Discover the French Riviera by Sail
A South of France yacht charter is one of the best ways to experience the celebrated Côte d’Azur. Blue Mediterranean water, beautiful beaches, historic waterfronts and some of Europe’s most glamorous resort towns are all within easy sailing distance.
The French Riviera certainly has a reputation for luxury. Howver a sailing holiday here does not have to come with an extravagant price tag. With some careful planning, particularly around where you berth or anchor overnight, chartering in the South of France can offer surprisingly good value.
And there is something rather satisfying about arriving in places such as Cannes, Antibes or Saint-Tropez aboard your own yacht. You can enjoy everything ashore, then return to your own floating accommodation at the end of the day.
We had a Lagoon 52 for our sail out of Grimaud, France. Enjoyed the French Riviera, it was a 10. Went to St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes and took side trips inland to Eze and St Paul de Vence to name a couple.
Dave, USA, September 2018
Yacht Chartering on the Côte d'Azur, c'est la Belle Vie
What makes the French Mediterranean coast particularly appealing from the water is the combination of old and new.
Traditional fishing villages and historic waterfronts sit alongside sophisticated resorts and modern marinas. Between them are beaches, sheltered bays and anchorages where you can slow down and enjoy the Mediterranean at its best.
A yacht charter gives you the freedom to experience both sides of the Côte d’Azur. Go ashore to explore the markets, restaurants, villages and famous resorts, then move on when you are ready.
The distances are generally manageable, so there is no need to spend every day making long passages. For most charterers, the pleasure lies in combining a few hours of sailing with plenty of time swimming, relaxing aboard and exploring ashore. Read about our own experiences sailing the South of France in 2018.
Where to Sail on the French Riviera
The principal South of France bareboat charter cruising area extends for around 90 nautical miles between Toulon and Monaco.
Within that relatively compact stretch of coastline there is a remarkable amount to see. Depending on your starting point and the time available, an itinerary can include smaller coastal communities as well as internationally known destinations such as Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco.
With a longer charter, the possibilities expand considerably. Sail east beyond Monaco towards the Italian Riviera, or head west towards Marseille and the Camargue.
The key is not to try to fit too much into one week. Some of the most enjoyable places along this coast are also the hardest to leave. Allowing enough time ashore and keeping some flexibility in the itinerary usually makes for a better French Riviera sailing holiday.
Bareboat or Skippered Charter in the South of France?
Experienced sailors can charter bareboat and enjoy the freedom of setting their own itinerary, subject of course to local conditions and charter requirements.
If you would rather leave responsibility for the yacht to someone else, a skippered charter is an excellent alternative. A professional skipper takes care of navigation, boat handling and mooring while you concentrate on enjoying the holiday. A local skipper can also add considerably to the experience through their knowledge of anchorages, ports and places to visit ashore.
Fully crewed yachts are another option for groups looking for a higher level of service and relaxation.
We can help you compare the alternatives and select the charter style, boat and cruising area that best suit your group.
Sailing Yachts, Catamarans and Motor Yachts
There is a good selection of charter yachts available along the Côte d’Azur, including monohull sailing yachts, catamarans and motor yachts.
A monohull is a natural choice for sailors who enjoy the sailing itself and can also be convenient when using the Riviera’s busy marinas.
Catamarans provide considerably more living space and are particularly popular with families and groups who value room aboard, stability at anchor and generous outdoor entertaining areas.
Motor yachts offer another way to explore this coastline, particularly for charterers who want to cover more distance during their holiday.
There is no single boat type that suits everyone. The right choice depends on your group size, sailing experience, accommodation expectations, itinerary and budget.
Where to Start a French Riviera Yacht Charter
Charter boats are available from several bases along the South of France coast, including Port Pin Rolland near Toulon, Saint-Raphaël and Golfe-Juan near Cannes.
The best starting point depends on the places you most want to visit, the boat available for your dates and how much sailing you want to do.
Rather than choosing a base simply because a particular yacht appears attractive online, it pays to consider the boat and itinerary together. A well-positioned starting point can mean shorter passages and more time enjoying the places you came to see.
Is a French Riviera Yacht Charter Expensive?
It can be, but it does not have to be.
The Côte d’Azur contains some famously expensive resorts and marinas, and berthing in the most sought-after locations can add considerably to your holiday costs. But there are alternatives.
Using anchorages where appropriate and staying in marinas outside the major resort centres can make costs much more manageable. Your yacht is also your accommodation and transport, with the option to self-cater aboard rather than eating ashore for every meal. For groups sharing a yacht, that can make a South of France sailing holiday better value than its glamorous reputation might suggest.
Planning Your South of France Sailing Holiday
Sail Connections has been arranging sailing holidays for more than 30 years. We work with established charter operators worldwide and compare available boats to find options that suit each client's requirements rather than being tied to a single fleet.
We can help with the choice of yacht, charter base and charter type, as well as practical itinerary planning.
The French Riviera rewards a relaxed approach. Give yourself time for the sailing, but equally for an unplanned lunch ashore, an afternoon at anchor or another night in a place that turns out to be too good to leave.
That, after all, is one of the great advantages of seeing the South of France by yacht.
What are the best places to visit on a French Riviera sailing holiday?
Popular stops include Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco, along with the smaller bays, beaches and coastal communities between them.
Where is the best place to charter a yacht in the South of France?
Toulon, Saint-Raphaël and Golfe-Juan near Cannes are all excellent starting points for a French Riviera yacht charter.
How long should I allow for a French Riviera yacht charter?
One week works well for a section of the Côte d’Azur, while two weeks allows a much more relaxed itinerary.
Can I charter a yacht bareboat in the South of France?
Yes. Experienced and suitably qualified sailors can charter yachts bareboat on the French Riviera.
Is sailing the French Riviera very expensive?
Not necessarily. Careful itinerary planning can make a French Riviera sailing holiday surprisingly affordable.
How much does a South of France yacht charter cost?
Charter prices vary considerably according to the yacht, season, dates, charter type and availability.
What type of yacht is best for sailing the South of France?
Monohulls, catamarans and motor yachts all work well, with the best choice depending on your crew, itinerary, sailing preferences and budget.
Can I charter a yacht with a skipper on the French Riviera?
Yes. A professional skipper can be included in most yacht charters in the South of France.
Our client reviews about charter sailing in South of France
Rating: ★★★★★We had a Lagoon 52 for our sail out of Grimaud, France. The boat met our needs and expectations and was in excellent condition. Not a great sailing vessel but very comfortable and enjoyed by our non-sailing wives. The charter company was good. Our skipper and hostess were fantastic and highly recommend for sailing in the area. Very knowledgeable and accommodating.
Enjoyed the French Riviera, it was a 10. Went to St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, Antibes and took side trips inland to Eze and St Paul de Vence to name a couple.
Your service was excellent and everything was terrific. Thanks for all your help in insuring a memorable vacation. Dave, USA, Sep 23rd, 2018
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