Yacht Destination

French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) Yacht Charter

French Riviera Yacht Charter - Luxury Yacht Charters, Boat Rentals and Superyacht Charter in the South of France, from the legendary ports of Antibes, Cannes, Monaco and Saint Tropez

Accama Delta yacht jacuzzi on sun deck
Aerial view of the Principality of Monaco
Nikki Beach St Tropez
Portofino Harbour with luxury yachts

Why Visit the French Riviera on a Luxury Yacht Charter?

Bespoke Yacht Charter are passionate about the south of France and all that this stunning part of the French coastline has to offer luxury yacht charter guests from all over the world. Our yacht charter brokers have been working on the Côte d’Azur for more than 15 years and we would be delighted to put together the ultimate French Riviera yacht charter experience for you.

Bespoke Yacht Charter’s brokers have prepared a sample seven day yacht charter itinerary for the French Rivera (Côte d’Azur) including such glamorous and legendary south of France yacht charter destinations such as St Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, Cap Ferrat and a detour to the gorgeous yachting mecca of Portofino in Italy.

Nice to Cannes

Upon arrival at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, a driver will be waiting to take you directly to the Port of Nice, where your charter yacht is docked, ready for your week-long luxury yacht charter on the French Riviera. The yacht’s crew will be waiting for you on the aft deck with glasses of champagne to welcome you aboard your home away from home. Before departing for your first destination, Cannes, the yacht’s Captain will provide a brief safety briefing and explain some important yachting “do’s and don’ts.” Meanwhile, you can take some time to explore your new surroundings and enjoy the stunning south of France scenery from the jacuzzi while the crew prepares the yacht. Once the yacht has dropped anchor opposite the famous Carlton Hotel, a delicious lunch will be served on the aft deck. 

Iles de Lerins, Cannes Islands aerial shot
Port of Cannes, France at twilight

After lunch, you can visit the Iles de Lerins, a small group of islands off the coast of Cannes. The islands feature Sainte-Marguerite, home to the Fort Royal where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned, and Saint-Honorat, which has a beautiful monastery where you can purchase some of the fabulous items produced by these stylish monks, including wines, liqueurs, and excellent honey. If you’re interested in high-end shopping, Cannes is the perfect destination for you. All the big luxury names like Prada, Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, and Christian Dior can be found there. For those looking for a more relaxed afternoon, you can enjoy swimming or indulge in an onboard massage. As the sun sets, it’s time to get dressed up for a glamorous night out in Cannes! Bespoke Yacht Charter recommends the 2-star Michelin Palme d’Or at the Martinez hotel on the Croisette for the ultimate dining experience. After dinner, you can dance the night away at one of Cannes’ many nightspots, like the Bâoli club in Port Canto.

Cannes to St Tropez

Hopefully the heads are not too sore this morning! A lavish buffet breakfast will be laid out on the yacht’s sun deck when you wake. After breakfast, time for a quick swim before departing for your next destination, the infamous St Tropez. Cruising past the beautiful red rocks of the Esterel, the Captain will head past the town of St Tropez to what is perhaps the most famous stretch of sand anywhere in the world and certainly on the Cote d’Azur, St Tropez’s Pampelonne Beach!

Once the Captain has dropped anchor, the first thing that will become very obvious is that you are most definitely not alone. Pampelonne is one of the most popular superyacht anchorages for luxury yacht charters on the French Riviera, if not the entire world. Why are all these yachts here, you might ask? Yes the scenery is stunning, but it is in much of this part of the world. The answer lies on the shoreline and the thirty or so beach clubs that populate the 3 miles of sand that makes up Pampelonne Beach.

There’s a beach club at Pampelonne Beach to suit all tastes. Some of these beach clubs are incredibly flashy and loud, others much more modest and relaxed! We’ve decided to make reservations at the original St Tropez beach club, Club 55! Club 55 originated in 1955 when a small structure served as the onset canteen providing food to the cast and crew of “And God Created Woman” starring THE St Tropez icon, Brigitte Bardot! Over its’ sixty year history, Club 55 has become the definitive Cote d’Azur beach experience for many and is a fixture on almost every French Riviera yacht charter tinerary. Yes many of the guests are rich and famous, but the atmosphere that prevails here is one of a refined, casual discretion. Enjoy the fabulous Mediterranean cuisine of the Cote d’Azur in a chic yet relaxed environment.

As the sun begins to set, your charter yacht will head for St Tropez itself and its’ famous Old Port. If you’ve booked far enough in advance, you’ll head straight for your berth, if not then it’s highly likely that tonight your yacht will be at anchor just outside St Tropez harbour.

Not to worry, your charter yacht will have a fast and comfortable tender to ferry you ashore and back until the very early hours. Dinner could be taken on the yacht, or in town, at L’Opera perhaps.

After dinner, a visit to one of St Tropez’s incredibly hedonistic nightclubs is in order. Perhaps the VIP Room or Caves du Roy, or why not both!

St Tropez to Antibes

Time to head back east today towards the town of Antibes, the European capital of superyachts. On the way, the yacht will anchor just off the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, a palatial hotel on the Cap d’Antibes peninsula where all the stars stay during the Cannes Film Festival.

This hotel is considered by many to be the most luxurious hotel on the Cote d’Azur. Relax on deck and enjoy some water sports before the yacht heads into Port Vauban in Antibes. Once the yacht has docked, cars will be waiting to take you to the beautiful village of St Paul de Vence and more specifically to the restaurant La Colombe d’Or.

St Paul de Vence is a spectacular 14th century hilltop village and La Colombe d’Or is its’ true star. Eighty years ago, Paul Roux opened a modest restaurant in a 16th century village house.

Pool at Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc
La Colombe d'Or restaurant in St Paul de Vence

Many famous artists who spent time in this part of France became regulars at the restaurant, including Chagall, Miro, Matisse, Renoir and Picasso. Often distinctly lacking in the wallet department, they settled their bills with pieces of art. Today, La Colombe d’Or boasts one of the world’s finest collections of 20th century art. It is also a great place to have lunch! A visit to the nearby Maeght Foundation is also a must for art lovers and one of the Côte d’Azur’s finest museums.

Late afternoon, head back to Antibes for a walk around the beautiful Antibes old town before returning to the yacht for drinks. Your yacht’s crew have been busy in your absence, preparing the yacht for a fantastic dinner this evening. If you’ve timed it perfectly, there will also be a spectacular fireworks display after dinner! Summer fireworks displays are a real highlight of the French Riviera yacht charter season. Bespoke Yacht Charter will provide you with a schedule of when these take place so you’ll be sure not to miss them.

Antibes to Cap Ferrat

After breakfast, the yacht will head for the magnificence of Cap Ferrat just east of Nice. This lush peninsula is home to some of the world’s most impressive and expensive waterfront villas! Once the anchor has been dropped, and after some swimming, you’ll have the option of lunch onboard or perhaps ashore at the highly recommended beach restaurant Paloma Beach. In the afternoon, why not visit the spectacular Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most impressive and ornate properties on the French Riviera.

With mind-blowing views over the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the nine amazing gardens that are open to the public are absolutely incredible. Early evening drinks will be enjoyed at the very impressive Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat from where you’ll then be driven to the 9th century village of Eze, perched 1,400ft above the Mediterranean sea below. Enjoy a walk through the narrow cobblestone streets before a very special dinner at the majestic Chèvre d’Or, one of the French Riviera’s finest restaurants. The night will be spent at anchor off Cap Ferrat.

Monaco

Today, it’s off to Monaco which is just a short cruise from Cap Ferrat. But the first stop of the day will be the beach at Plage Mala on Cap d’Ail. A truly stunning bay, framed by towering cliffs, Plage Mala is one of the most secluded, lovely beaches anywhere on the Côte d’Azur. This really is a truly beautiful anchorage. Lunch ashore at either La Reserve de la Mala or Eden Plage Mala will be very enjoyable. This is also a great place to enjoy the toys onboard, especially the standup paddle boards! The views towards Monaco and back over Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat really are magnificent, and paddling around the bay in total silence is truly the best way to appreciate the majesty of your surroundings!

Early evening and it’s time to come into port in Monaco. Monaco has two ports, each with its’own very distinct flavour. The Port de Fontvieille is laid back and relatively quiet, which appeals to those looking to relax. But as we are going for the ultimate French Riviera yacht charter experience during this week, there is only one place to be on a charter yacht in Monaco, and that’s the main port, or Port Hercule as it’s known. The Port Hercule is like an amphitheatre, framed to the west by the the old town of Monaco (the rock), to the north by scores of apartment blocks rising up to meet the mountains and to the east by the glitz and glamour of Monte-Carlo.

Everyone knows Monaco’s Port Hercule as it is of course the location of the Monaco Grand Prix, the event for which this small Principality in southern France is best known. Every year, the world’s finest drivers push themselves to the limit, racing their cars around the narrow streets of Monaco, something these machines where never designed to do and you’ll see why! As you enter Monaco, many of the famous parts of the circuit will be instantly recognisable from the deck of your yacht, Rascasse, Tabac Corner, the Swimming Pool and the Tunnel. In fact, it is highly likely that your charter yacht will actually be berthed on what is the Monaco Grand Prix circuit!

Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse Restaurant in Monaco
Jimmyz Nightclub Monaco

Tonight is going to be all about glamour, so what better way to begin than with a glass of champagne on your charter yacht, the brightly coloured lights of Monte-Carlo sparkling all around you. It’s only a short walk or taxi ride up the hill to Casino Square, home to Monaco’s legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo. Monaco is famous for two things above all, the Monaco GP and the Monte-Carlo Casino, and it’s only fitting that your first night in Monaco takes place around this magnificent temple to gambling. As you enter Casino Square, you can’t help but admire the splendour of the architecture. To your right stands the legendary Hotel de Paris, to your left, the Cafe de Paris, and it is here that the evening really kicks off with drinks at this world famous people watching spot.

Directly in front of you, you’ll see your restaurant for dinner tonight, Bespoke Yacht Charter’s recommendation is Alain Ducasse at the Hotel de Paris (previously the Louis XV). After a spectacular dinner, how about a drink or two at legendary Monaco nightspot Jimmy’z or perhaps try the new kid on the block, Twiga owned by former F1 team boss and restaurateur, Flavio Briatore.

The next day is spent on the yacht anchored off Monaco, sunbathing, swimming and tearing around the bay on the jet skis.

Monaco is also a great place to ask the charter yacht’s crew to get all the towable toys out and have some real fun. Lunch is taken by the pool at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel. In the afternoon, perhaps a game of tennis at Monte-Carlo Country Club, or if that’s not your thing, why not visit Le Rocher and the Prince’s Palace or the Oceanographic Museum?

For dinner, if you don’t want to eat onboard, then try Nobu on the roof of the Fairmont Hotel. Exquisite Japanese dining with the most incredible views of Monaco, the sky and the sea!

Monaco to Portofino, Italy

Your charter yacht left Monaco shortly after you returned from dinner last night and when you wake up this morning, you’re in Portofino, Italy! Portofino is a beautiful fishing village with a twist and one of the most attractive places in this part of Italy. After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the shops in Portofino, or enjoy yourself out on the water. There are numerous beautiful walks all around Portofino. Lunch will be served onboard today, and don’t eat too much, as you have a really special dinner lined up for this evening. In the afternoon, why not take the tender and explore some of the other towns and villages around Portofino, such as Santa Margherita. As it gets dark, cars will arrive to take you for a truly memorable last dinner at the fabulous Hotel Splendido, perched high above Portofino, offering fine dining and even finer views!

Portofino to Nice or Monaco

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard your charter yacht as you cruise back to the south of France and Monaco or Nice to disembark from your French Riviera yacht charter.

French Riviera Yacht Charter Destinations

Locations to visit on the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur)

Monaco Yacht Charter

Monaco Yacht Charter

Luxury Yacht Charters, Boat Rentals and Superyacht Charter in Monaco. Discover what makes Monaco so special as a yachting destination…
St Tropez Yacht Charter

St Tropez Yacht Charter

Luxury Yacht Charters, Boat Rentals and Superyacht Charter in Saint Tropez. Discover what makes St Tropez so special as a…
Cannes Yacht Charter

Cannes Yacht Charter

Luxury Yacht Charters, Boat Rentals and Superyacht Charter in Cannes. Discover what makes Cannes so special as a yachting destination…
Villefranche-sur-Mer Yacht Charter

Villefranche-sur-Mer Yacht Charter

Villefranche-sur-Mer is without doubt one of the most picturesque towns on the Côte d’Azur. Whether you approach Villefranche by land…
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Yacht Charter

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Yacht Charter

Located between Monaco and Menton, east of Nice you’ll find the commune of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, an idyllic area of the French…
Port Grimaud Yacht Charter

Port Grimaud Yacht Charter

Often referred to as the “Venice of Provence”, Port Grimaud is the delightful town in the bay of Saint Tropez…
Porquerolles Yacht Charter

Porquerolles Yacht Charter

Within a short cruising distance from Toulon or St Tropez, Île de Porquerolles is the largest island off the French…
Menton Yacht Charter

Menton Yacht Charter

Queen Victoria adored Menton; Winston Churchill painted its’ landscapes, and Robert Louis Stevenson and Katherine Mansfield came here to convalesce…
Marseille Yacht Charter

Marseille Yacht Charter

Let’s get what must be said out of the way early. Marseille—that maligned, magnificent port city—is rarely included on a…
La Napoule Yacht Charter

La Napoule Yacht Charter

The Bay of La Napoule is a stunning stop on a French Riviera yacht charter, with the rich red rocks…
Îles de Lérins Yacht Charter

Îles de Lérins Yacht Charter

Located just a short boat trip from the mainland, the Îles de Lérins offer a wonderful refuge from the holiday…
Cap Ferrat Yacht Charter

Cap Ferrat Yacht Charter

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, or known simply as Cap Ferrat, is one of the most desirable addresses in the region with lush vegetation…
Beaulieu-sur-Mer Yacht Charter

Beaulieu-sur-Mer Yacht Charter

Beaulieu-sur-Mer, or quite literally beautiful place by the sea, lies in a very privileged position between Nice and Monaco.
Antibes Yacht Charter

Antibes Yacht Charter

The City of Antibes is conveniently tucked between Nice and Cannes, on the Côte d’Azur coastline, but it is certainly…

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