South of France yacht charter guide: The Riviera’s enduring appeal from Monaco to Saint-Tropez and beyond

Why the South of France remains the benchmark for Mediterranean yacht charters

As the birthplace of the superyacht industry and the epicentre of the summer cruising season in the Mediterranean, the South of France is a perennial favourite with charter guests, who come for its mix of glamorous destinations, cultured cities and iconic anchorages.

With short distances between ports, excellent marinas, and a buzzy social calendar, a Côte d’Azur yacht charter is the perfect way to soak up the rich maritime heritage of this beautiful coastal region – from the relaxed resorts of Saint-Tropez to the polished appeal of Monaco and the exclusive nature of Antibes.

Whether you are an experienced Mediterranean yacht charter guest, or looking to dip your toes into the French Riviera’s refined marine playground for the first time, here is our guide to planning a classic summer yacht charter in the South of France.

How the South of France became the original yacht charter region

Ever since Europe’s aristocracy began escaping the chill of home for the milder climate of the South of France in the 18th and 19th centuries – effectively turning its coastline into a winter health resort – the region has had a reputation as something of an elite playground.

Queen Victoria was a regular visitor, travelling here on board her steam-powered royal yacht HMS Victoria and Albert frequently, and her role in transforming this once quiet fishing coastline into a fashionable hotspot can not be overstated.

Many of the Belle Ēpoque hotels and palaces built to accommodate this new wave of prestigious guests remain, standing alongside lavish Art Deco hotels that appeared from the 1920s onwards, when sun-kissed photos of Coco Chanel arriving on the Duke of Westminster’s yacht, FLYING CLOUD, helped shift the season here from winter into summer.

And while the likes of Coco Chanel basked in the natural beauty of the French Riviera on board traditional sailing yachts, it was the transformation of a former frigate in the 1950s that cemented the region’s place at the heart of the jet-setting superyachting scene.

While the Riviera’s yachting scene has changed markedly since Aristotle Onassis’s ‘floating palace’ of CHRISTINA O wowed the world – not least with huge investment in yachting infrastructure – it remains a place of timeless beauty, effortless style, and exclusivity.

Icons of the French Riviera: Yacht charters in Monaco, Cannes, Antibes and St. Tropez 

Monaco

It was no accident that Aristotle Onassis chose to base CHRISTINA O in the well-preened principality of Monaco, but part of a masterplan penned with Prince Rainier III to turn this sleepy resort into an international symbol of glamour.

Prince Rainier III’s and Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding reception held aboard the yacht helped propel Monaco to global superstardom, and though the ambitions for the region of the two men soon diverged, there’s no doubt they achieved that aim.

Today, Monaco’s main marina of Port Hercule is a magnet for some of the world’s biggest and best superyachts, and there’s no denying the air of prestige that Monaco yacht charter guests feel when they moor there, particularly those who have been able to secure a berth during the annual Monaco Grand Prix.

The casino is still an icon of the Riviera social scene, while the harbour and the warren of streets that weave through town are home to some fabulous Michelin-starred restaurants and upscale designer boutiques.

Cannes

Having been transformed into a resort worthy of European nobility in the 1830s, Cannes became the centre of the cinematic universe in 1946 with the arrival of the Festival de Cannes and today it remains a key cultural anchor within the Riviera calendar.

A Cannes Film festival yacht charter is the pinnacle of Hollywood sophistication, but a visit here at any point in the long, balmy summer season is richly awarded. Take a saunter down the legendary Croisette or book a table on the rooftop of the Hotel Belle Plage for sweeping views of its sublime setting and you’ll feel like you’re in heaven on earth.

Antibes

A popular trading post since the 5th century, Antibes has that irresistible allure of ancient atmosphere and modern amenities. Its Port Vauban marina, situated in a natural harbour that has been used since Roman times, is the largest in Europe and has earned it the label of the Med’s ‘capital of yachting’.

Step ashore to wander the cobblestone streets of the old town and visit Picasso’s home – now a superb museum – or admire the backdrop of the old fortifications framed by the outline of epic Alpes-Maritime scenery, as you sit on the sun deck amid one of the Mediterranean’s most aspirational yachting communities.

Meanwhile at the southern tip of a nearby peninsula, the anchorage of Cap d’Antibes, overlooked by a pine-forested shoreline and the prestigious Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, is so much a part of superyacht lore that it has been dubbed ‘Billionaires Bay’.

Saint Tropez

Famed for its gorgeous sandy beaches, cool beach clubs, and fashion-forward crowd, Saint Tropez has been defining the Riviera’s seasonal rhythm since the 1950s when Bridget Bardot premiered her new two-piece swimsuit – the bikini – here.

Easily accessible from Nice by helicopter, on a Saint Tropez yacht charter, guests can enjoy elegant waterfront dining, people-watching on Pampelonne Beach, or delve into the deeper maritime heritage of the historic old port.

Exploring quieter corners of the South of France by yacht charter

Away from the main attractions, there are many beautiful spots where you can get off the beaten track on your South of France yacht charter. Here are some of our favourites:

Îles de Lérins

Just a 15-minute cruise from the superyacht hub of Cannes will bring you to the quiet islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat – the two largest isles of the Lerin Islands. With hidden coves, a ruined monastery and laid-back beach restaurants such as exclusive La Guerite, it’s the perfect place to catch your breath between the French Riviera’s heady social scene.

Cap Taillat

Having been described as a ‘little Caribbean’, this wild, underdeveloped peninsula near Saint-Tropez is a nature reserve surrounded by clear waters and protected anchorages. At just 3km in length, it’s also a great option for a peaceful coastal walk that feels much further away from the glitz of the Riviera than it really is.

Porquerolles

For more encouragement to slow down and switch off from modern life, head to the largest of the Iles d’Hyeres where there are no cars. Here it’s all about the lush, beach-fringed landscapes lapped by turquoise seas and a village square where life itself seems to stop in honour of aperitif hour, all of which seems reminiscent of the Riviera before the starlets arrived.

Planning a South of France yacht charter with Edmiston

With a season that runs from April to September, there is plenty of time to plan a luxury yacht charter in the South of France. The busiest months are peak summer – in July and August – and you will also want to book in advance if you’re planning to visit during the Monaco Grand Prix or Cannes Film Festival or any of the Mediterranean’s other exclusive events.

As experts in the region, Edmiston’s brokers and charter crews can help arrange a bespoke French Riviera yacht charter to suit, whether you are looking to sample some of the famously good local cuisine or want to get up close to some of the Mediterranean’s best wildlife.

Our fine fleet of South of France charter yachts include the 102m yacht NIXIE, which has some serious wellness credentials thanks to her incredible 7.5 metre pool and expansive beach club.

For a yacht brimming with old-Hollywood style that will help recreate some of the Riviera romance of yesterday, don’t miss the majestic 50m yacht MALAHNE. 

With a timeless aura, a rich yachting heritage and some of the best facilities in the Mediterranean, a South of France yacht charter is a rite of passage for many. Speak to Edmiston to start planning your unforgettable French Riviera yacht charter today . And if you’re weighing it up against other top Mediterranean yacht charter destinations, our brokers can help you decide where suits your plans best.