Cannes Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Routes

Cannes’ central position on the Riviera makes it the perfect springboard for charters in every direction. The 3-day and 4-day itineraries below cover different stretches of coast and can be stitched together into a full 7-day Riviera cruise without repeating a single anchorage. Every route is fully customisable by your captain and Boatcrowd charter specialist.

Day Charter Routes from Cannes

Cannes to the Îles de Lérins: History and Swimming

Cruise 15 minutes south from the Vieux Port to the Îles de Lérins. Anchor between the two islands in crystal-clear water for a morning swim. Tender to Île Sainte-Marguerite to explore the Fort Royal and the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask, then cross to Île Saint-Honorat for a monastery visit and wine tasting. Lunch on the aft deck with the islands’ pine forests and Cannes’ skyline as your views. Afternoon swimming and paddleboarding before the short return cruise. Duration: 6–8 hours.

Cannes to the Estérel Calanques: The Red Coast

Head west from Cannes past Théoule-sur-Mer and into the Estérel massif (10–15 NM, about 45 minutes). The coastline transforms from sandy beaches to volcanic red cliffs dropping into deep blue water. Anchor in Calanque du Petit Canéret or Calanque de Maubois for a swim and snorkel among the crimson rock formations. Your chef lays out a Provençal lunch on the aft deck with the red cliffs as your backdrop. Continue along the coast to explore more calanques by tender, then return to Cannes as the afternoon light paints the Estérel in shades of copper and gold. Duration: 7–9 hours.

Cannes to Antibes and Cap d’Antibes: Art and Anchorages

Cruise east to Antibes (7 NM, 25 minutes). Berth at Port Vauban or anchor off Cap d’Antibes for a morning visit to the Musée Picasso inside the medieval Château Grimaldi, followed by a stroll through the Provençal market in the old town. Your chef picks up fresh provisions. Reposition to the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes for a swim in the sheltered waters near the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Lunch on board, then a tender ride into Juan-les-Pins for an afternoon coffee before the return cruise. Duration: 7–8 hours.

3-Day Cannes Yacht Charter Itinerary: Îles de Lérins and the Estérel

Day 1: Cannes to the Îles de Lérins

Board your yacht at the Vieux Port or Port Canto by mid-morning. Cruise to the Îles de Lérins and anchor between the islands for a swim. Explore Sainte-Marguerite’s Fort Royal and the Man in the Iron Mask’s cell, then tender to Saint-Honorat for a monastery tour and wine tasting. Your chef prepares lunch on the aft deck while you float in the calm water between the islands. In the late afternoon, cruise west to Théoule-sur-Mer (8 NM from the islands) and anchor for the night off this charming coastal village at the foot of the Estérel. Dinner on deck overlooking the red cliffs as the sun sets.

Day 2: Estérel Coast to Agay and Fréjus

Cruise west along the Estérel coast, stopping at hidden calanques for swimming and snorkelling among the red volcanic rock. Anchor in the Rade d’Agay (5 NM from Théoule), a sheltered bay surrounded by red cliffs and pine forest. Take the tender into the small harbour for a morning coffee. Continue west to Fréjus (8 NM from Agay), where a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, an aqueduct and a 5th-century baptistery sit alongside the modern town. Anchor in the bay for lunch, then explore the Roman ruins ashore. Overnight at anchor off the coast.

Day 3: St Raphaël and Return to Cannes

A short cruise brings you to Saint-Raphaël (2 NM from Fréjus), a lively seaside town with a pleasant port and a Romanesque church. Browse the morning market, then set course back east along the Estérel coast. Stop at one final calanque for a farewell swim and a gourmet lunch on the aft deck. Arrive back in Cannes by mid-afternoon (roughly 15 NM, under an hour). Guests wanting a full week can combine this 3-day Estérel route with the 4-day eastern Riviera route for a 7-day charter covering the entire Côte d’Azur.

4-Day Cannes Yacht Charter Itinerary: East to Nice and Monaco

Day 1: Cannes to Antibes and Cap d’Antibes

Depart Cannes and cruise east to Antibes (7 NM, 25 minutes). Berth at Port Vauban and explore the old town – the Musée Picasso, the Cours Massena morning market, the ramparts overlooking the sea. Your chef sources provisions for the voyage. After lunch ashore or on the aft deck, reposition to the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes for a swim. The sheltered waters here, with the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc above, are one of the Riviera’s most iconic anchorages. Continue to Juan-les-Pins (2 NM) for an evening berth and dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 2: Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer

Cruise east past Nice’s Baie des Anges to Villefranche-sur-Mer (12 NM from Juan-les-Pins, about 40 minutes). Drop anchor in the deep, sheltered bay and swim in calm, warm water surrounded by pastel-coloured hillside houses. Take the tender ashore to explore the old town’s covered lanes (the Rue Obscure, a 13th-century vaulted passageway) and the Citadelle, which houses the Musée Volti. In the afternoon, cruise into Nice’s Port Lympia (4 NM) for an evening exploring Vieux Nice – socca from Chez René, pissaladière from a Cours Saleya bakery, and a stroll through the flower market.

Day 3: Cap Ferrat and Monaco

Cruise east from Nice past Cap Ferrat (6 NM). Anchor off the cape’s eastern side for a morning swim, then tender ashore to walk through the gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Continue to Monaco (5 NM from Cap Ferrat). Berth at Port Hercule or anchor in the Anse du Portier. Visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Océanographic Museum, and the Prince’s Palace for the changing of the guard. Taxi up to Èze Village for a panoramic sunset and dinner at Chèvre d’Or before returning to the yacht.

Day 4: Menton and Return to Cannes

Cruise east to Menton (7 NM from Monaco), the last French town before Italy. Explore the Italianate old town, visit the Musée Jean Cocteau on the harbour, and walk through the Jardin Serre de la Madone. If time allows, lunch at Mirazur (three Michelin stars). In the early afternoon, cruise west back to Cannes (25 NM, roughly 75 minutes), arriving in time for a farewell stroll along the Croisette or a last drink overlooking the Vieux Port. Guests wanting a longer voyage can combine this 4-day eastern route with the 3-day Îles de Lérins and Estérel route for a 7-day cruise covering the full Côte d’Azur.