Photo: Chris Jones / Unsplash
France
Motor yacht charter on the French Riviera
A British flybridge for unhurried luxury and a carbon-fibre missile for anyone who wants the whole Riviera between breakfast and dusk.
Motor yacht charter on the French Riviera is above all a question of temperament rather than length. These two yachts sit in a similar size bracket yet behave in opposite ways. The Sunseeker 76 Yacht, roughly 23.5 metres long, is one of the names brokers here hear most often — in demand when Formula 1 comes to the Principality, when the red carpet is rolled out in Cannes, and for relaxed family weeks on the stretch from Antibes down to Saint-Tropez.
The Sunseeker offers four cabins, a saloon framed by panoramic glass, a flybridge bar and a hydraulic stern platform that lowers to the waterline. Four crew take care of service, the tender and the toys, bringing comfort close to superyacht level. During the big events rates climb above the norm, and your offer confirms them.
The Pershing 7X is the counterpoint: a lightweight hull built with carbon fibre pushes it beyond 40 knots, and Monaco to Saint-Tropez takes about ninety minutes — just in time for lunch at Pampelonne. Inside it is properly civilised, with a sliding-roof cockpit, a beach area at the stern, an air-conditioned saloon, three cabins and a crew of three. Each yacht welcomes up to 12 day guests.
Motor yachts on the French Riviera
What it costs
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts of this type on this page.
- Full day
- from €7,000 / day
- Week-long charter
- from €42,000 / week
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
Usually included
- Crew — four on the Sunseeker, three on the Pershing
- A tender, plus water toys on the Sunseeker
- Insurance
- Soft drinks and water aboard
Usually extra
- Fuel, a significant item on the fast Pershing
- French VAT
- APA for provisions and berths on multi-day charters
- Port fees in Monaco or Saint-Tropez on event days
- A table at a Pampelonne beach club
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Where you go
The yachts are based in Monaco's Port Hercule, Cannes and Antibes' Port Vauban, and boarding in Nice or Saint-Tropez can usually be arranged. The Pershing is loved for the 'whole Riviera in a day' run — Monaco, Cap Ferrat, Cannes and Saint-Tropez. The Sunseeker more often settles into slow weeks of Antibes, the Lérins Islands, Porquerolles and the coves off Pampelonne.
Marinas
- Nice (Port Lympia)
- Cannes Vieux Port
- Antibes Port Vauban
- Monaco Port Hercule
- Saint-Tropez
When to go
The season spans May to September; July and August are warmest, while June and September balance weather and choice best. Cannes Film Festival and Grand Prix dates are reserved months ahead. Now and then the mistral kicks up a sea west of Cannes, and the captain shifts the route eastwards.
Motor yacht charter on the French Riviera: FAQ
Can we watch the Monaco Grand Prix from a yacht?
Yes, the Sunseeker 76 Yacht is regularly booked for exactly those days. Berths and anchoring space on race weekend are limited and rates are higher than usual, so book months ahead. Exact mooring arrangements depend on the operator and are stated in your offer.
Is Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez in one day realistic?
On the Pershing 7X, yes — 40-plus knots lets you link them with stops to swim and eat. The Sunseeker can do it too, but the day becomes mostly about passages.
Which of the two is better for a family?
The Sunseeker, with four cabins, a spacious saloon and a hydraulic swim platform. The Pershing suits groups who prize speed and making an entrance.