Mediterranean

Yacht charters in France

French Riviera glamour from Antibes to Monaco

9+ yachts on YATR · from $3,500 / day

Overview

The Côte d'Azur between Nice, Antibes, and Cannes is one of the world's most prestigious yachting coastlines — turquoise water, cliffside villages, and harbors filled with superyachts. Day charters let you experience the Riviera without the cost of a week-long mega-yacht booking.

Typical routes run from Port Vauban in Antibes (Europe's largest marina) east toward Cap d'Antibes swimming coves, or west past Juan-les-Pins to the Lérins Islands off Cannes. Monaco and Monte Carlo are reachable on longer day trips for Grand Prix season or casino evenings.

French captains enforce passenger limits strictly and require advance passenger manifests for some ports. Peak season (July–August) demands early booking; shoulder months offer better value and calmer marinas.

Peak season: Jul–Aug — Cannes festival season, warmest water, highest rates
Shoulder season: May–Jun & Sep — excellent swimming, fewer superyacht traffic jams
Local tip: Monaco Grand Prix week (May) books out a year ahead — plan early

Popular experiences

Cap d'Antibes & Billionaire's Bay
Lérins Islands off Cannes
Monaco & Monte Carlo day trips
Nice Baie des Anges sunset cruises

Charter types

Riviera day motor yachts

Crewed boats from 40–80 ft for swimming platform days, rosé on deck, and Michelin-star lunch reservations ashore.

Sunset & champagne cruises

Short evening charters from Nice or Antibes timed for Baie des Anges golden hour — popular for anniversaries.

Corporate & event yachts

Larger decks for MIPIM and Cannes Lions hospitality with AV, branding, and coordinated catering.

Multi-day Corsica & Porquerolles

Extended charters to island nature reserves for guests staying on the Riviera a full week.

Sample itineraries

Cap d'Antibes & Billionaire's Bay

4–6 hours

Leave Port Vauban for protected coves beneath the Cap d'Antibes estates, swim, and lunch at a beach club.

Lérins Islands & Cannes

Full day

Cross to Île Sainte-Marguerite for forest walks and crystal water, then Cannes harbour for people-watching.

Monaco & Monte Carlo

8 hours

Coastal run to Monaco harbour, optional casino district stop, and return along the Corniche — best on calm summer days.

Planning tips

Port Vauban requires ID for passenger manifests — bring passport or EU ID card.
Beach clubs (Club 55, Nikki Beach) need reservations in peak season — ask your captain to coordinate.
Parking in Antibes old town is scarce; tram and rideshare to the marina work best.
Wind can funnel between Cap d'Antibes and Nice — morning charters often have calmer seas.
Budget for APA-style extras on luxury yachts — fuel, food, and port fees may be separate.

Frequently asked questions

Antibes vs Nice — where should I board?+

Antibes (Port Vauban) has the largest charter fleet and easiest parking. Nice suits guests staying on the Promenade des Anglais for shorter sunset trips.

Can we visit Monaco for the day?+

Yes on calm days — it's roughly 90 minutes each way from Antibes by motor yacht. Confirm fuel and port fees are included in your quote.

Is swimming allowed everywhere?+

Captains anchor in designated zones away from jet-skis and ferry lanes. Marine protected areas have seasonal rules — your crew knows current restrictions.

Do French charters include VAT?+

Commercial charters typically quote TTC (VAT included) for French-flag operators — verify on each YATR listing before booking.

Departure marinas

Browse yachts departing from premier marinas in France on YATR.

Ready to compare yachts?

Search availability by date and guest count on YATR's verified fleet in France.

Search yachts in France

Official YATR affiliate partner · Bookings on yatr.co