4 hours
Lérins Islands from Cannes
Depart Cannes Vieux Port, swim in the channel between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat and return along La Croisette.
Photo: Melody Temple / Unsplash
France
Yacht Charter on the French Riviera
From Cannes to Monaco — the Mediterranean's most famous yachting scene.
The French Riviera is the birthplace of modern yachting and home to the world's largest gathering of superyachts. Less than 100 kilometres of coast separate Saint-Tropez from Monaco, yet they hold Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Villefranche and Cap Ferrat, each with its own character. A yacht charter from Nice or Cannes lets you see several towns in a day, swim in clear bays and lunch at restaurants best reached by tender.
The choice of boats is vast: Riva and Pardo day boats for a quick outing, sporty Pershings, Sunseeker flybridges and crewed Benetti superyachts. Lagoon catamarans suit families well, with a stable deck, shade and plenty of room for swimming. Hourly trips are popular in Cannes and Nice, while weekly charters usually start from Antibes, Cannes or Monaco.
Peak pricing hits during the Cannes Film Festival in May, the Monaco Grand Prix and July–August, when yachts are booked months ahead. French charters carry VAT, and larger yachts add an APA for fuel, berths and provisions. We gather offers from brokers and local operators, explain how the terms differ and help you pick the yacht that fits your route, event and budget.
Popular yachts on the French Riviera
Photo: Josh Withers / Unsplash
SpeedboatPardo 43
13.4 m · up to 12 guests · 1 cabins
from €450 / hour
Photo: Chris Jones / Unsplash
SpeedboatRiva Rivamare
11.9 m · up to 10 guests · 1 cabins
from €500 / hour
Photo: Patrick Lalonde / Unsplash
CatamaranLagoon 46
14 m · up to 12 guests · 4 cabins
from €2,200 / day
Photo: Chris Jones / Unsplash
Motor yachtSunseeker 76 Yacht
23.5 m · up to 12 guests · 4 cabins
from €7,000 / day
Photo: Nasjere Williams / Unsplash
Motor yachtPershing 7X
21.7 m · up to 12 guests · 3 cabins
from €9,000 / day
Photo: Ivan Ragozin / Unsplash
SuperyachtBenetti Oasis 40M
40.8 m · up to 12 guests · 5 cabins
from €28,000 / day
Prices by yacht type
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts on this page. Hourly rates suit short cruises, daily rates full-day trips, and weekly rates charters with nights on board.
| Type | from / hour | from / day | from / week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor yachts | — | €7,000 | €42,000 |
| Catamarans | — | €2,200 | €14,000 |
| Superyachts | — | €28,000 | €180,000 |
| Speedboats | €450 | €2,800 | — |
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
What to see from the water
- 01
Lérins Islands
Sainte-Marguerite, whose fort held the Man in the Iron Mask, and Saint-Honorat with its working monastery and vineyards — 15 minutes from Cannes.
- 02
Cap Ferrat
A peninsula of billionaires' villas, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and emerald coves for swimming.
- 03
Villefranche-sur-Mer
One of the deepest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, with a 16th-century citadel and a colourful waterfront.
- 04
Monaco
Port Hercule beneath the Prince's Palace and Monte-Carlo Casino — at its most spectacular during the Grand Prix.
- 05
Saint-Tropez & Pampelonne
The legendary harbour and the five-kilometre Pampelonne beach, whose clubs you can reach straight from the yacht.
Popular routes
Full day
Nice — Cap Ferrat — Monaco
Villefranche, Cap Ferrat's coves, lunch at Beaulieu or Èze-sur-Mer and a run into Monaco's Port Hercule.
7 days
Monaco to Saint-Tropez
Monaco — Villefranche — Antibes — Lérins Islands — Porquerolles — Saint-Tropez, with lunches off Pampelonne.
Season
The season runs May to September, warmest in July and August. The mistral occasionally brings strong north-westerlies, especially west of Cannes.
Marinas and departure ports
- — Nice (Port Lympia)
- — Cannes Vieux Port
- — Antibes Port Vauban
- — Monaco Port Hercule
- — Saint-Tropez
What's usually included and what costs extra
- The yacht, captain and crew
- Standard equipment and vessel insurance
- Water and soft drinks on many yachts
- Fuel on some yachts and routes
- Food, alcohol, decorations, photographer
- Water toys and transfers
- Taxes, marina fees and APA on weekly charters
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Experience ideas
Yacht charter on the French Riviera: FAQ
How much is a yacht charter on the French Riviera?
A day boat with captain starts around €450 per hour (usually 3 hours minimum), a catamaran day from about €2,200 and a week from €14,000. Crew and insurance are usually included; fuel on motor yachts, berths and provisions are extra or paid from the APA. French VAT applies. Your quote lists all terms.
Do I need a licence?
Not if the yacht comes with a captain, which is how almost every Riviera charter works. Bareboat hire requires a recognised certificate such as the French permis bateau or an ICC.
When is it best to charter, and when is it most expensive?
June and September offer warm water and the widest choice. Peak pricing applies during the Cannes Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix and July–August — book months ahead for those dates.
Is it suitable for kids, and what should we bring?
Yes — children's life jackets are on board and catamarans are especially family-friendly. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, hats, soft shoes and your passport if Monaco or dinner ashore is on the plan.
How does booking work, and what if the weather is bad?
Short trips are secured with a deposit; weekly charters use a contract (often MYBA) with a 50% deposit. In a storm the captain may change the route or postpone; refund terms vary by yacht and are stated in your quote.
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