Where you should start your South of France yacht charter this summer
Arguably, the most well-known and sought-after charter destinations in all of the Mediterranean, for many charterers, the question is not when to book a charter in the South of France, but rather where to begin a charter along the Côte d’Azur. The famous stretch of glistening coastline between Saint-Tropez and the Italian border is home to several different cities, towns, and villages, each offering its own distinct character, social scene, pace, and anchorages. And the best starting point for your charter in the South of France really depends on what you and your charter group want to experience, what you’re looking for during your time out on the open waters. TWW Yachts is based in Monaco, the heart of the French Riviera and the yachting industry in France, and we’ve been guiding charterers for years, helping shape the best itineraries for their exact requirements. Here, we highlight some of the best destinations to start your charter in the South of France this summer.
Saint-Tropez: Where beach clubs & fine dining meet provençal charm
There is no place quite like Saint-Tropez along the French Riviera. Thrown into the global limelight back in 1956 when Brigitte Bardot starred in the film ‘Et Dieu… créa la femme’ (And God Created Woman), this one small fishing village has never been the same since. Forever linked with the golden era of Mediterranean glamour and a particular kind of unhurried, yet effortlessly stylish social life, Saint-Tropez remains one of the most iconic charter bases on the coast. Best viewed when arriving by sea, arrival by charter yacht to Saint-Tropez and berthing in the old port is an entirely different and elevated experience compared to driving into the town. St Tropez is also home to the legendary beach clubs of Pampelonne, including Club 55, Nikki Beach, and Bagatelle, which are the highlight of the summer social calendar. In comparison, the ochre and mustard facades of the port, the Place des Lices market, and the medieval citadel above the town provide a more introspective space to the vibrant beach club scene. Saint-Tropez is the ideal starting point for charterers looking for the full, immersive French Riviera experience, with countless parties, beaches, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Charterers who book their charter around the Voiles de Saint-Tropez in late September, one of the great spectacles of the Mediterranean sailing calendar, will undoubtedly enjoy this legendary regatta as well.
Cannes: Where culture, world-famous events & island escapes converge
A city synonymous with glitz, glamour, and luxury, Cannes is perhaps one of the most versatile bases for a charter along the French Riviera. The city is transformed every May into one of the world’s most energetic and high-profile destinations during the Cannes Film Festival, welcoming movie stars and directors from around the world. Afterwards, for the remaining charter season, it slowly shifts into a more laid-back and culturally rich pace that has drawn in charterers for years. Highlights include the Promenade de la Croisette, the old quarter of Le Suquet, and two well-equipped marinas that serve as an excellent base for exploration in either direction along the coast. However, one aspect that gives Cannes a particular advantage as a starting point for a South of France charter sits just offshore from the city, namely the Lérins Islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat. A mere minutes cruising from the port, these islands are home to some of the most peaceful and unspoilt anchorages on the entire French Riviera. Surrounded by clear waters, with pine-shaded shorelines and a 17th-century fortress that once held the Man in the Iron Mask, the islands strike a sharp but welcoming contrast to the hustle and bustle of Cannes. The city is perfect for first-time charterers visiting the South of France, which is perfect to combine with attendance at the Film Festival in May or the Cannes Lions in June.
Monaco: Where historical grandeur and luxury coincide with a gateway to the French Riviera
Monaco is the most concentrated expression of everything the French Riviera represents. A principality where superyachts glisten in Port Hercules, the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix circuit coexist with a remarkable density of Michelin-starred restaurants, all within an area of barely two square kilometres. The city is unmatched when it comes to the sheer intensity of experience as a charter base. For many, there are two key moments during the social calendar when booking a Monaco yacht charter is the most compelling: the Formula 1 Grand Prix in late May, when the circuit runs through the streets surrounding the port and the superyachts in the harbour become the best grandstand seats to take in the action, and the Monaco Yacht Show in September, when the superyacht industry comes together by Port Hercules for four days. Outside of the city’s events calendar, the city’s position at the eastern end of the Riviera makes it an ideal gateway for extended itineraries along the coast. Cap Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Antibes lie to the west, whilst the Ligurian coast of Italy is within straightforward reach to the east. Monaco is the best starting point for more experienced charterers, clients attending specific events, and those who want the most glamorous and high-energy base the French Riviera can offer.
The quieter alternatives: Antibes, Cap Ferrat, and Villefranche
Not every charter group wants to start in the French Riviera’s hotspots. Several other towns along the coast offer a more tranquil, traditional, and relaxed atmosphere for a charter. Antibes, home to Port Vauban and a charming walled old town with the Picasso Museum at its heart, provides a more measured pace whilst remaining within easy reach of both Cannes and Monaco. Cap Ferrat, a wooded peninsula of grand villas and sheltered bays, has been described as one of the last relatively quiet corners of the French Riviera, its waters clear, its anchorages unhurried. And Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its deep natural harbour and amber-painted waterfront, is consistently one of the most beautiful anchorages on the entire coast.
Planning your South of France charter
The most engaging and memorable South of France charter itineraries include several stops, moving between the beach club energy of Saint-Tropez, the cultural depth of Cannes, the splendour of Monaco, and the tranquil, more intimate anchorages in between. At TWW Yachts, our team offers more than 50 years of combined experience to help match you with the best yacht to fulfil all your South of France charter wishes. Get in touch with us today to begin planning your South of France charter.