Most Popular Places for a Day Charter in the Cote d'Azur
The French Riviera packs a multitude of must-see destinations along its sparkling coastline. Even if you only have a day to spare, you can sample the region’s highlights in style. From glamorous resort towns to quaint coastal villages, each stop offers a unique flavor of the Côte d’Azur – and all are easily accessible by yacht. Here are some of the most popular places that yacht charter guests love to explore on a day charter:
Cannes
Synonymous with red-carpet glamour, Cannes is a star-studded Côte d’Azur playground that yacht guests adore. Arrive by yacht to glide past the famous Croisette Boulevard, lined with palatial hotels, upscale boutiques, and the Palais des Festivals where the Cannes Film Festival takes place each May. Anchoring off Cannes offers a front-row view of this elegant city and its crescent-shaped bay. Many charters include a short hop to the nearby Îles de Lérins – two idyllic islands just offshore. Here you can swim in crystal-clear coves or enjoy a private lunch at an island restaurant, basking in serenity just minutes from Cannes’ buzz. Back in town, you might tender ashore to stroll the charming old quarter of Le Suquet or sip rosé at a beach club. Cannes perfectly blends glitz and relaxation, making it an ideal day charter destination for those seeking both excitement and leisure.
Antibes
A jewel of the Côte d’Azur, Antibes offers historic charm with a luxury twist. This ancient port town, encircled by 16th-century ramparts, welcomes yacht charter guests with its picture-perfect Old Town: think cobbled streets, chic cafes, and Provençal markets perfuming the air with lavender and fresh baguettes. Antibes is also home to Port Vauban – the largest yachting harbor in Europe, where impressive superyachts line the docks along the famous “Billionaires’ Quay.” Guests on a Côte d’Azur yacht charter often stop here to visit the Picasso Museum, a former chateau where Picasso lived and painted – a nod to the rich artistic heritage of the area. Cruising around the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, you’ll find secluded bays such as Plage de la Garoupe, ideal for a swim or paddleboard session in view of magnificent villas. Antibes strikes a delightful balance: low-key Provençal atmosphere by day, and upscale dining and nightlife by night in neighboring Juan-les-Pins. It’s a must-see stop that captures the essence of the Riviera’s past and present.
Saint-Tropez
St. Tropez is the stuff of yachting legend – a once-sleepy fishing village that transformed into a jet-set hotspot and hasn’t looked back since. A favorite on any Côte d’Azur yacht charter itinerary, St. Tropez enchants visitors with its sun-dappled Old Port filled with gleaming yachts and its maze of cobblestone lanes lined with designer boutiques and art galleries. Come daytime, the action shifts to nearby Pampelonne Beach, a five-kilometer stretch of golden sand where famous beach clubs like Club 55 cater to yacht guests arriving by tender for long, decadent lunches. Anchor off Pampelonne and you’re part of the scene – turquoise waters, stylish lounges, and perhaps a celebrity sighting or two. Despite its glamorous reputation (fueled by Brigitte Bardot and Hollywood films of the 1950s), St. Tropez still exudes authentic charm: you can watch old fishermen play pétanque by the harbor or visit the Provençal market at Place des Lices for local cheeses and olive oil. By evening, this little town comes alive with upscale restaurants and open-air nightclubs. For both first-time charterers and seasoned yacht-goers, St. Tropez delivers that quintessential Riviera blend of rustic French charm and cosmopolitan luxury.
Nice
As the cosmopolitan heart of the Côte d’Azur, Nice offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and seaside leisure – all easily enjoyed on a day yacht charter. Nice’s deep harbor (Port Lympia) welcomes smaller yachts, but many luxury charters opt to anchor in the nearby Bay of Villefranche and tender over to Nice for a day of exploration. Strolling the Promenade des Anglais – the famous waterfront boulevard originally built for English aristocrats – you’ll savor panoramic views of the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels) where your yacht may be moored in the distance. Nice appeals to art lovers and foodies alike: you can visit the Matisse or Chagall museums nestled in its hills, or wander the colorful Cours Saleya market in Old Nice to sample local socca and Provençal specialties. The city’s Italian influence (Nice was once part of the Kingdom of Sardinia) is evident in its baroque architecture and delicious gelato shops at every corner. A day in Nice on your Côte d’Azur yacht charter might include a gourmet lunch at a sidewalk bistro in Vieux Nice, a swim off the yacht in the afternoon, and perhaps some high-end shopping at Avenue Jean Médecin. Bustling yet elegant, Nice provides a lovely contrast to the smaller resort towns – it’s the cultural capital of the Riviera, and a perfect addition to your charter itinerary.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
French for “beautiful place by the sea,” Beaulieu-sur-Mer more than lives up to its name. This charming coastal town, tucked between Nice and Monaco, offers a tranquil slice of Riviera luxury that day-charter guests truly appreciate. Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s picturesque marina is a convenient stop for yachts and a gateway to a town that moves at a slower, refined pace. Here you’ll find palm-lined promenades, elegant Belle Époque architecture, and upscale yet laid-back cafes facing the waterfront. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch onshore – perhaps fresh seafood paired with local rosé – while taking in views of superyachts anchored just off the coast. History and architecture buffs might visit the Villa Kérylos, an exquisite early-1900s mansion built in the style of an ancient Greek villa, perched right above the sea. The real allure for yacht charters, however, is the proximity to pristine swimming spots: the waters around Beaulieu and the nearby cliffs of Èze-sur-Mer are crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing dip or snorkeling. If you’re seeking a quieter stop that still radiates Côte d’Azur elegance, Beaulieu-sur-Mer offers relaxation and understated glamour in equal measure.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula is one of the most exclusive enclaves on the planet, and a gem to experience by yacht. Jutting into the Mediterranean just east of Nice, Cap Ferrat is famed for its lush landscapes and multi-million-dollar villas hidden behind pine groves (it’s been a retreat for everyone from heads of state to famous artists). For yacht guests, the appeal is clear: secluded coves with turquoise waters ring the peninsula, offering idyllic anchorage spots for swimming and sunbathing in total privacy. Paloma Beach, on the eastern side, is a favorite anchorage – a sheltered bay with a chic beach club frequented by the well-heeled of the Côte d’Azur. You can spend an afternoon here paddleboarding or snorkeling straight from your yacht’s swim platform, gazing up at the cliffs and grand estates above. On shore at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat village, the vibe is low-key yet ultra-luxurious, with a small port, a few fine restaurants, and the famous Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This lavish pink villa (open to visitors) showcases Renaissance gardens and art collections, and its position atop the cape affords panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur – a scene you might also enjoy from your yacht’s deck at sunset. Cap-Ferrat is often a highlight of a Côte d’Azur yacht charter for those seeking serene natural beauty coupled with the prestige of one of France’s most coveted addresses.
Monaco (Monte Carlo)
No Côte d’Azur yacht charter would be complete without experiencing Monaco, the dazzling principality known for its outsized luxury. Arriving in Monaco’s Port Hercule by yacht is a thrill in itself – you’ll be docking in one of the world’s most renowned harbors, alongside billion-dollar superyachts against the backdrop of Monte Carlo’s skyscrapers and the Prince’s Palace perched on the Rock. Despite being the second-smallest country on earth, Monaco packs in unrivaled glamour and excitement. Yacht guests can step directly into Monte Carlo’s lavish lifestyle: try your luck at the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, stroll the Casino Square to admire haute couture shops and exotic cars, or venture up to the Old Town (Monaco-Ville) for a touch of history at the royal palace and cathedral. If you charter during May, you might catch the adrenaline of the Monaco Grand Prix, when the streets turn into a Formula 1 circuit and viewing it from a yacht is the ultimate VIP experience. Even on a normal day, the atmosphere in Monaco is electric yet refined – from world-class dining (including multiple Michelin-starred restaurants) to luxury spas and the vibrant Yacht Club de Monaco. Many itineraries plan Monaco as a grand finale, allowing guests to celebrate their journey amid opulent surroundings. Whether you spend your time savoring champagne at Sunset on deck or dancing at Monaco’s elite nightclubs, this port promises a memorable crescendo of Riviera luxury. (Tip: With Boatcrowd, you can arrange exclusive experiences in Monaco – from private casino tours to coveted restaurant reservations – ensuring your visit is truly extraordinary.)
