The Best Things To Do In The French Riviera
The French Riviera has long celebrated its position as one of the best-loved cruising grounds and quintessential Mediterranean summer yacht charter destination, and 2026 is set to be no different. An exclusive playground where the world-famous elite gather, superyachts line marinas, and iconic events return to the calendar each year.
With 300 days of sunshine, it is no wonder the endless anchorages for watersports, beaches, and legendary beach clubs garner attention throughout the summer months. Ashore, there are plenty of coveted addresses to dine at, boutiques and designer brands to peruse, as well as cultural sites and art installations to visit along the stretch of coastline.
From St Tropez to Menton, destination hopping is easy, including spots like Monaco, Nice, Antibes, and Cannes on a week-long charter itinerary. For 2026, the French Riviera continues to lure in superyachts. Here is our yacht charter guide and recommendations for a yacht charter on the French Riviera this summer:
Must-Visit French Riviera Beach Club Hotspots
The French Riviera beach clubs are legendary and for good reason, each with its own distinctive character, from leisurely Mediterranean lunches to full-scale parties. St Tropez is one of the main hubs, hosting a range of exclusive clubs.
On Pampelonne Beach, you will find typical, relaxed Riviera glamour, especially at the iconic Club 55. For a livelier partying atmosphere, Nikki Beach is one to visit. Off Cannes, on the Île Sainte-Marguerite, is La Guerite, another yacht charter favorite accessed only by boat. Arrive by tender and enjoy a gourmet lunch in one of the most idyllic settings.
Iconic 2026 French Riviera Events To Attend
The region’s 2026 events calendar is among the most exciting in the Mediterranean. The Cannes Film Festival, running from 12 to 23 May, opens the Mediterranean season - its 79th edition promises celebrity sightings, exclusive parties, private screenings, and red carpet energy. Immediately after Cannes, the Monaco Grand Prix (4-7 June) takes place, offering one of the greatest spectacles in Formula 1. Charter a yacht and dock in Port Hercules for front-row seats during these key weeks.
As summer draws to a close, more events continue to mark the season's end. Les Voiles de St Tropez brings together classic and modern sailing yachts in one of the best-loved regattas, and the Monaco Yacht Show (23-26 September) remains the premier event for the superyacht and ideal for those in the market after a season of chartering.
Where To Wine And Dine
One of the main attractions of the French Riviera is its unrivalled dining scene, which remains world-class. Alain Ducasse’s legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant in Monaco’s Hotel de Paris is one of the best culinary experiences. Two exciting newcomers for 2026 that are turning heads are Beauvallon Sur Mer in St Tropez, the signature restaurants within the new COMO La Beauvallon hotel, bringing refined Mediterranean dining with an Asian influence.
Best Anchorages To Include Along The Coastline
With over 800 kilometers of coastline, there are countless options for dropping anchor, whether for a few hours, a day, or longer. Lying just off Cannes are the Lerins Islands, which offer the opportunity to escape the bustle of the coastline and enjoy beach picnics and crystal-clear swimming spots.
Further west are the Porquerolles; this protected natural reserve makes them one of the best unspoilt anchorage spots along the Riviera. Go ashore and explore the secluded trails and beaches. To the east, St Jean Cap Ferrat is a great spot for a swim and an alfresco lunch on board, with the backdrop of this exclusive peninsula, home to private villas and manicured gardens.
French Riviera Art, History, and Heritage Experiences
While the French Riviera is known for its chic glamour, the region’s art, culture, and heritage are also well worth exploring on a yacht charter, and this season, there are once again new exhibitions to check out. Set in beautiful gardens, the Foundation Maeght is one of Europe’s most celebrated modern art foundations, found in the artistic hilltop village of Saint-Paul de Vence. The Musée Matisse in Nice and the Picasso museum in Antibes are other popular art spots. One new exhibition for 2026 is at the Villa Carmignac on Porquerolles island, the ‘sea, pop and sun’ showcasing works by iconic Andy Warhol and others.
Between Nice and Monaco, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is another recommended spot to marvel at the Belle Époque masterpiece, wander the themed gardens, and take in the panoramic views. Another historical site is the Prince’s Palace in Monaco, the official residence of the Grimaldi family, particularly special to visit when the daily changing of the guard takes place.
Plan Your 2026 Yacht Charter
A French Riviera charter offers an ideal combination of glamour, picturesque landscapes, exceptional culinary offerings, and a cultural calendar that never stalls. Whether you time your charter for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, savor long beach club lunches in St Tropez, or anchor off Cannes, the French Riviera undoubtedly remains one of the Mediterranean’s greatest summer hotspots.
Contact IYC’s expert consultants today to curate your perfect yacht charter itinerary for summer 2026 in France.
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Photos/Videos Are Courtesy Of Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris, Fondation Maeght, Festival de Cannes, Club 55