An Introduction to the Riviera's Maritime Magnificence
Sailing the French Riviera with a charter yacht is a fantastic experience, offering the opportunity to explore glamorous ports, beautiful beaches, and picturesque towns along the Mediterranean coast. Suppose you are sailing the French Riviera for the first time. In that case, the team of Yasido.com highly recommends to include in your sailing itinerary renowned ports such as Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and St. Tropez in your itinerary. If you want to explore the hidden gems of the Riviera, steer your yacht to the lesser-known ports like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Porquerolles, and Îles de Lérins.
From the luxury of Monaco to the purity of Porquerolles: explore the Riviera's destinations
Monaco is known for its elegance and sophistication. The main harbor, Port Hercule, is a luxurious marina and the only deep-water port in Monaco. We advise you to make reservations for mooring in advance to secure a berth. Our tip - discover marine life and oceanography at the Oceanographic Museum, located on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and explore the botanic garden Jardin Exotique de Monaco.
The celebrated shores of Cannes have a luxurious atmosphere, a unique coastline, and beautiful anchorages. Port de Cannes is the main marina, located in the old part of the French city. Explore La Croisette, Cannes' famous promenade, or discover the historic district of Le Suquet, located on a hill overlooking Cannes. Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, known for hosting the Cannes Film Festival. Speaking of festivals: the Cannes Yachting Festival is another remarkable show on the French Riviera. Don`t miss the unique opportunity to discover what the boating industry leaders have to offer. If you prefer island exploration - sail to the nearby Îles de Lérins, especially Île Sainte-Marguerite, known for its clear waters, or visit Île Saint-Honorat, the smaller of the two Lérins Islands, famous for its monastery, vineyards, and peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a lavish luxurious getaway or quiet anchorages - sailing around Saint Tropez is going to be a dreamy experience. Head to Les Salins Beach or Pampelonne Beach and enjoy the Mediterranean sun or some cocktails at beach clubs like Club 55 and Les Caves du Roy. Another option is to sail to nearby Porquerolles Island, a car-free paradise with pristine beaches and a national park with scenic hiking trails. Porquerolles is part of the Îles d'Hyères, also known as the Golden Isles (Îles d'Or), which includes two other smaller islands, Port-Cros and Levant.
How can you be in the French Riviera and not visit any vineyards? You can book day trips from St Tropez that include wine tours and tastings, giving you a peek into the fine art of wine-making.
And of course, our personal favorite thing about Saint Tropez - the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - the most extravagant Mediterranean yacht race and one of the most significant events in the world of yachting! Organized for the first time in 1999 by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the regatta brings together classic boats, some of which are over a hundred years old, and ultra-modern boats that are among the most beautiful in the world!
“Paris is always a good idea, but Nice is like a dream come true.”
Nice is the fifth-largest city in France and the pearl of the French Riviera. Explore the stunning seaside boulevard Promenade des Anglais, the charming Old Town Vieux Nice, and the castle hill Colline du Château. Museum enthusiasts can visit the Marc Chagall National Museum, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC), and the Nice Archaeological Museum. Do not miss the Cours Saleya Market to buy some fresh produce and regional delicacies for brunch on the boat. Afterward, you are ready to head to the picturesque Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels) - the stunning crescent-shaped bay in Nice offers some excellent anchorage, while stretches for about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the Nice International Airport in the west to the Cap de Nice in the east.
Nestled between the cities of Nice and Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer boasts elegant architecture from the Belle Époque era with a blend of luxury and untouched beauty. One of the notable attractions in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is Villa Kérylos, a magnificent mansion built in the early 20th century. It is a tribute to Greek civilization and offers visitors a glimpse into ancient Greek architecture and lifestyle. Another highlight is Jardin de l’Olivaie - a beautiful olive garden in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Calanques de Cassis are limestone cliffs and fjord-like inlets situated between the city of Marseille and the town of Cassis, stretching along approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) of coastline. Calanques de Cassis are home to a rich diversity of marine life, making them perfect for diving in turquoise waters.
The mystique of Menton: Menton is situated near the border with Italy, 19 miles east of Nice, and has a unique blend of French and Italian influences. The town is famous for its citrus fruits, especially lemons, and hosts the annual Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival). Menton is home to the Jean Cocteau Museum, dedicated to the works of the renowned French artist, poet, and filmmaker!
Discover the Flavours of the French Riviera
The Riviera is the perfect place to indulge in exquisite French cuisine and experience the culinary excellence of the French gourmet. Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional dishes such as pissaladière, salade Niçoise, bouillabaisse (traditional Provençal fish stew originating from Marseille), slow-cooked ratatouille, and socca (savory pancake, a popular street food in Nice). While not a dish, wine is a quintessential beverage of the French Riviera. French cuisine and wine culture are intricately intertwined. French culinary traditions are highly regional, and different regions produce specific wines that complement the local dishes exceptionally well. Our tip is to enjoy a glass of a local Provençal rosé rosé wine, which pairs perfectly with the region's seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Last but not least - explore the local markets and buy some fresh delicacies while on board.
Climate Tips and Best Sailing Seasons
The French Riviera enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Spring offers pleasant sailing conditions and blooming landscapes along the coast. Summers are generally sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Spring offers pleasant sailing conditions and blooming landscapes along the coast. Early fall is another great time for sailing, but be aware of the Mistral winds, which can be strong and gusty.
Safe travels, smooth sailing, and bon appétit!
