Top Cote d'Azur Yacht Charter Locations

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Places to See on a French Riviera Superyacht Charter

Charter a luxury superyacht in the top locations of the shimmering French Riviera / Cote d'Azur.

Cote d’ Azur

Known as the French Riviera in English, the Cote d’ Azur is a stretch of coastline along the southeast of France with no rigidly defined boundaries which typically refers to Monaco, Nice and Cannes down to Toulon or even Cassis. The towns along the Cote d’ Azur have cultivated a reputation as the luxury summering spot for the rich and famous since the 19th Century, resulting in a booming tourism industry for culture, boutiques and high-end luxury goods. This is the core spot for many of the world's superyachts.

Monaco

Along with Cannes, Monaco is one of the most famous destinations along the French Riviera for luxury yacht charterers. The summer season is marked in May with the Monaco Grand Prix and closes with the Monaco Yacht Show in September. The city is never dull no matter what time of the year you visit and there is plenty to see and do: Casino Monte Carlo, the Oceanographic Museum, lavish spas, bars, galleries and gardens make for interesting days out for private superyacht charter guests looking to have the time of their lives.

Nice

Nice lies close to the border between France and Italy and was once a part of the latter, which is still reflected in the historic sites and customs of the region.

Filled with architectural wonders from Nice’s ‘Belle Epoch’ visitors could as easily while away the hours taking in the buildings as shopping in the bespoke boutiques at Galeries Lafayette. Discover the medieval quarter with its narrow alleyways and traditional markets, or gaze upon the artistry of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral - a visual delight outside that discloses an ornate icon wall coloured in gold within. The Notre-Dame d’Nice may not be as famous as the Notre-Dame d’Paris, but its interiors are ornately detailed in the Gothic style of the mid-19th Century and are not to be missed.

Back when Nice was a provincial coastal town before reaching the height of its fame, artists such as Pablo Picasso would come from across Europe and paint in vivid detail the local sights while savouring the laid back atmosphere. Art lovers should take the time to visit the Musée Matisse, which has a choice selection of the Impressionist’s work that spans from his beginnings in Realism and develops into an ever more Abstract style.

As the afternoon progresses, sightseers have the opportunity to sample the region’s finest wines whilst touring through the picturesque countryside, before heading back into town for a delicious evening meal at the exceptional Michelin starred restaurant Le Louis XV.

Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival is, unsurprisingly, the busiest time of the year for sueryachts along the Cote d’ Azur and if you intend on docking at one of the Cannes luxury yacht marinas during the event (which usually takes place in May) it is essential to secure your place months in advance.

As a centre of modern culture, Cannes holds events throughout the year and each month has a different offering, hosting the International Games Festival in February, the International Fireworks Festival in July and an International Dance Festival in November.

For perfect relaxation after a long day on foot, head to Les Thermes Marins de Cannes for a massage that will unknot every muscle in your body, then invigorate the senses as Brazil nut oils give your skin a new lease of life.

Antibes

Designed to cope with the busy summer season, Antibes has plenty of marinas. The largest offers over 2,000 berths and is able to accommodate superyachts over 100 metres for a stress-free holiday while ashore.

Antibes has a roaring social scene and has an eclectic mix of theatre shows and live music performances year-round, although the summer months of July and August are the height of the tourist season and when the city takes out all the stops

Those looking to take life at a gentler pace will find plenty of routes to stroll through the city and picturesque public gardens open are scattered throughout the urban landscape. Charter guests interested in the city's history will be spoiled for choice with historical sites and there is a museum dedicated to one of France’s most recognisable concoctions: Absinthe

As Nice has a museum honouring Matisse, so does Picasso have his own display at the castle Château Grimaldi in Antibes. The gallery is one of the largest collections of his work, featuring almost 200 pieces which include ceramics, lithographs and tapestries.

Toulon

The old town of Toulon is a picturesque maze of winding pedestrian streets and sculpted fountains that form the backdrop to morning markets and private tours. Sightseers can witness Mediterranean life unfold in front of their eyes and sample local delicacies before heading to the Jardin d'acclimatation du Mourillon to unwind in lush Mediterranean gardens against the backdrop of the Ligurian Sea.

Cassis

Cassis is an excellent final destination for relaxation on your luxury yacht charter: Located within the boundaries of Calanques National Park, Cassis offers low-key charm and a pristine natural environment to explore, paddle and rest within on the secluded sandy beaches looking out onto glassy waters.

Although smaller in size than other settlements along the Cote d’Azur, Cassis has its own casino, boutiques, cafes and wine bars so that guests looking for one last party can still satisfy their desires.

More about superyachting in this area

See the Essential France Yacht Charter Guide and the South of France Guide.