Antibes Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Antibes

Antibes is where the French Riviera’s yachting industry lives. While St Tropez and Cannes provide the glamour and Monaco delivers the spectacle, Antibes is the working heart of Mediterranean superyacht culture – the place where the largest yachts in the world are serviced, crewed, provisioned and, increasingly, chartered. Port Vauban, at the foot of the 16th-century ramparts, is the largest marina in Europe: over 1,642 berths accommodating yachts up to 165 metres, with the Quai des Milliardaires (Billionaires’ Quay) hosting a rotating cast of the world’s most recognisable superyachts. For charter guests, that infrastructure translates into an unrivalled depth of fleet choice: from a 70-foot flybridge motor yacht to a 60-metre custom superyacht, the concentration of available charter vessels in Antibes is simply the highest on the Côte d’Azur.

But Antibes is far more than a marina. The old town, enclosed within 16th-century ramparts built by Vauban for Louis XIV, is one of the most atmospheric on the coast. Narrow lanes paved in worn stone open onto small squares with fountain terraces, independent boutiques and restaurants that serve Provençal cooking at a level the tourist-facing Croisette rarely matches. The daily Cours Masséna market – the oldest covered market on the Riviera – supplies the best restaurant kitchens and yacht chefs with fish landed hours earlier, local cheeses, seasonal produce and Provençal olive oils. The Musée Picasso, housed inside the medieval Château Grimaldi where Picasso worked for six months in 1946, holds a collection of ceramics, paintings and drawings that the artist donated to the city. And the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, stretching south between Juan-les-Pins and the Garoupe beaches, is one of the most exclusive residential enclaves in Europe – the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, perched on the rocks at its southern tip, has been the Riviera’s most prestigious address since the 1870s.

For charter guests, Antibes offers a rare combination: the world’s deepest superyacht fleet on your doorstep, a charming Provençal old town for evening exploring, spectacular anchorages around Cap d’Antibes, and a central Riviera position from which Cannes (7 NM west), Nice (11 NM east), the Îles de Lérins (5 NM south-west) and Monaco (20 NM east) are all comfortable day trips. Start planning your Antibes charter with Boatcrowd and let our team match you to the perfect yacht from the most extensive fleet on the Mediterranean.

Why Charter a Yacht in Antibes

Port Vauban: Europe’s Largest Marina

Port Vauban is the epicentre of Mediterranean yachting. With 1,642 berths – including the Quai des Milliardaires, which can accommodate yachts up to 165 metres – it is the largest marina in Europe and one of the most technically advanced. The port offers full superyacht services: fuel, water, shore power, 24-hour security, customs clearance and direct access to the shipyards, chandleries and technical suppliers that cluster around Antibes’ industrial zone. For charter guests, Port Vauban’s significance is practical: the sheer number of charter yachts based here means Boatcrowd can offer a wider selection of vessels in Antibes than in any other single port on the Riviera. Whether you’re looking for a 60-foot flybridge for a long weekend or a 50-metre superyacht for a fortnight, the fleet is here.

The Charm of Old Antibes

Inside the Vauban ramparts, Antibes feels like a different world from the marinas. The old town is an intimate labyrinth of narrow streets – Rue de la République, Rue du Haut-Castelet, Rue de l’Orme – lined with independent shops, galleries and restaurants that cater to locals as much as visitors. The Cours Masséna market, open every morning except Monday, is the culinary heart of the town: fishmongers selling the morning’s catch from Antibes’ own fleet, olive-oil producers from the hills above Biot, goat’s-cheese makers from the Arrière-Pays, and seasonal fruit and vegetable growers from the Var. Your onboard chef will be here early, selecting the finest produce for the day’s menus. In the evening, the rampart terraces facing the sea are the perfect spot for a pre-dinner apéritif as the sun drops behind the Estérel.

Picasso’s Antibes

In the autumn of 1946, Pablo Picasso was offered the use of Château Grimaldi – a medieval fortress on the Antibes ramparts overlooking the sea – as a studio. He worked there for six months in a burst of Mediterranean-inspired creativity, producing paintings, drawings and ceramics that are now the core of the Musée Picasso. The museum, which also includes works by Nicolas de Staël, Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman, is a short walk from Port Vauban and makes a compelling morning excursion before boarding your yacht. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best views on the Riviera: the old town below, the Alps behind, and the sea stretching to the horizon.

Cap d’Antibes: The Most Exclusive Peninsula

The Cap d’Antibes peninsula extends south from the old town between Juan-les-Pins to the west and the Garoupe beaches to the east. This is some of the most valuable real estate in the world – walled estates shaded by maritime pines, with private jetties and gated beach access. The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, at the southern tip, has hosted royalty, heads of state and film stars since 1870; its cliff-top infinity pool and restaurant terrace are a Riviera institution (accessible by tender from your yacht’s anchorage off the rocks below). The Sentier du Littoral – a coastal footpath that circles the cape – passes hidden coves, rocky platforms and swimming spots that feel private even in high season. For yacht guests, the anchorages around Cap d’Antibes (particularly the Anse de la Garoupe on the eastern side) offer some of the most sheltered and scenic overnight positions on the central Riviera.

Juan-les-Pins: The Riviera’s Jazz Shore

Just around the headland from Antibes, Juan-les-Pins has its own distinct personality. The town became famous in the 1920s when American millionaire Frank Jay Gould developed it as a summer resort, and it has retained a lively, music-infused atmosphere ever since. Jazz à Juan, held every July in the pine-shaded Gould gardens overlooking the sea, is one of the oldest and most respected jazz festivals in Europe – Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles all played here. The sandy beach, the waterfront promenade and the concentration of restaurants and bars make Juan-les-Pins a natural evening destination for charter guests anchored around the cap.

Key Destinations Around Antibes

• Port Vauban and the Old Town – Europe’s largest marina at the foot of Vauban’s ramparts. The Quai des Milliardaires, the Musée Picasso in Château Grimaldi, the Cours Masséna market, and a charming old town of narrow lanes, independent restaurants and rampart-terrace bars.

• Cap d’Antibes – The exclusive peninsula south of the old town. Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the Sentier du Littoral coastal path, hidden coves, the Garoupe beaches (sandy on the east, rocky on the west), and some of the most prized anchorages on the central Riviera.

• Juan-les-Pins – Sandy beach resort with a lively waterfront scene. Jazz à Juan festival every July. Restaurants, bars and nightlife that offer a more relaxed alternative to Cannes’ Croisette glamour.

• Îles de Lérins – Just 5 NM south-west of Port Vauban. Île Sainte-Marguerite (the Fort Royal and the Man in the Iron Mask’s cell) and Île Saint-Honorat (a working monastery producing wine since the 5th century). Crystal-clear anchorages between the two islands for swimming and snorkelling.

• Biot and Vallauris – Two hilltop villages in the hills above Antibes, both with deep artistic connections. Biot is the home of the Musée National Fernand Léger and a traditional centre for glassblowing. Vallauris is where Picasso revived the town’s ceramics tradition in the late 1940s; the Musée National Picasso-Vallauris houses his monumental work War and Peace. Both are reachable by a 15-minute taxi from the harbour.

• Cannes – Just 7 NM west of Antibes. The Boulevard de la Croisette, the Vieux Port, and the Îles de Lérins. A natural lunch stop or evening destination on any Antibes-based charter.

• Nice – 11 NM east. The Riviera’s cultural capital, with Vieux Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, and three major art museums. An easy afternoon cruise from Antibes.

Best Time to Charter in Antibes

Peak Season: July and August

The height of summer brings daytime temperatures of 28–32°C (82–90°F), sea temperatures of 23–26°C (73–79°F), and maximum atmosphere ashore. Port Vauban is at its most spectacular – the Quai des Milliardaires is lined with the world’s most recognisable superyachts – and the restaurants and beaches of Juan-les-Pins are in full swing. Jazz à Juan (mid-July) adds a world-class music event. This is the most popular and expensive period; the best charter yachts book out months in advance.

Shoulder Season: May–June and September–October

May and June deliver warm, settled weather (22–28°C), long evenings and far fewer boats at the Cap d’Antibes anchorages. June is particularly attractive – the sea is warm enough for extended swimming (21–24°C), the restaurants are fully open, and charter rates are notably below peak. September is golden: warm seas (23–25°C), softer light, and rates 15–25% below July–August. The Cannes Yachting Festival in September is a short cruise from Antibes and adds a major event to the calendar.

Early and Late Season: April and November

April marks the start of the Mediterranean charter season. The weather is mild (16–21°C), the old town and markets are uncrowded, and the Musée Picasso can be enjoyed without summer queues. November offers soft pricing and quiet harbours before yachts reposition for the Caribbean. Both months suit culture-focused, gastronomy-driven charters.

Signature Experiences

• Morning at the Cours Masséna Market – Your chef goes ashore at dawn to the oldest covered market on the Riviera. The freshest fish, local cheeses, Provençal olive oils and seasonal produce come aboard while you enjoy breakfast on the aft deck. The day’s menus are built around what the market offers that morning.
• Musée Picasso and the Ramparts Walk – A short stroll from Port Vauban to the medieval Château Grimaldi. Picasso’s Mediterranean-period works, then a walk along the ramparts with views across the Baie des Anges to Nice and the Alps beyond. Back aboard for a late-morning departure.
• Anchoring off Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Drop anchor off the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes, within view of the Riviera’s most iconic hotel. Swim from the yacht’s platform, then tender ashore for lunch or cocktails at the Eden-Roc restaurant and cliff-top pool. An afternoon that encapsulates Riviera luxury.
• Sunset at the Anse de la Garoupe – Anchor in this sheltered bay on the eastern side of Cap d’Antibes as the evening light softens. The pine-covered shore, the distant outline of Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, and the Alps turning pink behind – dinner on the aft deck in this setting is unforgettable.
• Jazz à Juan by Yacht – Time your July charter to coincide with Jazz à Juan. Anchor off Juan-les-Pins and tender ashore for evening performances in the pine-shaded gardens overlooking the sea. Return to the yacht for late-night drinks on the flybridge with the festival lights twinkling ashore.
• Coastal Walk on the Sentier du Littoral – Tender ashore at Plage de la Garoupe and walk the coastal path around Cap d’Antibes. Rocky headlands, hidden swimming coves, views across to the Îles de Lérins, and the grand estates that line the cape. Your yacht follows along the coast and picks you up at the far side.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – Antibes’ Port Vauban has the widest selection of crewed charter motor yachts on the Riviera. Expect 3–5 en-suite cabins accommodating 6–10 guests, a professional crew of 3–5, and cruising speeds of 18–28 knots that make every Riviera destination a comfortable day trip. Full water-toy complement and flexible itineraries. Weekly rates typically start from $40,000–$65,000 depending on season and yacht.

• Superyachts (100’+) – Port Vauban is the superyacht capital of the Mediterranean. The Quai des Milliardaires hosts vessels up to 165 metres, and the concentration of 100’–200’ charter superyachts based in Antibes is the highest in the world. Full resort-level amenities: jacuzzis, beach clubs, water-toy garages, helipads on the largest vessels, and crews of 8–20+. MYBA terms with APA of 25–35%. Weekly rates from approximately $100,000–$350,000+.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans offer exceptional stability and deck space, with a shallow draft ideal for the Îles de Lérins’ sandy anchorages and the rocky coves around Cap d’Antibes. Generous beam delivers a saloon and flybridge experience rivalling larger motor yachts. Weekly rates from roughly $35,000–$55,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Antibes cost?

Crewed motor yachts (55’–99’) start from around $40,000–$65,000 per week during peak season. Superyachts (100’+) typically range from $100,000–$350,000+ per week on MYBA terms (base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance of 25–35%). Luxury catamarans start from roughly $35,000–$55,000 per week. Shoulder-season rates (May–June, September–October) are typically 15–25% lower. French VAT of 20% applies. Crew gratuity is customarily 10–15% of the charter fee. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote based on your dates, group size and preferences.

What makes Antibes different from chartering out of Cannes or Nice?

Antibes offers the deepest charter fleet on the Riviera – Port Vauban’s sheer scale means more yachts to choose from at every price point. The old town is more characterful and less tourist-oriented than the Croisette, the Cours Masséna market is the finest provisioning stop on the coast, and the Cap d’Antibes anchorages are among the most sheltered and scenic anywhere. Antibes is also centrally positioned: Cannes is 7 NM west, Nice 11 NM east, the Îles de Lérins 5 NM south-west, and Monaco 20 NM east. You sacrifice nothing in reach and gain access to a wider fleet and a more authentic Provençal base.

Can I visit the Îles de Lérins from Antibes?

Absolutely. The Îles de Lérins are just 5 NM south-west of Port Vauban – roughly 20 minutes on a motor yacht. Anchor between the two islands for swimming and snorkelling in crystal water, then tender ashore to Île Sainte-Marguerite (the Fort Royal and the Man in the Iron Mask’s cell) or Île Saint-Honorat (the working monastery where monks have made wine since the 5th century). It is one of the easiest and most rewarding day excursions on the Riviera.

Is Antibes suitable for a superyacht charter?

Antibes is the pre-eminent superyacht port in the Mediterranean. Port Vauban’s Quai des Milliardaires can accommodate vessels up to 165 metres with full shore-side services. The surrounding shipyards and technical suppliers ensure any maintenance or provisioning requirements are met to the highest standard. Boatcrowd’s Antibes-based superyacht fleet is the largest in our portfolio – contact our team for availability and options.

How do I get to Antibes?

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the nearest international airport, roughly 20 minutes by car from Port Vauban. Direct flights connect Nice to over 100 cities worldwide, including transatlantic routes to New York. For guests arriving by private jet, Nice’s general aviation terminal offers a seamless transfer. Helicopter transfers from Nice Airport to a helipad near Port Vauban take approximately 7 minutes. Cannes–Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) handles private aviation and is 15 minutes’ drive from Antibes.

What is there to do in the evening in Antibes?

The old town comes alive after dark. The rampart terraces overlooking the sea are the perfect spot for a sunset apéritif. Restaurants inside the walls serve excellent Provençal cuisine – try the lanes around Place Nationale and Rue de la République. For a livelier scene, Juan-les-Pins (a short taxi or tender ride) offers beachfront bars, restaurants and music venues. During Jazz à Juan (July), the festival stages evening concerts in the seafront gardens. Many charter guests prefer to dine on the aft deck in a quiet Cap d’Antibes anchorage, returning to port the following morning.

What is the best time of year for an Antibes charter?

July and August offer the warmest weather (28–32°C), peak atmosphere and Jazz à Juan in mid-July, but are the busiest and most expensive months. June and September are the sweet spot for many experienced charter guests: warm seas, uncrowded anchorages, lower rates and fully open restaurants. May is excellent for combining the Cannes Film Festival (a short cruise away) with an Antibes base. October is mild and cultural. Enquire with Boatcrowd for seasonal availability and pricing.