Sailing in the French Riviera (or Côte d’Azur to the French) is synonymous with sophistication and elegance. With a multitude of stylish destinations for a yacht charter, such as Cannes, St. Tropez or Antibes, and state-of-the-art mooring facilities, it really is the crème-de-la-crème of luxury boating. Moreover, the South of France is home to some sublime scenery and charming towns to explore during your charter, so you can enjoy the bustle and glamour of the harbourside action and then retreat to the more modest, but no-less gorgeous countryside. Enjoy sailing under the heat of the Mediterranean sun aboard an elegant yacht, cruising through the peaceful azure waters in style.
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.
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, even the towns and villages are picture-perfect. Take Seillans, for example: located just a short drive away 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.
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?
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 magnificent ocean views. 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 historic 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 finest cuisine, and depending on your budget there’s a variety of choice! If you want the complete luxury charter experience, then head to Résidence de la Pinède for some exquisite Michelin rated food!
One of the great 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 exclusive lifestyle, whilst also being able to enjoy the authentic side of the region. 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 specialty of the region. Make sure you try the classic aperitifs of Pastis (aniseed liqueur) and Tapenade (olive dip with garlic, olive oil and anchovies).
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. The majority of 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).
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