CHARTER DESTINATION
Where Riviera glamour meets island serenity. Discover the Côte d’Azur and Provençal coastline aboard a luxury yacht charter.
DESTINATION OVERVIEW
The South of France remains one of the Mediterranean’s defining charter destinations, shaped by a coastline that moves easily between polished Riviera ports, pine-backed headlands, golden islands, and dramatic limestone inlets. From Saint-Tropez and Cannes to Antibes, Monaco, and the Hyères Islands, it is globally known for its blend of yachting culture, beach clubs, heritage towns, and unmistakable coastal style. Beyond these celebrated destinations, the region also reveals a quieter side through places such as Porquerolles, a protected island known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and slower pace of life, offering a more secluded Mediterranean experience away from the Riviera crowds.
For guests on charter, the region delivers an exceptionally varied cruising rhythm: relaxed lunches at anchor, short passages between celebrated ports, afternoons spent swimming in clear water, and evenings ashore in old towns, marinas, and refined seaside restaurants. The balance of iconic Riviera destinations and lesser-known island escapes creates a charter experience that feels both sophisticated and authentic, combining privacy, easy cruising distances, world-class marinas, and a social atmosphere that can be as discreet or vibrant as the chosen itinerary.
Explore South of France
From iconic Riviera ports to protected island anchorages, discover the diverse destinations awaiting your yacht charter.
Saint-Tropez remains one of the South of France’s most recognisable charter stops, where a historic harbour and old quarter meet a distinctly modern yachting scene. Arriving by sea still feels like the proper introduction, with beach clubs, designer-lined streets, and long lunches flowing naturally into the rhythm of the day. Nearby Pampelonne and the quieter bays around Cap Taillat add contrast without requiring long cruising distances.
Cannes combines Riviera prestige with an easy cruising layout, making it a natural stop between the western and central Côte d’Azur. The Croisette gives it its famous sense of occasion, but from the water the experience broadens into elegant beaches, a lively marina atmosphere, and quick access to the Lérins Islands just offshore. It works especially well for charters that want both shore-side energy and calm anchoring close by.
Antibes offers a slightly more relaxed expression of the Riviera, balancing serious yachting infrastructure with an old town that still feels rooted in place. Port Vauban, historic ramparts, and Cap d’Antibes create a stop that feels polished without being overly formal. It sits beautifully on a South of France itinerary, whether as a provisioning point, an overnight harbour, or a quieter counterpoint to Cannes and Monaco.
Cruising into Monaco brings a different scale to the itinerary, with steep hills, landmark architecture, and one of the most recognisable ports in world yachting. Ashore, the appeal is immediate: fine dining, boutiques, grand hotels, and a tightly packed waterfront atmosphere that feels distinctly international. It is often less about beaches and more about arrival, energy, and access to one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic urban yacht destinations.
Further west, Porquerolles introduces a softer and more natural mood, with bright water, sandy beaches, fragrant vegetation, and an easy-going island pace. It sits within the protected Hyères island environment and is especially rewarding for guests who want cycling, swimming, and long afternoons in quieter surroundings. On a charter route, it brings space and calm after the density of the central Riviera.
Port-Cros feels even more preserved, known for its national park setting and car-free, nature-led character. It is less about social scene and more about clear water, protected landscapes, and a sense of stepping away from the mainland altogether. For yacht charters, it is one of the most valuable contrasts on the South of France coast: intimate, quiet, and deeply scenic.
To the west, Cassis and the Calanques bring a striking change in scenery, where pale cliffs and narrow limestone coves create some of the most dramatic anchorages on the French coast. The experience here is more elemental and landscape-driven, with swimming, paddleboarding, and slow coastal cruising taking precedence. It is an ideal inclusion for charters wanting a more natural Provençal finale beyond the classic Riviera circuit.
What Are the Must-See Yacht Charter Highlights of South of France?
The Côte d’Azur is the classic heart of South of France yachting, stretching across many of the region’s best-known ports and resort towns. It stands out for short cruising legs, polished marinas, and the rare ability to combine beach clubs, culture, and quiet anchorages within a single itinerary.
Cap d’Antibes is a distinguished peninsula of villas, gardens, rocky shoreline, and sheltered water between Cannes and Nice. For charter guests, it offers a more private, residential mood while remaining close to the Riviera’s busiest hubs.
Just off Cannes, the Lérins Islands provide one of the Riviera’s most convenient contrasts to the mainland. Their proximity makes them ideal for lunch stops, swimming breaks, and peaceful overnight anchorage within easy reach of a major port.
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is where the region’s beach-club culture, old-port glamour, and laid-back coastal villages come together. It is significant for charters because it delivers both social visibility and excellent day cruising around beaches, headlands, and nearby coves.
The Hyères islands, including Porquerolles and Port-Cros, form one of the most rewarding natural cruising grounds in southern France. Their protected landscapes, clear water, and slower pace make them ideal for guests seeking privacy, outdoor activity, and a more understated kind of luxury.
The Calanques coast near Cassis and Marseille is a dramatic zone of white rock cliffs, narrow inlets, and vivid blue water. It adds a wild, scenic edge to a South of France charter and is especially memorable for swimming and anchor-based days.
Have Questions?
| Location | Best Months |
| Monaco, Nice & Antibes | May to September |
| Cannes & Saint-Tropez | May to September |
| Porquerolles & Port-Cros | May to September |
| Cassis & the Calanques | May to June, September to October |
Curated
Itineraries designed for unhurried discovery and quiet elegance.
Visual Journey
AVAILABLE YACHTS TO CHARTER
France
