Cruising the French Riviera
Eastcoast Sailing had the privilege of visiting one of the world class locations for yacht charter holidays in the world – the French Riviera.
On a yacht charter holiday on the French Riviera, in the South of France, you can experience the razzle-dazzle; the glitz and glamour; the Versace; the Dior; the Cartier Nice, Antibes, Cannes, St Tropez and Marseilles, or you can relax and enjoy the beautiful coastline and quiet restaurants.. You will also find energy and excitement oozing from Europe’s holidaymakers, as this is one of their favourite places to enjoy their summer coastal vacations. If you prefer lovely tranquil anchorages and unassuming waterside seafood restaurants on your yacht charter vacation, you can find this too! There are a large number of different yacht charters in the French Riviera.
If you’re looking for a state of the art charter yacht, with all the toys, this is the place to find it. In Monaco, Antibes, Cannes and St Tropez, you will find some of the most impressive and lavish super yachts, in the world. Antibes now houses the largest marina along this stretch of coastline, and it is literally overflowing with luxury yachts, super yachts, power boats and sail boats. Maybe one day when you’ve bought your own power boat from somewhere like GraysOnline, it could join the beautiful array of boats that you will find in the marina.
The climate, cuisine and sophistication of the French Rivera, has for some time, made it a popular destination for sailors and visitors from around the world. The coastline is striking, lipped with beaches that rest beneath hillsides heavy with yellow momisa. In summer you will find large numbers of charter yachts cruising the shoreline, although boating is possible here all year long. The climate is balmy, with long, dry summers, moderate breezes, mild winters and plenty of sunshine.
From the sophisticated clubs and casinos of Monaco, head west to the quaint ports of Ville Franche and St Jean Cap Ferrat. Anchor off and indulge in water sports or sunbathing from the deck of your charter yacht. Enjoy the silhouette of the stunning and colorful French coastline as your backdrop. Go ashore for a glamorous evening at the Hotel Bel Air or a quaint waterfront restaurant. Be sure to take a trip through the groves of cacti palms and lemon on your way to the picture-book village of Eze. Enjoy the restaurant and the thousand year old castle, Chateau dela Chevre d’or.
The French Riviera yacht charter scene is ever increasing in popularity and the types of yacht charter available in Nice, Antibes, Cannes, St Tropez, Iles d’Hy’res and Marseilles are all types of yacht charter including motor, sailing, bareboat charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, luxury yachts and the ever more familiar super yacht charter.
As with most of the Mediterranean, the French Riviera yacht charter season generally runs from April to the end of October. The summer season in July and August is the hottest and tends to have the warmest sunshine, lightest winds and also the largest crowds. This is also the high season as far as French Riviera yacht charter is concerned. Other good times to charter your yacht is generally on either of the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October), each side of the main summer season (July-August), as the temperatures are still comfortable, and the onshore tourists have yet to arrive in their largest numbers.
As we said good bye to the French Riviera and all the glitz and glamour of the largest display of superyachts in the world, we promised one thing for sure, we would be back!