Sailboat Charter in South of France

Three Reasons to Charter a Sailboat in the South of France

1. Beauteous Beaches

The South of France has many things, and one of those is glorious sandy beaches. During your sailboat charter, if you’re navigating off the coast of the Alpes-Maritimes region, stop by Plage des Sablettes, where broad sands lined with palm trees, and turquoise waters will satisfy all your beach needs. Here you can also go diving or kayaking as well as swimming and sunbathing, so there’ll be something to suit every taste. If you charter a boat from St. Tropez, make sure you sail via Cap Taillat, a wild area only accessed by foot or by boat, with incredible cacti and dense vegetation surrounding huge rocks and white sands, looking out onto a sea of translucent turquoise.

2. The Chic Côte d’Azur

Known for its style and class, the wealthy South of France is a haven of luxury for the rich and famous. Sun-kissed harbourside towns such as Cannes, Antibes, Saint Tropez, Monaco are a hub for superyachts and swanky sailboat charters, and with state-of-the-art mooring facilities, it really is a sailing paradise. Home to events such as Cannes Film Festival and the French Grand Prix, the crowds each year are celebrity-sprinkled and exclusive, and the shopping opportunities revolve around couture stores, with names such as Burberry, Gucci and Armani cropping up everywhere!

3. Recipes of the Riviera

Throughout the Mediterranean, you can find exciting flavours and exquisite cuisine, and this is no different in the South of France. Home to specialties such as omelettes with ‘black diamond truffles’, the famous ratatouille originally from Provence, and the classic Tarte Tropézienne – so-named by Brigitte Bardot when filming in St. Tropez! The culinary heritage is vibrant and has lead to the first-class gastronomic culture this region holds, with Michelin-star restaurants scattered all over every major town.

Navigating to Nice

If you start your sailboat charter from Monaco or Antibes, you won’t be far from the magnificent city of Nice. The ‘capital’ (unofficially) of the Côte d’Azur, and 5th most populous city in France, Nice is a must-see. Full of fresh food, fish, flower and flea markets, and an enchanting old town, there is so much culture packed into this city. Take a stroll down the 5-mile stretch of the Promenade des Anglais, the most famous seafront in France which is home to landmarks such as the art-deco Hôtel Negresco. Hike up the hill to Parc du Chateau, where you will be astounded by breathtaking views of the city from above, or head to the Musée Matisse, situated in a 17th century Genoese building surrounded by charming olive groves. The celebrated painter was buried in the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez cemetery nearby the museum, so if you’re an art-lover don’t miss out on this opportunity to visit his grave.

A Sailor’s Dream

The best times for a sailboat charter in the South of France are between April and September, when winds are calm (under 20 knots) and waters are peaceful. The region experiences all the benefits of a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry weather and warm waters, but the sheltered nature of the Riviera means that stronger winds which may affect other area tend not to impact navigation here. Therefore, paired with the immaculate marinas and glamourous harbours, sailing in the South of France is truly a dream!

Reaching my Sailboat Charter Base

Thanks to the popularity of the South of France as an international holiday destination, it can be easily accessed and everywhere is well connected with various transport links. Most people fly into Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport as it serves the most international destinations all year round, and then travel to their destination. If you need a transfer between the airport and your sailboat charter base, then contact your GlobeSailor advisor and it will be organized for you (at an extra cost).