IYC Inspiration: Riviera Glamour For Milestone Birthday
Shining a light on one-of-a-kind yacht charter experiences in the world's best cruising grounds, this IYC Inspiration is spotlighting the French Riviera. A timeless playground for yacht charter clients, this region, while iconic, still presents the opportunity to surprise the most seasoned yacht visitors.
Our expert consultants love curating these special itineraries, and this trip was designed for a group of couples celebrating a milestone birthday. Enabling them access to the Mediterranean's and Riveria's chicest spots, this was a charter to remember. Think: lazy beach club afternoons, bird's eye vineyard tours, exclusive art collections, Michelin meals, and exploring designer-clad avenues. Here is the story of their week-long luxury yacht charter in the French Riviera:
Cannes Champagne Arrival
With no other way to begin a yacht charter itinerary on the French Riviera, the group arrived onboard in the late afternoon and were welcomed by glasses of champagne and canapes. After settling in, they explored the streets of Cannes.
A spot of shopping was enjoyed in some of Cannes' designer boutiques, and after that, cocktails were served at Cloud Nine, the rooftop terrace of the iconic Baoli. Back onboard, dinner followed with a Mediterranean-inspired, multi-course dining experience savored on the sundeck.
Provenchal Charm
After breakfast, complete with fresh French pastries, the group was whisked off with a private chauffeur trip to Saint Paul de Vance, the oldest medieval town in the South of France. Known for its winding streets and famous art galleries, a private guide led them through the most exclusive collections before a table awaited at the world-famous and quirky La Colombe d'Or for lunch.
After a Provençal-inspired lunch and wandering around the artisan shops, they continued their journey back to Cannes, a surprise detour took them to Grasse, the perfume capital of France. The group took part in a private scent-blending workshop housed within an 18th-century perfume house. Back onboard, the captain set off for a golden-hour cruise onwards to the Lerins Islands while the guests relaxed, took in the sunset coastline views, and enjoyed dinner.
Island Exploration And Gourmet Evenings
Waking up anchored in the Lerins Islands, these two national park-protected islands - Ile Sainte- Honorat and Ile Sainte-Marguerite - was the perfect destination to enjoy a morning delving into the yacht's toybox. After a leisurely brunch, some enjoyed simply relaxing on the beach club, while others took to paddleboarding the calm, crystal-clear waters. Â
One of the couples hopped ashore in Sainte-Marguerite, the largest island, to stroll along the marked trail following the historical tour. Regrouping for late afternoon, the itinerary continued with a cruise to St Tropez, where the yacht secured a berth in the marina. Stepping off the passerelle into the heart of St Tropez, the group experienced an exceptional dinner at the three-Michelin-starred La Vague d'Or, where chef Arnaud Donckele served up some of the most incredible Mediterranean flavors in the most innovative way.Â
Birthday Bird's Eye Views
Today was extra special, with one of the guests celebrating a milestone birthday. The captain arranged an exclusive helicopter tour from the yacht, flying over the coast and landing in the wine region of Provence. The views were incredible, overlooking the Riviera, lush gorges, and the lavender bloom below.
Landing at a prestigious wine estate, they sampled Côte de Provence vintages and a tasting menu by a Michelin-starred chef. For the early evening, sundowners were sipped onboard alongside a soak in the sundeck Jacuzzi, ready to continue the birthday celebrations. After the gourmet lunch, the group requested a more relaxed affair for dinner onboard, served alfresco, ending with a special Tarte Tropezienne - birthday cake style. The evening then continued with flowing wine and a private DJ set.
Iconic Beach Days
After the celebrations, this morning started slowly, cruising to Pampelonne beach. Anchored off the beach, brunch was served, and a swim before heading over to the legendary beach club, Club 55.
The group had private tables and loungers booked for the day and indulged in a chic and relaxed day, drinking rosé, soaking up the rays, and listening to the live band while they had a late lunch. Later in the evening and back onboard, one of the crew members put together an interactive cocktail masterclass for the guests to have fun with before dinner.
Market Wanderings And Sunset Soirees
With one last morning to enjoy St Tropez, a couple of the guests headed out with the yacht's chef to the local market, where they hand-picked their favorite local produce for lunch onboard. While others headed to the designer boutiques, armed with a personal shopper arranged by the captain, they got insider access to some of St Tropez's most sought-after shopping spots. In the afternoon, they cruised to the Porquerolles islands and anchored at the largest, Iles d'Hyeres.
A perfect place to enjoy a slower pace and tranquility away from the bustle of St Tropez; some took off for watersports while others laid back in the loungers. The group enjoyed a private caviar and champagne tasting during the golden hour in the evening before an onboard barbecue.
Porquerolles Paradise
The Porquerolles are renowned for being among the sunniest places in France; they are free from cars and unspoiled, thanks to their national park status. The morning was spent ashore, where the group took the yacht's e-bikes to explore the pine forests and secluded beaches, stopping off for quick dips along the cycle.Â
The chef prepared a luxury picnic hamper for today's culinary feast delivered by tender to one of the island's most secluded beaches. In the afternoon, the yacht headed back toward Cannes in time for sundowners and to anchor for a final dinner onboard.
Riviera Farewell
After breakfast, the final morning called for some last-minute shopping ashore as some of the group headed to the boutiques of La Croisette. Saying goodbye to the crew, the private transfer took them to the helicopter, where they departed for Nice airport for flights home.
If you are looking for the ultimate yachting itinerary to explore the French Riviera this year, including iconic beach clubs, fine dining, privately-led tours, helicopter trips, and more, contact our expert consultants today to learn more about which yachts are available to charter in the French Riviera this summer.
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