Dreamlike beaches and a true VIP lifestyle await you on the French Riviera.
The French Riviera is one of France’s most desirable regions for luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean. Its breathtaking landscapes, idyllic beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, rich cultural heritage and exclusive leisure spots invite you to enjoy an unforgettable holiday.
The Best Beaches and Destinations on the French Riviera
Thanks to its privileged location between the Mediterranean Sea and the French Alps, the French Riviera enjoys an exceptional climate. Sunshine year-round and protection from strong winds such as the Mistral and Tramontane make it the perfect destination for water sports and for enjoying a yacht charter surrounded by luxury and comfort. If this is your first time cruising the French and Monegasque coastline, here are the must-see destinations:
Montecarlo
The Principality of Monaco radiates glamour at every turn, starting with its iconic harbour where you can berth your yacht. As the second smallest country in the world, after the Vatican, Monaco is ideal to explore in just one day of charter. The Prince’s Palace, perched on a hill, offers spectacular views over the principality, while shopping enthusiasts will find the world’s most exclusive luxury brands in its elegant boutiques.
No visit to Monaco is complete without stopping at the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, one of the most famous casinos in the world. End the day with a true VIP experience by dining at Cipriani, whose décor evokes the interior of a luxury yacht, followed by a night at Billionaire, Monaco’s most exclusive nightclub, owned by Flavio Briatore.
Monte Carlo also offers secluded anchorages for those seeking privacy. The Golfe Bleu beach, located between the Principality and Cap-Martin, boasts turquoise waters and stunning views—perfect for sunbathing and relaxation.
Cannes
Another essential stop along the French Riviera is Cannes, renowned for its vibrant nightlife. Gotha Club is a favourite among celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Chris Brown, where premium Louise Roederer champagne flows freely. For a more relaxed evening, dine at the elegant Le Baoli restaurant, then enjoy an Apple Martini while listening to live music.
Nearby, the Lérins Islands—Cannes Bay, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat—offer beautiful coves where you can swim in complete comfort and privacy.
Saint-Tropez
Located in the Var region, Saint-Tropez is one of the French Riviera’s most iconic destinations. It rose to fame in the 1960s thanks to the film And God Created Woman, starring Brigitte Bardot, and has since remained a symbol of exclusivity and glamour.
Pampelonne Beach is ideal for relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying water sports from the comfort of your yacht. Anchoring nearby and visiting its legendary beach clubs is highly recommended. Le Club 55 is one of the most sought-after, often requiring reservations well in advance. Enjoy a glass of rosé or French champagne paired with fresh seafood and the famous tarte tropézienne—a delight for even the most refined palates.
For a livelier atmosphere, Nikki Beach offers DJ sets throughout the day, while the exotic Bora Bora combines relaxation with popular hits. Saint-Tropez also offers magical moments at sea in the evening. The presence of Posidonia oceanica causes the water to shift between blue and green hues, and during peak season the sea temperature can reach 25°C even at midnight—perfect for a moonlit swim at anchor, almost like a scene from a Brigitte Bardot film.
Dream Beaches and Exclusive Parties
Nice
Nice is one of the most exclusive destinations on the Côte d’Azur. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie often choose Paloma Beach for their holidays. One of its unique features is that half of the beach is private (with paid access), while the other half is open to the public.
Your private yacht allows you to enjoy the jet set from a privileged position, with total comfort. The pebble-lined waters are exceptionally clear, making this spot ideal for snorkelling and discovering the Mediterranean’s rich marine life.
In the evening, stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais before dining at the renowned Christian Plumail restaurant, famous for pizzas made using an ancient Roman-era recipe. For traditional local cuisine, Le 22 Septembre is an excellent choice.
Antibes
This charming town is home to Garoupe Beach, located on Cap d’Antibes—an ideal anchorage with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing during your charter.
Antibes also offers entertainment for every taste. For a lively night out, La Siesta is the largest open-air club on the French Riviera, covering over 20,000 square metres with large pools and an exclusive atmosphere. For a quieter drink, the Absinthe Bar offers a historic setting once frequented by Van Gogh, Picasso and Hemingway.
Marseille
Marseille boasts some of the French Riviera’s most spectacular and sought-after coves. One of the favourites among luxury yacht charter guests is Calanque d’En-Vau, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and accessible almost exclusively by boat. Its caves can be explored by tender.
The Prado beaches are also popular, especially among water sports enthusiasts. When the mistral blows, conditions are ideal for windsurfing. No visit to Marseille is complete without tasting its signature dish, bouillabaisse—an exquisite seafood stew served with garlic sauce. Une Table au Sud, a Michelin-starred restaurant, is one of the city’s finest dining spots.
Hyères Islands
The Hyères Islands are a must-visit during a luxury yacht charter. Porquerolles stands out for having some of the bluest waters in the entire Mediterranean.
Surrounded by secluded coves where privacy reigns, the islands invite you to dive and explore their rich seabed. They are also perfect for sunbathing and enjoying an onboard lunch with family or friends, surrounded by truly dreamlike scenery.
Must-See Events on the French Riviera
As if that weren’t enough, the French Riviera hosts some of the world’s most exclusive events throughout the year.
- At the end of May, coinciding with the Ascension holiday, Monte Carlo hosts the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix—one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, best enjoyed from a front-row seat aboard a yacht.
- Around the same time, Cannes welcomes its world-famous Film Festival, where Europe’s most celebrated actors and actresses walk the red carpet. Located right on the waterfront, it can be experienced in ultimate exclusivity from your yacht.
- In September and October, classic sailing regattas take place in Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monaco.
Chartering a luxury yacht allows you to enjoy all these events from a privileged perspective, while also discovering everything the French Riviera has to offer—one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after yacht charter destinations during the summer.
