From the sheltered calanques east of Cassis to the glittering anchorage off the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the French Riviera offers some of the most coveted yacht charter anchorages in the western Mediterranean. Here, Bluebnc Yachting, Mallorca's leading yacht charter company, best reviewed, managed fleet of over 20 motor yachts on the island, shares the definitive guide to anchoring along the Côte d'Azur.
Cap d'Antibes — The Riviera's Most Prestigious Anchorage
Dropping anchor in the lee of Cap d'Antibes is a rite of passage for any serious charter guest. The bay between Garoupe Beach and the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc offers exceptional holding in 8–12 metres over sand, with the pine-clad headland providing shelter from the prevailing westerlies. During the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, this anchorage becomes a floating gallery of the world's finest superyachts.
Ashore, the Eden-Roc pool terrace and the Michelin-starred Les Pêcheurs at Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel are within tender distance. For provisioning, the Marché Provençal in Antibes old town — one of the finest covered markets on the coast — is a ten-minute drive.
Baie de Cannes — La Croisette from the Water
The sweeping bay fronting La Croisette in Cannes provides a dramatic anchorage with the Esterel mountains as a crimson backdrop at sunset. Depths of 6–10 metres over sand make for reliable holding, though the bay is exposed to southerly swells. The Îles de Lérins — Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat — lie just 15 minutes by tender and offer sheltered swimming in crystalline water, away from the bustle of the Croisette.
Saint-Honorat, home to Cistercian monks since the fifth century, produces a remarkable range of wines and liqueurs available only on the island. A lunch reservation at La Tonnelle, shaded by ancient olive trees, is one of the Riviera's most discreet pleasures.
Villefranche-sur-Mer — A Natural Amphitheatre
The deep, sheltered bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer is arguably the most beautiful natural harbour between Marseille and the Italian border. Protected from all but southerly winds, the anchorage sits in 15–25 metres with excellent holding over mud and sand. The pastel-coloured waterfront, the Cocteau Chapel, and the citadel create a scene that has barely changed since the 1920s.
From here, a short tender ride reaches the legendary Plage Paloma on Cap Ferrat — a secluded beach club accessible only by sea or a steep coastal path. The Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons property, offers berths for tenders at its private jetty for lunch guests.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — Billionaire's Bay
The western shore of Cap Ferrat shelters a series of small bays collectively known as Billionaire's Bay. Anse de Fossettes and Anse des Fosses offer intimate anchorages in 5–8 metres over rock and Posidonia, with spectacular snorkelling directly from the swim platform. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild gardens, visible from the water, provide a cultural excursion ashore.
Monaco — Port Hercule and Beyond
While Port Hercule in Monaco is the most famous marina on the Riviera — particularly during the Grand Prix when the circuit winds past the harbour — the anchorage off Larvotto Beach offers a quieter alternative. Depths of 20–30 metres over sand provide adequate holding, and the Monte-Carlo Beach Club is accessible by tender. For the Grand Prix weekend, securing a berth in Port Hercule requires booking 12–18 months in advance through our charter team.
Saint-Tropez — Pampelonne and the Old Port
No guide to Riviera anchorages would be complete without Saint-Tropez. The anchorage off Pampelonne Beach — home to Club 55, Nikki Beach, and Bagatelle — is the social epicentre of the summer season. Depths of 4–8 metres over sand make for easy anchoring, though the Mistral can create uncomfortable conditions when it blows from the northwest.
The old port of Saint-Tropez itself, while small, offers stern-to berths for yachts up to 60 metres. The daily spectacle of aperitifs at Sénéquier while watching yachts manoeuvre in the tight harbour is one of the Riviera's enduring traditions.
Practical Considerations for Riviera Anchoring
The French Riviera enforces strict anchoring regulations to protect Posidonia seagrass meadows. Since 2025, all vessels over 24 metres must use eco-mooring buoys or anchor only in designated sandy zones. Our charter team ensures all Bluebnc vessels carry the required DREAL permits and that captains are briefed on the latest Zone de Mouillage et d'Équipements Légers (ZMEL) regulations.
The season runs from May through October, with July and August commanding premium rates and the busiest anchorages. The shoulder months of May–June and September–October offer calmer seas, fewer vessels, and significantly better availability.
Plan Your French Riviera Charter
Whether you seek the glamour of Cannes during the Film Festival, the exclusivity of Cap Ferrat, or the timeless charm of Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera rewards those who plan early. Speak to our charter team to secure your preferred dates and vessel for the 2026 season.
