Villefranche-sur-Mer is situated right at the heart of the Cote D'Azur. This picturesquely romantic seaside town lies between Nice and Monaco, and is well known for its deep, natural bay allowing cruise ships to anchor here, hiding from strong easterly winds, along with small sailing yachts and super yachts alike. The quaint old town has plenty of lively waterfront bars and restaurants, and if you're feeling energetic, take a bike ride to the Fort Du Mont Alban for an excellent view over the Mediterranean.
Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat is a desirable spot for yacht travelers in France who are seeking an unforgettable vacation. With its iconic coastline, stunning turquoise waters and charming hillside villages, the French Riviera truly offers something special here. Located in the south-east corner of France, the scenic waters of Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat are perfect for cruising and exploring, while the unique and vibrant culture allows visitors to enjoy a variety of activities, from outdoor markets and haute couture shopping to Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class golf courses. Popular anchorages include Port de la Darse, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. There are also plenty of nearby islands, making it an ideal destination for island-hopping and discovery. Known as the paradise on the Mediterranean, Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat certainly won't disappoint.
Monaco is without doubt one of the French Riviera's most renowned destinations and one of the most glamorous in the world. The summer season sets off with the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the end of May where the country's pristine streets are transformed in to a racing circuit, and the world's sporting elite, celebrities & car enthusiasts enjoy 5 days of non stop racing and partying from aboard their yachts and hotel balconies. This tiny Principality is home to all the designer brands at the new One Monte Carlo quarter, set right alongside the world famous Casino de Monte Carlo and Hotel de Paris. Here you'll also find a handful of Michelin Star restaurants, luxury hotels, casinos and sumptuous spas to enjoy a truly luxurious stop at the crown of the Riviera.
Antibes is a lively resort town lying between Nice and Cannes, and is known for its roaring social scene and its 16th century walled old town which overlooks Port Vauban, with its mix of sailing and luxury yachts. A museum honouring one of the most popular concoctions in France - Absinthe - can be found here along with the more classic Picasso Museum, in the former Château Grimaldi. Here in Antibes you'll find long stretches of flat, white sandy beaches lapped by gentle turquoise waters, or for somewhere a little more serence, anchor your yacht in the Baie des Milliardaires - with its rocky coastline, it is the perfect spot to snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
Saint Tropez is a small village with a big reputation. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950's, this sleepy little town was transformed into a chic, hedonist celebrity spot each summer. It is still as chic as ever, a luxury location with extraordinary villas, boutique hotels, designer shops and luxury yachts lining the quaint old town. Not forgetting its beautiful beaches, such as Pampelonne, where you can experience the best clubs and restaurants all summer long.
St Tropez is the starlet of superyacht destinations and Pampelonne Beach is the gorgeous gown she wears. This glitzy ritzy white sand beach is every inch the decadent destination it claims to be. On this sugary stretch is where you will find all those Michelin starred eateries and elegant beach clubs, not to mention the heritage hotels that have served the likes of F Scott Fitzgerald and Brigitte Bardot.
It was this very beach where the iconic Hollywood star would emerge like Venus from the water - earning her place in tinsel town history. Drop anchor and soak up the vibes, grab lunch at one of the famous eateries, and for those who are feeling the need to escape the elite vibes - a climb to the 16th century citadel at the top of the hill will bring you back to nature and the pure essence of Mediterranean magic. Just enough time to refuel your energy reserves for a night of champagne on the town.
The wonderful Iles d'Or, made up of the island of Porquerolles, Levant and Port Cros, lie off the coast of Hyères, and are true gems of the Mediterranean. These protected islands have been given National Park status. These sparsely populated islands are perfect for cycling around, or hiking, or for something a little less strenuous, they are surrounded by sandy beaches and coves with turquoise waters which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling or SCUBA diving.
Dubbed as the original French Riviera, Hyeres was once a winter playground for artists, authors, and royalty looking to escape the chill and get their fill of joie de vivre. The oldest spa resort on the south coast, Hyeres sits between Nice and Marseille, and is a vision of floral strewn streets, award winning beaches, and architectural splendour. Duck into the Old Town with its city walls and Knights Templar Tower. Sip and swirl your way through the impressive open cellar doors, as Hyeres is home to more than a dozen wineries. Sailors and beach lovers will delight as Hyeres invites easy access to the Iles d’Or and Ile de Porquerolles just a skip across the breezy blue Mediterranean bay.
On the glittering gulf of St Tropez, you will find the mythical beaches and ancient villages of Cap Taillat. This sweet sugary strip is home to some of the most beautiful sand and sea corners in the whole of the Cote d’Azur. Sheltered sandy spots, waters the color of pure turquoise, and all the finery of the Mediterranean's finest flora and fauna come together in Cap Taillat. Charter guests should be sure to visit two of the best beaches - L’Escalat and Pampelonne with their bewitching shades of blue and their lively seabeds. Close by there are also some wonderful walks through vineyards and every chance to soak up the splendor that is s synonymous with pretty Provence.
Lying off the coast of Cannes is the small archipelego of the Lérins Islands, made up of the two larger islands of Ile Sainte-Marguerite and the Ile Saint-Honorat, and the two smaller, uninhabited islands of Ilot Saint-Ferreol and Ilot de la Tradelière. These unspoiled islands provide a wonderful escape from summer crowds on the Côte d'Azur coastline. Ile Sainte-Marguerite is famous for its Fort where the cell of the "Man with the Iron Mask" can be visited, along with numerous other archeaological treasures. Ile Saint-Honorat is inhabited by Cistercian monks who have inhabited the island since around AD 410.
Cannes plays host to numerous festivals throughout the year, but is world famous for its film festival held in May, right before the Monaco Grand Prix. The palm lined Boulevard de la Croisette is home to plenty of designer boutiques, luxury hotels and spas. This glitzy resort town also brags fabulous beaches, high-end restaurants and clubs making it a thriving summer charter destination not to be missed!