French Riviera, One of the Most Popular Charter Destinations
After more than a year and a half Europe is welcoming tourists. From France, Italy, Spain and Greece there are many places open to charter a yacht this summer. Let’s start with one of the most popular charter destinations, the French Riviera. With a sea so breathtakingly blue they named the entire region after it, it is the ideal place to charter your next holiday. The coastline is edged with unique cosmopolitan towns each unique to themselves with their own attractions and highlights.
Cap d'Antibes
Cap d’ Antibes is the ideal city to start your holiday yacht charter. Your yacht will berth up in Port Vauban. Enjoy a late lunch on the sea-edge terrace at the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc gazing at inspiring vistas. Another pastime favorite is the Musee Picasso. The museum is housed in the Chateau Grimaldi where Picasso spent some time after the war, producing numerous paintings, drawings and ceramics for the town of Antibes.
St. Tropez
A former small fishing town, St Tropez is now considered the heart of the Riviera. Spend the day at the world famous Pampelonne Beach, where the renowned come to relax. The beach is an unspoiled paradise, surrounded by vineyards, bamboos, and pines. Here, opulence and champagne are to be found in the famous Saint-Tropez style. It’s a unique place where establishments like Le Club 55 or Tahiti have made this beach legendary. Hotels, restaurants, private beaches, shops, naturist areas, all make St. Tropez amongst the most superb.
Cannes
Cannes, home of the world famous film festival, is the perfect place to indulge in retail therapy in this fashionable city – some sharp tailoring from Zilli or hand-made lingerie from The Private Room might be on your shopping list. And of course, when in Cannes, make like the locals and take a late afternoon promenade along the mile-long Boulevard de la Croisette. Dine at the two Michelin Star restaurant, verdant L’Oasis where, under the canopy of century-old plane trees, you can partake in the delectable fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. If you are interested in a day out off the boat, a trip up to St Paul du Vance is a favorite where you can wander the beautiful narrow streets, or enjoy a bottle of rosé while enjoying the breathtaking views over the sea.
Portofino
The picturesque town of Portofino has become known as a true jewel of the Ligurian Coast. Portofino offers a combination of fine dining, breathtaking sightseeing from historic sites to picturesque vistas, high end shopping, art galleries, and more! All just waiting to be explored. In summer, colorful fishing boats moor side-by-side with magnificent yachts as the Portofino superyacht crowd glide into port. A private yacht is the best way to experience the Cinque Terre; take in the dramatic views of cliff-top villages, rocky coastlines and incredible azure waters, while enjoying a glass of local Ormeasco from your luxury charter. Another great yacht charter activity is to take your tender with snorkel or diving gear and head out to the Cristo degli Abissi – a submerged bronze statue that sits 56 feet beneath the waves, surrounded by colourful coral and shoals of fish.
Taking your historic exploration on land, a must see is San Fruttuoso. Green hills arise from the sea, where a Benedictine abbey sits, a monastery of the cahtolic church following the rule of Saint Benedict. It is now partially buried by the beach creating a stunning sight Walk through the forest then cool off in the cerulean waters.
Being a fishing village, the harbor is the place to find the freshest fish and most elegant restaurants. Da Puny is arguably the best, with excellent food, al fresco seating, and a celebrity guest list. Make the most of the incredibly fresh seafood and try the Fritto Misto.
Some other favorite spots worth mentioning, Santa Margherita, Rapallo, Monaco, St. Jean Du Cap Ferrat/ Eze and more. IYC has the largest charter fleet in the world and our expert team of Charter Consultants will help you pick your charter yacht and work closely with you to organize your custom experience. From indulging in local cuisine at the best restaurants to enjoying water sports, to taking part in one-of-a-kind experiences, we promise your charter journey will be an unforgettable holiday for everyone on board. Reach out to [email protected] and we can help you plan your next French Riviera Charter experience.
