Written by Missy Johnston
French Riviera
It’s difficult to fit everything you want to see into just one private yacht charter vacation through the French Riviera. The area boasts beautiful beaches, chic and wealthy cities, and historic medieval towns ripe for exploration. Pick your style, and then use this guide to plan your journey.
Beaches in the French Riviera
Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur is a 180 kilometer expanse with dozens or even hundreds of beaches to choose from. Your captain can drop anchor at many of them, so you can enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
Your captain will know which beaches are private property and which French Riviera beaches are public. Mala, Escalet, or Little Africa Beach, for example, offer a winning combination of gorgeous scenery and private seclusion.
Places to explore
Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco
Did you know that France has its own version of Venice, in Port Grimaud? This canal town is easily explored from the water. Leave your home base yacht in the port and use the yacht’s tender to explore the city by canal.
Save an afternoon to walk the length of Monaco, a two-mile-long country famous for its palaces, cathedrals, museums, beaches, and, of course, the Monaco Grand Prix. But don’t miss Jacque Cousteau’s Oceanographic Museum, a tour of the Grimaldi Palace, and for a night out on the town, the famous casino.
Monaco Oceanographic Museum
In Antibes, don’t miss the famous street market which has fruits, vegetables, herbs, olives, oils and other sundries in the morning, and in the afternoon switches to an artisan and crafts market. Close by is a museum of works by Picasso.
Cap Ferrat is not only the location of the lovely village of Cap Ferrat, but it is also home to villas of the wealthy. Walk the trail around the promnitory from the village of Cap Ferrat to the Villa Rothschild Museum, which is now open for tours, surrounded by seven specimen gardens.
Eze, France
Up above looking over is the historic medieval village of Eze, perched on a hilltop with winding walking streets now filled with shops and art galleries. Above Eze are famous gardens, including Le Jardin Exotique d’Eze, which are a spectacular location for a photo opportunity of the French Riviera.
Elite parties to join (or host!)
Stop by St. Tropez to drink or dine with celebrities and the wealthy elite. You won’t want to miss the nightlife in this town, so plan to return to your yacht well after dark.
St. Tropez Sunset
Take in the Cannes Film Festival, if you happen to be in Cannes while the festival is on. Even if it isn’t, Cannes is still worth a visit for its chic dining options and the promenade at La Croisette.
Nature and scenery
Cap Ferrat, French Riviera
The entire French Riviera is a stunning testament to nature’s beauty. You will get your fill of awe-inspiring scenery no matter where you choose to stop. However, if you want to seek out even more wild flora and fauna, try the Lerins Islands, Théoule-sur-Mer for hiking and beautiful mountain views, or Bendor Island for its art garden and further hiking opportunities.
After all of this exploration, you will probably be hungry. For the freshest seafood imaginable in a wild and untouched setting, have dinner on the beach in Gigaro before you head back to the Cote d’ Azur to continue your French Riviera luxury private yacht charter.
