France is one of the world’s premier yacht charter hubs, home to a myriad of opulent marinas and infrastructure that makes sailing between them easy. And although the Côte d’Azur, in the south of the country, isn’t the only place you can begin your voyage from, it boasts some of the most iconic destinations that together, make for an incredible itinerary and a yachting holiday you’ll never forget.
With a number of superyacht-friendly ports located all along the Côte d’Azur, all in some of Europe’s most elegant and extravagant destinations that are worthy of a place on every luxury traveller’s bucket list, there’s nowhere better to embark on a summer yachting adventure.
Here, we take a look at four of the most notable bases for luxury yacht charters in France where you can hop on board your luxury vessel and get going from –as well as enjoying the lavish atmospheres they have to offer while you’re there.
CANNES
Although perhaps best-known for the iconic annual Cannes Film Festival, which attracts film stars and other celebrities from across the globe, Cannes’ golden beaches, lavish hotels and designer boutiques make it easily one of the most upscale destinations in all of France.
It also happens to be one of the most significant luxury yacht charter bases in the Mediterranean, enjoying a privileged central location on the French Riviera that makes it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the coast, whichever direction you plan on heading in.
The main port of Port Canto takes yacht and superyacht activity in its stride, and throughout the summer months, you’ll often spot some of the most extravagant vessels in the world moored here. Yacht charters often set off from the port, but the nearby Vieux port is another option from which you can kick off your journey in style.
A real selling point of Cannes in terms of luxury yacht charters is the impeccable infrastructure and operational excellence it offers, ensuring that both arriving and leaving feel as seamless as they should.
SAINT-TROPEZ
When it comes to France’s most glamorous destinations, Saint-Tropez is right up there at the top of the list. Steeped in luxury and sophistication, over recent years it has become a playground for the global elite, boasting lavish five star hotels, Michelin-starred eateries and a plethora of elevated beach clubs, making it a must-visit location along the Côte d’Azur.
Even better, it’s an excellent starting point for embarking on your yachting escape, with lavish vessels kept moored and waiting in the marina for monied holidaymakers to climb on board. The marina is located just steps from the town centre, so when you’re not sipping Champagne on the sundeck or enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by an esteemed French chef, you can wander to one of the nearby wine bars or seafood restaurants, peruse the town’s array of luxury boutiques and soak up the chic Saint-Tropez vibe.
Although Saint-Tropez is a great place to charter a luxury yacht from, it often works best as a mid-route stopover on those that aim to take in a variety of destinations along the Côte d’Azur.
Port Vauban in Antibes is considered to be one of the most significant yacht harbours not just in Europe, but the entire world – and with good reason. The marina is extensive, and its ability to cater to some of the largest yachts in a way that other harbours cannot means that many charter companies choose to operate from here, with numerous private owners also berthing their yachts here throughout the year.
As well as offering full-service facilities to meet the needs of yacht owners and charter companies alike, the port is located appealingly close to Antibes’ charming old town, where you can stroll through historic streets, peruse Provençal markets and dine at one of the many upscale eateries. Just like Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Antibes is a sophisticated spot where you’ll rub shoulders with the world’s wealthy, and makes an excellent stop on any yachting route, as well as the ideal place to begin or end it.
NICE
Most visitors to the French Riviera fly into Nice – which tells you something about the kind of infrastructure it offers, and it’s something that also extends to its marinas. Port Lympia is invariably lined with luxury yachts throughout the year, and another major base for charter operators – so if you’re looking for somewhere convenient to set sail from to explore the region’s coastline, then this is it.
But Nice isn’t just a top player when it comes to logistics, and is a highly desirable destination in itself, so you won’t want to miss out on spending some time here before or after your yachting adventure ends. Its old town, all winding streets and traditional architecture, is packed with excellent restaurants and stylish shops, and its pretty pebbled beaches are lined with glamorous beach clubs serving up fresh seafood and Champagne.
From Nice, destinations like Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer are in particularly easy reach, but other destinations along the coast are just as accessible.
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