Why charter a yacht on the Cote d’Azur
One of the world’s favourite playgrounds, the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is a region of natural beauty, chic shopping, charming hilltop villages and busy marinas. Of the most popular luxury destinations in the world, the Cote d’Azur yacht charter reputation extends beyond a summer playground for the rich and famous. 212 Yachts will help you uncover the charm of this region whether you desire renting a motor yacht, sailing boat or day tender.
Chartering a yacht on the Cote d’Azur is a must-do experience. The region has great accessibility with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, heliports at major marinas and excellent public transport links. The extensive coastline is diverse and picturesque. From sandy beaches to sheer coastal cliffs, secluded coves for anchoring and ample berths at full-service marinas, a Cote d’Azur yacht charter certainly has it all.
From the late-19th century onwards, the French Riviera found great appeal with writers, poets, painters and royalty who were attracted by the beautiful Mediterranean light and a lifestyle of indulgent je ne sais quoi. Today, yacht charter guests on the French Riviera will find ornate churches, vibrant fishing villages, hilltop towns with quaint art galleries, Belle Époque architecture and hearty Provencal cuisine.The French charm of olive tree groves in perched villages or locals playing boules in town squares is a juxtaposition to supercars in Monaco or luxury fashion boutiques in Cannes or St Tropez.
Charter Yachts on the French Riviera
The French Riviera boasts a diverse range of yachts available for charter, catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re seeking luxury mega-yachts or something more intimate, the choices are abundant. If you’re uncertain about the perfect fit for you and your guests, the seasoned team at 212 Yachts is on hand. With their expertise, they’ll guide you to a yacht that aligns seamlessly with your desires and needs.
Haute cuisine during your Cote d’Azur yacht charter
Foodies will find much to savour on the Cote d’Azur with Mediterranean cuisine featuring ingredients such as garlic, lemons, figs, and chestnuts used liberally in fine dining establishments or traditional bistros. You’ll find Michelin restaurants clambering for their next star to fresh seafood served ‘ocean to plate’ in a matter of minutes at beachfront cafeterias. Whether you fancy pasta in Nice or bouillabaisse in Marseille, your taste buds will awaken with French Riviera food.
After hours, there are plenty of night time options – join the locals at a trendy wine bar, try your hand with Lady Luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo or spend an evening at one of Europe’s top nightclubs in Monaco or St Tropez. Regardless if you choose to drop anchor off the Îles d’Hyeres on a bareboat sailing holiday, rent a luxury motor yacht for a Cannes event or explore the coastline from St Tropez to Monaco on a crewed superyacht – this is the Cote d’Azur at its finest.
Best places to charter a yacht in the Cote d’Azur
The coastline from St Tropez to the Italian border includes many stunning bays, great beaches and off-shore islands. Booking a French Riviera luxury yacht charter gives you the flexibility in the region to explore the beautiful towns, swim in picturesque inlets, discover that new portside restaurant or travel inland on a shore excursion to a Provencal vineyard, olive oil mill, perfume factory or antiques market.
Cannes
Cannes is one of the Cote d’Azur busiest yacht charter destinations with a reputation for glamour and sophistication. With its origins as a fishing village, Cannes is now regarded as one of the jewels of the French Riviera. On a Cote d’Azur Yacht Charter Cannes is an appealing place to visit with fabulous shopping, grand hotels along the Croisette, fine restaurants and a mixture of private and public beaches. Charter guests will find everything accessible from Vieux Port or Port Pierre Canto including luxury shopping, nightlife and restaurants.
Cannes hosts numerous conferences and events annually including the star-studded Cannes Film Festival; corporate yacht charter during Cannes events is very popular, so we recommend booking far in advance.
Many of our clients make the most of their crewed Mediterranean yacht charter boats for day trips to Nikki Beach or Club 55 in St Tropez or lunch at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Search some of our luxurious yachts available for charter here.
Cote d’Azur Yacht Charter – Luxury in Monaco
Monaco, renowned for opulence and extravagance is a top yacht charter destination for the Western Mediterranean. With two major ports, Port Hercules and Port Fontvieille, there are plenty of things to see and do in Monaco on a private yacht charter.
Visit the historic Monaco-Ville district, also known as ‘The Rock’ or Le Rocher, where you can see the Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier) and Oceanographic Museum before crossing the Principality for a drink at Café des Paris and a flutter at the Casino de Monte-Carlo. For exceptional dining, make a reservation at world-class restaurants Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo or Nobu Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Go shopping in Monaco for the leading names in high-end fashion or jewellery at designer boutiques on avenue Princesse Grace, boulevard des Moulins, boulevard d’Italie, in the Monte-Carlo Pavilions or the Métropole Shopping Centre. Nightlife heats up with a wide range of options from waterfront bars to cocktails at L’Horizon Deck or Blue Gin, or dancing at hot nightspots Jimmy’z, and Buddha Bar. Monaco welcomes many events and festivals throughout the year including the famous Monaco F1 Grand Prix; what better way to immerse yourself in the action than your own luxury yacht berthed trackside during one of the world’s most prestigious motor races?
Cote d’Azur Yacht Charter – Private Yacht Charter in St Tropez
A classic part of the Cote d’Azur, St Tropez was put on the map by the arrival of painters, writers and Brigitte Bardot. Set around a lovely port, the town buzzes in summer when private yacht charter in St Tropez increases the population of people who want to see and be seen. Venture to Plage de Pampelonne for lounging with a magnum of Champagne or chilled rosé. Or wander the cobblestone streets for Provencal goods or chic fashion. St Tropez is ideally located to spend time exploring the many vineyards of the Var region for superb wine tasting. Extended Cote d’Azur yacht charter itineraries from St Tropez can add on the relaxing Iles de Porquerolles, breathtaking calanques near Cassis or bustling Marseille.
Whether you choose a romantic sailing charter or luxury superyacht charter with friends, St Tropez is an exceptional charter destination.
Cote d’Azur Yacht Charter in Antibes
Located between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is one of the most delightful towns on the French Riviera. With ancient ramparts, the bustling Marché Provencal and the Mediterranean’s largest marina (by yacht tonnage), Port Vauban. Old Town (Vieille Antibes) is ideal for exploring with charming cobblestone streets in Safranier. Also there are interesting shops selling products ranging from cheeses to handmade soaps. And of course diverse museums including the Picasso Museum, Musée Peynet and Archaeology Museum.
Nearby is the Cap d’Antibes, an area of expensive real estate and the iconic Hôtel du Cap- Eden-Roc. Juan les Pins, the social hub of famous writers, singers and celebrities in the 1920’s is worth visiting. Particularly for its beach-side restaurants and the annual Jazz à Juan Jazz Festival held in July.
Luxury Boat Rental for Nice
The French Riviera’s largest city is a must-see destination. A mix of old and new, Vieux Nice is home to the impressive Cours Saleya market. Also there’s the beautiful Opera House and lively bars and restaurants. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais past the palace hotels such as Hotel Negresco. Or climb to the top of Colline du Château (Castle Hill). Also Mont Boron has beautiful panoramic views. Also stop for lunch at one of the harbour-side restaurants at Nice Port. Second only to Paris, art enthusiasts will be delighted with the number of galleries and museums in Nice. Don’t miss the Musée des Beaux-Arts and MAMAC. There is also the Musée Matisse, Musée Marc Chagall or the baroque splendour of Palais Lascaris.
Yacht charter guests will find a spectacular coastline from Nice to Monaco. Stop for a drink at a terrace restaurant in Villefranche-sur-Mer, swim at Plage Paloma on the St-Jean-Cap- Ferrat peninsula or meander through the medieval villages of Eze or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
For more on our favourite things in Nice head over to our extensive guide here.
When to charter a luxury yacht in the Cote d’Azur
The French Riviera climate is famous for sunny summers, mild autumns and crisp winter days and life al fresco is de rigeur. The main yacht charter season is from April and October. With the busiest months being July and August. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are ideal times to rent a yacht in the French Riviera. Because they miss the main French summer holiday period. Furthermore, the weather is favourable with restaurants and sightseeing open for business.
Many clients book their Cote d’Azur Yacht Charter around the dates for major prestigious events hosted year round. Take part and enjoy the atmosphere of the French Riviera’s top events from the comfort of your own luxury yacht. Where the opportunity to combine corporate entertainment with a crewed yacht is a guaranteed way to get your attention!
212 Yachts top French Riviera events:
- Nice Carnival (February)
- Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (April)
- Cannes Film Festival (May)
- Monaco F1 Grand Prix (May)
- Les Voiles d’Antibes (September)
- Nice Jazz Festival (July)
- Jazz à Juan Jazz Festival (July)
- Cannes Yachting Festival (September)
- Monaco Yacht Show (September)
- Les Voiles de St Tropez (September/October)
Other Mediterranean Yacht Charter Destinations
Cote d’Azur Yacht Charter is a special place, but we have other superb Mediterranean yacht charter destinations we specialise in. Whether you want to relax, rejuvenate or explore.
The Italian Riviera : With sheltered coves and paintbox-hued coastal resorts, the Italian Riviera is perfect for chartering a yacht. Moor in celebrity favourite Portofino or go hiking on the trails to the Cinque Terre towns. Also you can explore the historic port city of Genoa. Learn more about an Italian charter holiday here.
The Amalfi Coast: Popular and scenic, seeing the Amalfi Coast by luxury yacht is the ultimate indulgence. Taste limoncello in Positano, or drop anchor at Procida. Take a day trip and go swimming at Palmarola or stroll the cliff top gardens in Ravello.
Sicily yacht charter: Another popular West Mediterranean destination that offers much coastal variety. Head here for more about chartering a yachting Sicily
Corsica : An island with a rich history and stunning landscape. Booking a private yacht charter in Corsica is a flexible option for transport and sightseeing. Anchor in untouched bays, check out Napoleonic history in Ajaccio or admire the sunset from Bonifacio Citadel. Click here for our guide on exploring Corsica.
Croatia yacht charter also offers thousands of islands, rich history, great food, and much more. And is quickly growing in popularity as a yacht charter destination.
212 Yachts arranges yacht charters to suit your needs ranging from luxury crewed yacht charters and extended sailing vacations. Get in touch to speak with one of our bespoke yacht holiday experts and see how we can best help you.
Contact 212 Yachts today by using the form below to discuss your next Mediterranean or Cote d’Azur Yacht Charter.