France
France Yacht Charter Guide
From the fast-paced, stylish Parisian scene to rustic Provencal villages; the glitz and glamour of the Riviera to the dramatic and untamed beauty of Pas de Calais headlands, France is defined by diversity. A country of art, history and – of course – gastronomy, there is much to experience in this country. The home of sailing is in the south of France – with the Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera, being world-famous for superyacht cruising. The coastline of this region holds many treasures – from hidden gems such as La Londe des Maures to the glitzy developments of Monaco. A superyacht charter in the south of France is an unforgettable experience – imagine sipping chilled local Rosé on the aft deck, gliding through turquoise waters before stepping ashore to towns that seamlessly blend the ancient and ultra-modern.
Best Time To Visit: All year, but the summer months from June to September guarantee the best weather.
Key Cruising Areas: The French Riviera is filled with beautiful and charismatic coastal towns to explore, along with pretty islands such as Ile Saint Honorat. For outstanding coastlines, unique character and wonderful vineyards, take a yacht charter vacation around the island of Corsica.
Don’t Miss: For an area that has a bit of everything, explore the cape of Antibes. Impressive billionaire’s villas sit atop dense pine forests, untouched beaches and pristine seas wait to be discovered, and the medieval past of the region is well preserved.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: With restaurants to suit every taste and mood, Nice may be the gastronomic capital of the Côte d’Azur. For a sample of the region's wine head to Chateau de Bellet and taste their Braquet Rose, then dine at chef Jean-Denis Rieubland’s highly acclaimed restaurant Le Chantecler.
Best Local Dish: The produce of the south is delectable – olives, tapenades, flavourful oils, cheeses, charcuterie… be sure to seek out the local markets when you are ashore.
Local Culture: The south of France is steeped in history and culture. For some of the best, explore the majestic ruins of Nice, and then visit the galleries to see the artists that they inspired – Chagall and Matisse to name but two.
Best Beach: The south of Corsica claims some of the best beaches in the world. Headed by red rocks at one end and cafes at the other, turquoise water that is warm well into winter and powdery soft sand, this beach wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean.
IYC recommends: Take a “detour” from your French cruise to visit the second smallest country in the world – Monaco. Situated at the top of the Côte d’Azur, in just a day or two, you can immerse yourself in the decadent ambience of the country, eat exceptionally well, and get dressed up for a sparkling night at the casino.
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.
For the team at IYC Monaco, the French Riviera is a destination where they live and work, knowing and understanding it inside and out. This is the latest instalment of IYC’s blog series ‘Charter Experts,’ taking you inside IYC’s offices worldwide. Behind our global network and many offices is the accumulated expertise of our consultants, who are closely tied to the destinations they recommend.IYC Monaco office sits at the heart of one of the world’s most sought-after yacht charter destinations. Since opening in 2004, the team has guided hundreds of clients through the French Riviera, matching the right yacht to the right itinerary. With combined charter market experience that spans decades, the team is full of connections and advice from firsthand familiarity.Here we share the Monaco offices’ insight, expertise, and advice when it comes to French Riviera yacht charters:
There is no better way to experience the iconic destination of the South of France than on a yacht. Here are our recommendations for the top five beaches to visit while in the French Riviera.
The French Riviera, or Cote d’Azur, is renowned for its glitz and glamour and has long attracted Hollywood stars, royalty, and the elite to its region. With high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix to the sought-after beach clubs of St Tropez, many assume that there is only one side to this stretch of 90-mile coastline. However, beyond the designer boutiques and invitation-only events lies a more authentic side, full of local charm and hidden gems. Here, we have put together a guide to some of the French Riviera’s best-kept secrets:
The French Riviera isn't just known as a glamorous vacation spot visited by many, but an entire lifestyle. This iconic coastline offers the perfect place to live - for those seeking a life of luxury - seasonally in the form of a holiday retreat or a permanent residency. Relaxing on beaches, shopping in boutiques, days at exclusive beach clubs, visiting galleries, dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, and an ever-expanding social calendar full of top-tier events, the French Riviera delivers one of the best lifestyles. Whether you opt for the prestigious estates of Cap Ferrat or the chic apartments in Monaco, the French Riviera offers some of the most sought-after residences.