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Mediterranean charm, glamorous villas, and spectacular seaside entertainment come together in one of the most iconic luxury yacht charter destinations. The French Riviera, stretching roughly from Hyères to Menton, offers vacationers a variety of entertainment, food, and beachside activities and access to beautiful national parks and wildlife
. History buffs will enjoy the museums, castles, and well-preserved ancient sites of the riviera’s storied past. Luxury amenities await you along the Cote d’Azur’s ports, including Monaco, Cannes, and St. Tropez. Come discover the highlights of the best French Riviera luxury yacht charters. These are just a few of the Top 5 French Riviera Boat Rental Destinations.
The Hyères Islands
Just south of the city of Hyères, you’ll discover the gorgeous beaches and historic ruins of the island of Porquerolles. On the north shore, relax on Notre Dame Beach, or visit the Garden Emmanuel Lopez Botanic garden. You can take in the many lighthouses and coastal monuments adorning the windy south shore from your yacht.
Nearby, scuba dive amongst incredible wildlife at Port Cros, a national park located east of Porquerolles. On the island’s south side, dive La Gabiniére, one of the top scuba sites in the south of France. Hiking enthusiasts will also be delighted with the numerous trails and paths, all of which provide incredible scenery and views of the Mediterranean.
Saint Tropez
Gourmet cuisine, charming streets, and exclusive beach clubs are abundant in the French Riviera’s acclaimed city of St. Tropez. See and be seen in the bustling superyacht marina, or venture into town to the renowned Citadel of Saint-Tropez Maritime Museum or La Maison des Papillons Museum. Once a mere fishing village, today, St. Tropez mixes the intriguing historic sites of the old town with a lively beachfront restaurant and bar scene. In addition, events ranging from Polo Cup tournaments to regattas draw great crowds and provide chic parties and even celebratory sitings.
Cannes
Known best for the Cannes International Film Festival, the city deserves its notoriety. In town, peruse the high-end fashion boutiques or admire the extraordinary cars cruising the cobblestone streets. In the old town, you’ll enjoy tremendous seaside views from the Musée de la Castre, an ethnographic art museum housed in a medieval fortress. While down below, visit the Place Royale to soak up the sun and perhaps indulge in a drink or fine meal.
The Lerins Islands, located just a few minutes off Cannes’ Pointe Croisette, maybe most interesting. Here, you can relax on one of the many secluded beaches of St. Marguerite or take a leisurely walk to the Abbaye De Lérins on Île Saint-Honorat. A private French Riviera luxury yacht charter is the perfect way to explore these islands.
Do not forget you can visit Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival and charter a yacht.
Nice
One destination with something for everyone would have to be Nice. Those looking to spend all day touring the many incredible art museums are spoilt for choice. In Nice, you can visit the Chagall Museum, Museum of Modern Art, or perhaps the extravagant Villa Masséna Museum.
Instead, get some great exercise by walking up to Castle Hill, La Colline du Chateau, for spectacular views of the old town and the Bay of Angles below. Instead, immerse yourself in haute couture while you spend the day shopping on Jean Médecin Avenue in the Messéna Square district. Exhausted from all your site seeing? Head to Nice’s grottos and white sand beaches steps from the downtown action. Here, you can Jet ski along the coast or try wakeboarding if you’re looking for a challenge!
Nature lovers must stop in Èze, home to an exotic mountaintop garden east of Nice. On your way, sail around the Cap Ferrat, where you can also stop and visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Museum on the beautiful peninsula. In Èze, take one of the scenic hiking paths up to the summit, 1,400 ft above sea level, and stop and take panoramic photos along the way. Save time and energy to explore the serene 14th-century village and its chapels and fortresses.
Monaco
Further east lies Monaco, one of the most highly-acclaimed entertainment destinations on the French Riviera. Highlights include the infamous Monte-Carlo Casino in the exclusive district of the same name. In Port Hercule, you can find outdoor performing arts theaters, opera houses, live music venues, and countless museums.
Grand Prix racing events, yacht shows, and tennis events also fill the calendar in Monaco, providing nonstop excitement. However, there are ways to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather on the Cote d’Azur. Monaco is also home to private beaches and gardens to explore and escape the fanfare of the lively French Riviera.
Menton
The quaint village of Menton rests at the border of Italy, boasting colorful houses and exquisite restaurants with a blend of French-Italian cuisines, including Michelin-star options like Mirazur. Botanical gardens and many parks dot the coastline and cliffs above the village, showcasing vibrant flowers and stunning vistas.
In addition, golfers can even play a round while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea below. Menton’s peaceful atmosphere and gourmet food scene make it a great stop on a French Riviera luxury yacht charter. For more inspiration, please visit our sample French Riviera yacht charter itineraries.
