Cannes Yachting Festival & Monaco Yacht Show 2023
Make the most of the shows: Where to go and what to do on the French Riviera
The French Riviera remains one of the most popular destinations in the world and with good reason. Yacht enthusiasts will know the appeal for cruising around its coasts and discovering its treasures. They will also know the month of September is host to two major yachting events: The Cannes Yachting Festival (September 12th-17th) and the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show (September 27th-30th). Planning to visit? Make the most of your time between these two hotspots with our guide to getting the best from the area.
Cannes
Cannes is a name synonymous with luxury, history, glamor, and most resoundingly, the Cannes International Film Festival. Renowned for its stunning coastline and offering a variety of attractions and activities. For those seeking a more secluded experience, the nearby hillside villages of St Paul de Vence, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Mougins, and Biot are a great escape.
Key cruising areas: Isles des Lérins, Ile St-Honorat, and Ile St-Marguerite.
Not to be missed: Cannes’ renowned nightlife, the Casino Croisette, the shopping.
Where to wine and dine: Two Michelin star L’Oasis for culinary delights, La Guerite for a lunch that will see you dancing on tables and one of the beaches from Le Martinez to The Carlton for a relaxing day by the sea.
Antibes
Antibes’ bursts of colors, pebble beaches, and dark hills fiving way to snow-capped mountains once inspired Picasso. Antibes sets itself apart due to its relaxed charm in contrast to the neighboring Cannes and Nice. Antibes is home to the biggest marina in the West Mediterranean where a walk along the quai is a yacht spotter’s dream to spot some of the world’s largest superyachts.
Key cruising areas: Cap d’Antibes is speckled with secluded coves and bays where cruising will also serve as a wonderful vantage point to admire the beautiful villas that line the coast.
Not to be missed: The 16th century Fort Carré where Napoleon was once imprisoned. You might also recognize this spot for featuring in the Bond film “Never Say Never Again”.
Where to wine and dine: Antibes offers many famous restaurants and nightlife spots but surely the most recognizable is the Eden-Roc Hotel whose restaurant is famed for its incredible views. For a more relaxed atmosphere, enjoy a lunch at Plage Keller.
Nice
Nice blends historic Provençal charm with the energy of the modern city. The Opera is one of the many highlights when it comes to 19th-century architecture in the city and offers wonderful visiting performances from symphonies, to ballet and opera. Nice is a great place to dip into the history of some French Masters such as a visit to L’Atelier Soardi which was once the workshop of Henri Matisse and or to the Mattisse museum to immerse yourself in his works. For shopping, head to the Galeries Lafayette and enjoy a stroll on the Promenade des Anglais to take in ocean views and belle epoque architecture.
Key cruising areas: There are many hidden beaches to discover and swim in the glistening waters.
Not to be missed: The Niçois specialities such as the little farçies and socca, a twist on a crêpe made from chickpea flour and black pepper.
Where to wine and dine: Set in the palatial hotel Le Negresco is Michelin-starred La Rotonde and for a more relaxed atmosphere, pick a table on the Cour Saleya for local favorites and people watching.
St. Jean Cap Ferrat
Traditional yet bursting with modern opulence, St Jean Cap Ferrat is, for some, the best of the French Riviera. Inhabited by the 19th-century bourgeoisie, the stunning villas and wonderful sailing around the cape still attract the elite from all over the world. St Jean Cap Ferrat remains apart from the party crowd and retains authentic French town charm. The enchanting night skies here are said to offer the best stargazing on the Riviera
Key cruising areas: The bay of St Jean is a beautiful spot to anchor and admire the views of the open seas and stunning winding coastline.
Not to be missed: The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild stands out as a spectacular spot on the Riviera. Filled with porcelain, tapestry, and 18th-century paintings to rival many museums, and above all, magnificent gardens.
Where to wine and dine: The Royal Riviera Hotel is a cut above the rest, where chef Bruno le Boich will delight with his exquisite and innovative creations, complemented by excellent local wine. For a meal with your toes in the sand, head to Paloma or Passable.
Monaco
Whether you arrive by yacht, helicopter, or car, the journey to Monaco is spectacular. A picturesque haven with many high-profile residents, Monaco is renowned for its glamor and wealth despite its small, less than one-square kilometer size. Home to prestigious events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, The Rolex Monte Carlo Tennis Masters and The Monaco Yacht Show, there is much to do and see all year round.
Key cruising areas: Monaco and in the vicinity Cap d’Ail, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-Sur-Mer, and Nice are all safe, calm cruising areas, with great anchorages, beaches, and coastal restaurants.
Not to be missed: The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is a truly spectacular place to explore. A breathtaking building that is built on the side of Monaco’s legendary Rocher, the museum was founded by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco’s great-great-grandfather Prince Albert I.
Where to wine and dine: Monaco has a plethora of fine dining restaurants. The Wine Palace, located by the Yacht Club de Monaco will delight keen sommeliers. The Grill at the Hotel de Paris is a lovely spot for dinner, as is Joël Robuchon at Metropole. For something a little different, Coya served delicious Peruvian cuisine.