Yacht Charter South of France

Why is the region called the French Riviera?

The name "French Riviera" originated in the late 19th century and is primarily associated with the region's popularity among wealthy and aristocratic individuals who flocked there for vacations and leisure activities.

The term "Riviera" itself comes from the Italian word "riviera," which means "coast" or "shoreline." The Italian Riviera, which includes places like Genoa and Portofino, is another famous coastal region.

The addition of "French" to the term distinguishes this particular coastal area as the part of the Riviera that falls within France's borders. The French Riviera extends along the Mediterranean coastline of the southeastern corner of France, from the Italian border to the city of Toulon. It includes famous cities and towns such as Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco which are known for their luxury yachting activities.

Why you should Charter a Yacht for a Week in the South of France

Harbourside Glamour

The ports of the South of France boast luxury like nowhere else. With cities like Cannes being a luxurious playground for the rich and famous, these sumptuous, sun-kissed cities will give you a deluxe yacht charter experience. The home of superyachts and moorings of up to 3000 yachts (Old Port of Marseille), the fancy French Riviera has attracted names such as Brigitte Bardot, Johnny Depp and Beyoncé, and continues to do so at major events such as Cannes Film Festival each year.

Breathtaking Beauty

Whilst many people only associate the South of France with wealth and glitz, there is so much more. The landscapes are varied and stunning, fields painted with lavender, olive groves, mountains and canyons; and this beauty is what has drawn artists such as Renoir and Cezanne to the Côte d’Azur for years. There is so much to discover during your yacht charter, so moor your boat in one of the marvelous marinas and head inland to Gorges du Verdon. Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’, these impressive gorges flanked by 700m-high sheer limestone cliffs make for an awe-inspiring sight. The Côte d’Azur is not only home to sensational natural beauty, but even the towns and villages are also picture-perfect. Take Seillans, for example: located just a short drive from the city of Cannes, where you can start your yacht charter, this medieval town is scattered with vineyards and orchards, alongside a charming chapel and castle. It’s the definition of picturesque.

Top Destinations on the French Riviera

The South of France is many things, and one of them is a sailor’s paradise! Cities such as Marseille and St. Tropez have long been a hub for nautical tourism, and as a result, marinas are plush and well-equipped. The Côte d’Azur is fairly sheltered from any strong winds, so when sailing between May and September, you can enjoy a Mediterranean climate with calm winds (10-20 knots) and placid waters; what could be more ideal for your yacht charter?

Stylish Saint Tropez

The town of Saint Tropez has made a name for itself with its A-list crowd and swanky marina with some of the most deluxe facilities in the South of France. With designer stores and boutiques lining the cobbled streets, it’s truly a luxurious destination for a yacht charter.

It’s a fusion of quaint beauty and sublime modernity, so moor your boat in France’s most famous marina, Port de St. Tropez, and head to Quai Jean Jaurès. Here you will find lavish bars and restaurants where celebrities gather, so grab a drink and soak up the alluring ambience of St. Tropez. Wander through the ochre streets of the old town where couture outlets mingle with grocery stores, and head up the hill to the Citadel for a magnificent ocean view. Inside the church is a museum of local treasures, including some of the works of Henri Matisse!
A yacht charter here doesn’t so much mean visiting historical monuments or world heritage sites but is more an opportunity to taste the St. Tropez lifestyle and live the glamorous life of a yachtsman in the South of France.

If you’re wondering which of the plentiful restaurants to dine in, St. Tropez is home to the finest cuisine, and depending on your budget, there’s a variety of choices! If you want the complete luxury charter experience, head to Résidence de la Pinède for some exquisite Michelin-rated food!

Magical Monaco

Indulge in the epitome of luxury and glamour by visiting Monaco, a jewel-like principality on the breathtaking French Riviera. Step into a world of opulence where the rich and famous revel in a lifestyle of unrivalled elegance. Immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, where fortunes are won and lost amidst sumptuous surroundings. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of witnessing the Formula 1 Grand Prix as the world's top drivers navigate the narrow streets of Monte Carlo with unmatched skill and precision.

Discover the hidden treasures of Monaco as you stroll through its enchanting gardens. Immerse yourself in the exotic wonders of the Exotic Garden, a sanctuary of rare plants from around the globe. Lose yourself amidst the intoxicating fragrance of the Princess Grace Rose Garden, adorned with thousands of vibrant roses, a testament to Monaco's romantic allure.

Cultural Cannes

Step into a realm of glamour and sophistication by visiting Cannes, the crown jewel of the French Riviera. Known worldwide for its illustrious film festival, Cannes beckons with its allure of timeless elegance and stunning coastal beauty. Prepare to be captivated by a destination that effortlessly blends opulent luxury with the natural splendour of the Mediterranean.

Indulge in the sheer luxury of Cannes, where premium resorts, high-end boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants create an atmosphere of refined indulgence. Immerse yourself in a world of red-carpet premieres and celebrity sightings as the renowned Cannes Film Festival casts its spell upon the city each year.

Unveil the allure of La Croisette, Cannes' iconic promenade that stretches along the dazzling coastline. Stroll along this glamorous thoroughfare, lined with palm trees, upscale shops, and luxurious hotels. Take in the breathtaking view of the azure Mediterranean Sea as you bask in the radiant sun that has drawn celebrities and jet-setters to this picturesque destination.

Discover the charm of Cannes' Old Town, Le Suquet, where narrow cobblestone streets wind their way up the hill to reveal panoramic vistas of the city and the sea. Lose yourself in the medieval charm of this ancient quarter as you explore its quaint shops, lively cafés, and the historic Notre-Dame de l'Espérance church.

Cuisine of the Côte d’Azur

One of the best things about renting a boat in the South of France is that you get the best of both worlds. You get the benefits and comforts of the premium lifestyle whilst also enjoying the authentic side of the French Riviera. Despite the huge population of tourists who spend their summer months sunning themselves on the Riviera, the cuisine remains traditional on the whole, based around the typical Mediterranean ingredients of olive oil, wine, garlic and tomatoes! A yacht charter here will see you dining on the likes of Bouillabaisse, originally from Marseille, this fish stew is a staple and speciality of the region. Make sure you try the classic aperitifs of Pastis (aniseed liqueur) and Tapenade (olive dip with garlic, olive oil and anchovies).

Getting There

The popularity of the South of France – not just with yacht charters, but with tourists, French holiday-goers, celebrities etc., all means that the area is very accessible. Most flights will come into France’s second largest airport, Nice - Côte d’Azur International Airport, located 5.9km SW of Nice. Or if you’re chartering from Marseille, the city has its own airport Marseille Provence Airport serving various European cities. Once you’ve landed you can have a taxi waiting for you, just let your GlobeSailor advisor know, and a transfer can be organized for you (at an additional cost).

Choosing the perfect boat to rent for a sailing trip in the South of France

Regarding yacht rental, the options can seem overwhelming! At GlobeSailor, we have boats of all shapes and sizes for you to rent. Our yachts range in length, cabins, berths, boat model, when they were built, add-ons such as a dinghy or water sports equipment, and of course, price.

Your choice of cabins will vary depending on the sailboat or catamaran you choose. Usually, cabins will be single or doubles, meaning they can accommodate one or two people. There are also double cabins for individual use available on some boats, which is a cabin option for one guest who wishes to have more space aboard the yacht.

We offer guests a choice between a sailboat, catamaran, motor boat, luxury yacht, gulet or even houseboat! The choices are endless!

Most guests choose either a sailboat or a catamaran to rent. Both boats have unique characteristics to satisfy the varying needs of clients.

A monohull or a sailboat is a traditional boat with one hull (mono!). It is focused on performance and offers sailors the traditional sailing experience. Many sailors like the traditional feel of a monohull. A monohull might be best for you if you fancy yourself a true captain of the seas! GlobeSailor has many boat rentals for our guests to choose from, including popular models like Oceanis or DuFour Grand Large.

Catamarans have more than one hull. The multihull of a catamaran offers its guests more stability as it the boat is equipped to rock less against the ocean waves. A catamaran is also more spacious than a monohull. Catamarans usually range from 30 feet to 60 feet, with the average length being around 45 feet. Catamarans have less heeling (tilting) than monohulls, providing guests with a more comfortable and stable ride. Catamarans also have a shallower draft, which means they can sail in waters with a low tide and get closer to shore. The GlobeSailor catamaran fleet is massive, offering guests options for whatever charters they have in mind. 

Sailing Bareboat or With a Crew in the French Riviera

Sailing bareboat or with a skipper and crew is a personal preference and depends on several factors, such as experience, comfort level, and budget. Suppose you are an experienced sailor with a good understanding of navigation. In that case, yacht charters without a skipper (also called bareboat) can be a rewarding adventure, providing more freedom and flexibility to explore the destination at your own pace. However, if you are a beginner or prefer a more relaxed sailing trip, sailing with a skipper is the best option. A skipper is like the captain of the boat, and they can provide guidance, help you with the nitty-gritty details, and ensure the safety of the crew and the yacht. A skipper can help guests create the perfect itinerary for your sailing trip. Once your perfect itinerary is built, you can relax for the week while your skipper takes you sailing in France's most beautiful destinations.

There is also an option to have a hostess or a cook on board GlobeSailor yachts. A hostess is responsible for making two of the daily meals (usually breakfast and lunch) and will take care of the boat's upkeep (tidying up common areas etc.). A cook is responsible for making all three meals on board the boat. Both crewed options allow clients to eat Greek dishes aboard a beautiful sailboat. Some guests prefer to choose the hostess option as it allows them to sail to a different marina each night and find the best authentic Greek restaurants on land. Sailing with a full crew offers guests an extra element of luxury as all the details are taken care of for you by the wonderful crew.

Please note the price of your charter will vary depending on whether you choose a bareboat or a crewed option. Each crew member option is a different price and might change depending on your specific yacht type. To enquire about the price of each option, please contact one of our booking advisors who can provide you with more details on each of the rentals available in the South of France.

Sample Itinerary for a Yacht Charter in the South of France for One Week

Day 1: Nice

• Arrive in Nice, the capital of the French Riviera.
• Spend the day exploring the charming Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow streets, colourful buildings, and local markets.
• Explore the Promenade des Anglais, a famous waterfront promenade, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 2: Cannes and Antibes

• Take a day trip to Cannes, known for its glamorous atmosphere and the famous Cannes Film Festival.
• Explore the iconic Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and stroll along La Croisette, a bustling boulevard lined with luxury hotels and boutiques.
• After Cannes, head to Antibes, a picturesque town with a charming old town, a vibrant marina, and the renowned Musée Picasso.

Day 3: Monaco and Eze

• Discover the small but glamorous Principality of Monaco. Explore the old town, known as Monaco-Ville, and the Prince's Palace.
• Marvel at the extravagant Casino de Monte-Carlo and take a walk along the luxurious yachts at the Port Hercules.
• After Monaco, head to the medieval village of Eze, perched on a hilltop. Explore its cobblestone streets, explore the Jardin Exotique for a stunning view, and discover the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory.

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence

• Travel to Aix-en-Provence, a charming city known for its artistic heritage and beautiful architecture.
• Explore the historic center, discover Cours Mirabeau with its elegant fountains and lively cafes, and explore the picturesque narrow streets.
• Don't miss the chance to explore the famous Atelier Cézanne, the former studio of the renowned painter Paul Cézanne.

Day 5: Marseille

• Explore Marseille, the vibrant port city of France. Explore the historic Vieux-Port (Old Port) and admire the picturesque boats.
• Discover the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, offering a panoramic city view.
• Discover the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) and stroll through the charming neighborhood of Le Panier.

Day 6: Avignon and Arles

• Take a day trip to Avignon, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and the historic Palais des Papes (Papal Palace).
• Explore the charming streets, view the famous Pont d'Avignon (Avignon Bridge), and discover the city's rich history.
• After Avignon, head to Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Roman ruins, including the Amphitheatre and the Theatre Antique.

Day 7: Saint-Tropez

• Travel to Saint-Tropez, a glamorous coastal town famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.
• Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, view the historic Vieux-Port, and explore the quaint streets filled with upscale boutiques and art galleries.
• Relax and soak up the atmosphere of this famous resort town before heading back.