Michelin-class dining and unparalleled shopping experiences. From Nice’s refined elegance to the opulent grandeur of Monaco, the French Riviera is the ideal destination for an unforgettable voyage.
Saint-Tropez
Magnificent superyachts moored in a famed harbor, Club 55 and other prestigious beach clubs, and elite nightlife
Cannes
Iconic film festival, chic boutiques and shops on La Croisette, and a gateway to the stunning Lérins Islands
Monaco & Monte Carlo
Formula 1 Grand Prix excitement, action at the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, and an elite tax haven
Antibes & Nice
When to charter
July - August
Summer months sizzle with abundant sunshine and a hot social scene
Advantages
- Longer
- fun-filled days
- Ideal beach conditions
- Popular cultural and local events
- Vibrant energy
Considerations
- Higher prices
- Busier ports
- Early planning to ensure access to top spots
- Crowded anchorages
May - June & September
A more relaxed Riviera scene with mild weather and easier access to top spots
Advantages
- Comfortable weather (25-28°C)
- Calmer seas for smooth sailing
- More availability for reservations at fine restaurants
- Better value
- Racing excitement at the Monaco Grand Prix (May)
- Star-studded scene at the Cannes Film Festival (May)
Considerations
- Some beach clubs are closed in May
October - April
Mild winters, authentic local life, and exceptional value
Advantages
- Very affordable
- Peaceful harbors
- Local culture
- Winter sunshine
Considerations
- Many beach clubs closed
- Cooler water
- Shorter days
- Limited services
Sample itineraries
Riviera Highlights (7 Days)
7 days / 6 nights
Seven days immersed in the Côte d'Azur's finest destinations
Riviera Highlights (7 Days)7 days / 6 nightsSeven days immersed in the Côte d'Azur's finest destinations
Day 1
- Nice/Antibes:
- Embarkation, Welcome aboard, Overnight at Port Vauban
Day 2
- To Cannes (8 NM):
- La Croisette stroll, Luxury shopping, Lérins Islands anchorage option
Day 3
- To Saint-Tropez (23 NM):
- Iconic harbor, Vieux Port dining, Beach club afternoon
Day 4
- Saint-Tropez
- Pampelonne beaches (Club 55, Nikki Beach), Citadel visit, Sunset aperitifs
Day 5
- To Porquerolles (25 NM):
- Golden beaches, Turquoise waters, Island cycling, Vineyard lunch
Day 6
- To Monaco (55 NM via coastal route):
- Port Hercules arrival, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Prince's Palace, Fine dining
Day 7
- Return to Nice/Antibes:
- Final morning, Disembarkation
Extended Riviera & Italian Riviera (10 Days)
10 days / 9 nights
An extended voyage across the French and Italian Rivieras
Extended Riviera & Italian Riviera (10 Days)10 days / 9 nights An extended voyage across the French and Italian Rivieras
Day 1
- Antibes:
- Embarkation at Port Vauban, Provisioning, Casual harbor dinner
Day 2
- To Cannes (8 NM):
- La Croisette, Île Sainte-Marguerite, Fort Royal
Day 3
- To Saint-Tropez (23 NM):
- Port arrival, Citadel, Evening at Quai Jean Jaurès
Day 4
- Saint-Tropez & Pampelonne:
- Beach clubs, Water sports, Sunset cocktails
Day 5
- To Porquerolles (25 NM):
- Pristine beaches, Snorkeling, Bike tours
Day 6
- To Saint-Raphaël (20 NM):
- Red rocks of Estérel, Peaceful anchorage
Day 7
- To Monaco (35 NM):
- Monte Carlo glamour, Casino, Formula 1 circuit drive
Day 8
- To Menton (10 NM):
- French-Italian border, Jean Cocteau Museum, Italian market
Day 9
- To Portofino, Italy (30 NM):
- Piazzetta harbor, Hiking trails, Designer shopping
Day 10
- Return to Antibes (50 NM):
- Disembarkation
Please note: All itineraries are flexible and can be customized to your preferences. Weather conditions and local events may require adjustments. Your captain will work with you to create the perfect voyage.
Available yachts
Cuisine & Provisioning
Savor world-renowned wines, fresh seafood, ratatouille, and bouillabaisse at the Riviera’s top Michelin-starred restaurants. Premium provisions are offered at major ports.
Culture & Heritage
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the French Riviera and Monaco while exploring fascinating medieval villages, the ruins of ancient Rome, belle époque architecture, and modern art museums featuring works by Picasso, Matisse, and Cocteau.
Navigation Conditions
Enjoy typically calm sailing conditions with light breezes and occasional Mistral winds. Passages range between five and 30 NM. Extra vigilance is necessary when traveling near busy shipping lanes near major Mediterranean ports.
Regulatory Requirements
Unless a yacht is VAT-paid or eligible for temporary importation, French VAT at 20% applies. APA typically ranges from 30-35%. A French commercial license is required for commercial vessels.
Currency & Payments
The primary currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are universally accepted. High-end establishments throughout Monaco and the French Riviera expect significant spending.
Language
French is the region’s official language. English is commonly used in tourist areas, marinas, and upscale establishments.
Access & Transportation
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the area’s main hub. Private transfers are available via helicopter to Monaco and via jet to Cannes-Mandelieu Airport.
Marinas & Berthing
Advanced booking is strongly encouraged in the summer months. Top marinas and berths include Port Hercules in Monaco, Vieux Port de Cannes, and Saint-Tropez Port. Europe’s largest port for superyachts, Port Vauban, is in Antibes.
Premier Anchorages
Elite anchorages in the French Riviera include Îles de Lérins off Cannes, Baie de Pampelonne in Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze-sur-Mer, Porquerolles, and Île de Port-Cros.
Insider tips
Expert recommendations for French Riviera & Monaco
Reserve marina berths for travel between July and August at least six to 12 months in advance. If you plan to dine at a top-rated restaurant, make a reservation several weeks ahead. A minimum spend requirement and booking are in place for beach club tables. If your trip coincides with the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival, book travel and reservations a year in advance. Year-round, book an anchorage at Saint-Tropez ahead or arrive before noon. Monitor weather conditions to plan for the Mistral wind.
Ready to explore French Riviera & Monaco?
Let our charter specialists craft your perfect itinerary through these magnificent islands.
