The Complete Yacht Charter Guide to the French Riviera & Monaco

The French Riviera invented the concept of the luxury yacht charter. Since the 1920s, when Coco Chanel, the Duke of Windsor, and the Aga Khan first anchored off the Côte d'Azur, this coastline has been synonymous with maritime elegance. Today, the Riviera hosts the world's highest concentration of superyachts — during the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, the combined fleet at anchor exceeds €10 billion in value.

But the Riviera's appeal extends far beyond celebrity and spectacle. The coastline is extraordinarily varied: the red porphyry cliffs of the Massif de l'Esterel, the sheltered bays of the Îles de Lérins (where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned), the medieval hilltop villages of Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and the Italian-influenced architecture of Menton. The Michelin Guide awards more stars per capita to the Riviera than almost anywhere else in France, and the region's rosé wines — particularly those from Provence — are the perfect accompaniment to a day at sea.

A yacht charter on the Riviera offers access that no other form of travel can match. You can breakfast in Monaco, lunch in Villefranche-sur-Mer's sheltered harbour, swim at the Îles de Lérins in the afternoon, and dine in Cannes by evening — all without traffic, parking, or the constraints of land-based logistics.

The Riviera's marinas are destinations in their own right, each with a distinct character:

Port Hercule, Monaco — The most exclusive marina in the world, set against the backdrop of the Monte Carlo Casino and the Prince's Palace. Berths for superyachts up to 100 metres. During the Monaco Grand Prix (June), yachts in Port Hercule have front-row views of the circuit's harbour chicane. Reservations are essential and often require a minimum stay.

Port Vauban, Antibes — Europe's largest marina with 1,642 berths, including the famous Quai des Milliardaires (Billionaires' Quay) where the world's largest superyachts berth. Antibes is the operational hub of the superyacht industry, with chandleries, crew agencies, and refit yards lining the waterfront. The charming Old Town is steps from the marina.

Vieux Port, Cannes — The iconic harbour overlooked by the Palais des Festivals. During the Cannes Film Festival (May) and MIPIM (March), the Vieux Port becomes the centre of the global entertainment and real estate industries. Year-round, it offers excellent restaurants, boutiques, and a lively atmosphere.

Port de Saint-Tropez — The most photographed harbour on the Riviera. The quayside cafés of Sénéquier and the pastel-coloured buildings create the quintessential Riviera scene. In summer, the harbour is a parade of superyachts, vintage sailing boats, and the famous Tropézien lifestyle.

Villefranche-sur-Mer — A deep, sheltered natural harbour between Nice and Monaco. The anchorage is one of the most beautiful on the Riviera, with the medieval Old Town rising steeply from the waterfront. Cruise ships have used this harbour for over a century, and it remains a favourite overnight anchorage for charter yachts.

Beyond the famous ports, the Riviera offers remarkable anchorages that reveal a quieter, more natural side of the coast:

Îles de Lérins (Sainte-Marguerite & Saint-Honorat) — Two islands just 15 minutes by yacht from Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite is forested with Aleppo pines and home to the Fort Royal where the Man in the Iron Mask was held. Saint-Honorat has been a working monastery since the 5th century, producing wine and liqueur. The anchorage between the islands offers calm, clear water and a remarkable sense of seclusion just minutes from the Croisette.

Calanques de l'Esterel — The red volcanic rock formations between Cannes and Fréjus create a series of dramatic calanques (narrow inlets) with deep, clear water. The contrast between the red rock and the turquoise sea is one of the most striking sights on the Mediterranean. Excellent snorkelling and diving.

Cap Ferrat — The peninsula between Nice and Monaco is home to some of the most valuable real estate in the world. The anchorage at Paloma Beach, on the eastern side, offers calm water and views of the Belle Époque villas that line the cape. The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons property, is accessible by tender from the anchorage.

Baie des Anges, Nice — The sweeping bay that defines Nice's waterfront. While the famous Promenade des Anglais is visible from the anchorage, the water is surprisingly clear and the setting — with the Alps visible on clear days — is magnificent. Best for overnight anchorage with dinner ashore in Nice's Old Town.

Pampelonne Beach, Saint-Tropez — The legendary 5-kilometre beach south of Saint-Tropez, home to Club 55, Nikki Beach, and other iconic beach clubs. The anchorage offshore provides easy tender access to the clubs and a front-row seat to the Tropézien scene.

The Riviera's compact geography makes it ideal for every charter format:

Day Charter (8–10 hours) — Explore a specific section of the coast in depth. Popular routes include Cannes to the Îles de Lérins, Nice to Villefranche and Cap Ferrat, or Monaco to Èze and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. A full day covers 15–30 nautical miles with multiple swimming and dining stops.

Sunset Charter (2–3 hours) — The Riviera's west-facing coastline creates spectacular sunsets, particularly from the water off Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Evening light on the red Esterel cliffs is unforgettable.

Event Charter: Monaco Grand Prix — The most sought-after charter in the Mediterranean. A yacht in Port Hercule or anchored in the bay provides unparalleled views of the race, with the added luxury of returning to your floating hotel between sessions. Bluebnc Yachting arranges Grand Prix packages including hospitality, transfers, and VIP access.

Event Charter: Cannes Film Festival — During the festival (May), a yacht in the Vieux Port or at anchor off the Croisette is the ultimate base. Attend screenings, parties, and premieres, then retreat to the privacy of your yacht.

Term Charter: The Full Riviera (7–10 nights) — A comprehensive voyage from Saint-Tropez to Monaco (or vice versa), covering every major port and anchorage. Day 1: Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne. Day 2: Esterel Calanques. Day 3: Cannes and Îles de Lérins. Day 4: Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. Day 5: Nice and Villefranche. Day 6: Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu. Day 7: Monaco. Total: approximately 60 nautical miles.

The French Riviera commands premium charter rates, reflecting its status as the world's most prestigious yachting destination:

Riviera charters typically operate on an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) basis for term charters, covering fuel, food, beverages, marina fees, and other expenses. The APA is usually 25–35% of the charter fee. Day charters from Bluebnc Yachting are all-inclusive with transparent pricing.

The Riviera's charter season runs from May to October, punctuated by world-class events:

May — The season opens with the Cannes Film Festival (mid-May), one of the most glamorous events in the world. The weather is warm (20–25°C), the water is refreshing (18–20°C), and the atmosphere is electric. An excellent time for charter, with lower rates than peak summer.

June — The Monaco Grand Prix (early June) transforms the Principality into the centre of the sporting world. Between the GP and the summer rush, June offers warm weather, manageable crowds, and the full range of restaurants and beach clubs in operation.

July – August — Peak season, when the Riviera is at its most vibrant and most expensive. Saint-Tropez is in full swing, every beach club is packed, and the superyacht fleet is at maximum capacity. Temperatures reach 30–35°C, and the sea is warm (23–25°C). Book 6–12 months ahead for the best yachts.

September — The Monaco Yacht Show (late September) is the world's premier superyacht event, showcasing over 100 of the finest yachts afloat. The weather remains warm, the sea is at its warmest (24–25°C), and the summer crowds have thinned. Many consider this the finest month on the Riviera.

October — The closing weeks of the season offer warm days, quiet anchorages, and the most competitive rates. The Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta (early October) provides a spectacular finale to the sailing season.

Bluebnc Yachting maintains a permanent presence on the Côte d'Azur through our Nice and Monaco offices, providing the same depth of local expertise and personalised service that defines our Balearic operations. Our Riviera team holds direct relationships with the harbour masters at Port Hercule, Port Vauban, and the Vieux Port de Saint-Tropez, as well as the maître d’hôtel at the coast’s most sought-after restaurants — from Club 55 and La Vague d’Or to Le Louis XV.

For clients chartering on the Riviera, Bluebnc arranges seamless multi-destination itineraries that combine the Côte d'Azur with Corsica, Sardinia, or the Balearic Islands. Our Mediterranean-wide fleet and network of vetted partner operators allow us to source the ideal vessel for any requirement — from a 15-metre day boat for a Cannes Film Festival lunch to a 60-metre superyacht for a full Grand Prix week in Monaco.

As a member of IYBA, ECPY, and MYBA, with all charters insured to Lloyd’s of London standards, Bluebnc brings institutional-grade protections to every Riviera charter. The Isle of Mallorca Group’s complementary services — Azul Stays for villa rentals, Azul Cars for premium car hire, and Balearic Blue for real estate — extend to the French Riviera, enabling complete luxury experiences that integrate seamlessly with your time on the water.