5 Reasons to Opt for an Off-Peak Yacht Charter on the French Riviera
The iconic yachting destination of the French Riviera continues to lure visitors in with its picturesque coastline overflowing with culture, history, gastronomy, and its luxury and exclusive events and experiences. While the area witnesses a flurry of superyachts in the Mediterranean’s peak summer season of July and August, the South of France remains an ideal private yacht charter destination outside of these months.
For those seeking a yacht charter in the low season, whether you visit in spring, autumn, or winter, we have put together the top reasons to cruise the French Riviera in these quieter periods.
Fewer Crowds
The drawback with premier yachting destinations is that they are popular, so they can get overrun with visitors during peak season. Visiting the French Riviera in the quieter times will mean those sought-after destinations are less crowded. You can enjoy quieter anchorages, uncrowded beaches, less busy restaurants, bars, and shopping areas.
The off-season here also brings a refreshing change of pace; you can appreciate its beauty without feeling rushed and relish the more relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. Exploring the coastline from Nice to St Tropez, you will experience a more exclusive atmosphere in the quieter periods. Relax in a less crowded Antibes Michelin-starred restaurant or a beach bar, enjoy the museums and shops in Monaco without the queues, and have anchorages to yourself in Villefranche.
Temperate Climate
The French Riviera boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so its mild Mediterranean climate is ideal outside the peak summer months. Witness the landscape transform as the seasons shift, bringing different colors and foliage. While the summer can bring stifling heat, the weather cools in the low seasons, and it is much more comfortable to experience nature in the area.
There are plenty of hiking and cycling opportunities, from the beach paths to the mountain trails and forest parks; the milder climate is ideal. When it comes to on-the-water fun, the end of peak summer in September and October boasts warm water temperatures as it has warmed up all summer.
More Yachts
The most popular summer months of July and August are when the Mediterranean’s yacht charter scene is the busiest, and yachts are booked up months in advance. Therefore, availability tends to be more limited.
If you choose to charter a superyacht in the quieter months, there will be a bigger pool of yachts to choose from. You can also be more flexible with dates within these off-peak months. Another added bonus is there is usually potential to benefit from discounted rates.
Authentic Experiences
Across the French Riviera, there is always an incredible lineup of events in the popular months. The Mediterranean yacht charter season begins with the glamorous Cannes Film Festival and the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. However, the off-peak months also host plenty of events to get involved in. You can get involved in what the locals do when the crowds leave, from the famous Menton lemon festival in February to the October wine harvest in the Province.
For those wanting entertainment, throughout November and December, Monaco has its esteemed jazz festival. The festive season of December also introduces various performances from the ballet of Nice and Cannes. Many local markets also continue during the off-season, and visiting when they aren’t full of tourists gives you a chance to experience the more traditional side of the South of France.
Embrace Spontaneity
There can be more opportunities to be spontaneous regarding your itinerary within the low seasons. While the French Riviera is still popular year-round, it is nowhere near as busy, and therefore, you can take more time exploring hidden gems with fewer scheduling constraints. When it comes to going ashore, you can enjoy being more last-minute about plans and do not need to reserve as far in advance.
If you decide to be in a marina, berths are usually more accessible. Therefore, you can be more flexible and tailor your French Riviera itinerary to how you feel on the day.
Talk to our charter consultants today to arrange your perfect yacht charter exploring the French Riviera. For more information about chartering a yacht across the Mediterranean in the low season, contact us today.
Photos by Renan Brun on Unsplash ,