What Type of France Charter Do You Want?
Unsure? Contact Us or See Types of Yacht Charters
Unsure? Contact Us or See Types of Yacht Charters
On the French Riviera, you will find energy and excitement radiating from the ports and harbours. However, if you prefer lovely tranquil anchorages and unassuming waterside seafood restaurants on your France yacht charter vacation, you can actually find this too! The vibrant coastline of the yacht charter Mecca of the Cote d’Azur runs from St. Tropez, to the Italian border. It is 100 miles of the most extravagant and exclusive waterfront in the world where you will find 30 harbours and more than 3,000 restaurants. This is the playground of the rich and famous and as a result, difficult to omit from any listing.
A sailing license is required to bareboat charter in France. Contact our Virgin Island Sailing® Charter Experts for more details.
Our experienced concierge team will help you find the perfect type of French Riviera boat charter for your budget that aligns with your ideal travel time. Choose from crewed sailing charters, South of France bareboat charters, and ultraluxury superyacht charters. We also offer different yacht types, including South of France catamaran charters, power catamarans, luxury motor yachts, and France sailing charters. Our yacht charter brokers are here to help answer any questions you have as you book your French sailing vacation.
The French Riviera has a typical mediterranean climate with chilly, rainy winters and summer temperatures tempered by the breeze. Most people avoid swimming in the winter since water temperatures only start to warm up during the summer and peaks in August. Summer is the ideal time to charter a yacht both to avoid the rainy season and to take advantage of the warm waters.
| Temp Max (°F ) | Temp Min (°F ) | Avg. Water Temp (°F ) | Avg. Rainfall (in) | Avg. Wind Speed (kts) | |
| January | 55 | 39 | 55 | 3 | 9 |
| February | 57 | 39 | 55 | 1.6 | 9 |
| March | 59 | 43 | 55 | 1.6 | 9 |
| April | 63 | 48 | 57 | 2.8 | 8 |
| May | 70 | 55 | 61 | 2 | 8 |
| June | 75 | 61 | 66 | 1.2 | 7 |
| July | 82 | 66 | 72 | 0.6 | 7 |
| August | 82 | 66 | 73 | 1 | 6 |
| September | 77 | 61 | 70 | 3.1 | 7 |
| October | 66 | 54 | 66 | 4.7 | 8 |
| November | 63 | 46 | 61 | 4.1 | 9 |
| December | 57 | 41 | 57 | 3.7 | 9 |
Distance: 15nm | Duration: 50m
Start your journey at Port Pin Rolland Marina in Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer and head toward Toulon, a charming Mediterranean port city along the French Riviera. From here, explore the beautiful Îles d’Or, made up of Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Île du Levant, just off the coast of Hyères. Home to protected natural landscapes, including Port-Cros National Park, these islands offer scenic hiking trails, picturesque cycling routes, secluded coves, and sandy beaches. Discover crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving as you explore this stunning stretch of the French Mediterranean coast.
Distance: 115nm | Duration: 5h 50m
Calvi – the holiday destination of royalty, with its golden sunshine glowing through the town’s palm trees, its picturesque shop fronts and its stunning sandy beaches which offer wonderful spots for swimming, water sports and SCUBA diving. Arriving by yacht, you’ll immediately notice the rugged, mountainous landscape and pine forests that form an awe-inspiring backdrop to this attractive port town. The Genoese citadel overlooks the marina, with its cobblestoned streets and baroque cathedral, and is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, whilst soaking up the atmosphere.
Distance: 24nm | Duration: 2h 30m
Gorgeous Girolata is an impressive feat. Swallowed by the dramatic red cliffs and bright blue sea of the Scandola Nature Reserve, it’s a one-of-a-kind destination for charter guests. No roads lead to this tiny hamlet, wedged between some of Corsica’s most spectacular scenery. The Scandola Nature Reserve is a celebrated UNESCO monument. With volcanic origins, lashings of space, and massive biodiversity, you will find the skies and seas flooded with life. From golden eagles to ash puffins, and over two hundred species of fish, nature lovers will fall head over heels for Girolata. Girolata itself is made of mule tracks, tiny markets, soaring cliffs, and pockets of life living on one of nature’s greatest sets.
Distance: 35nm | Duration: 3h 30m
The elegant Ajaccio, Capital of Corsica, is set in one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning Gulfs on the west coast of the island. One of its most famous inhabitants is Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born here in 1769, and whose ancestral home is now a museum. The city is home to two marinas, and with its palm lined boulevards and waterside cafes, it’s easy to see why it is compared to the glamorous Côte d’Azur. The old town has plenty of alleyways to explore its wonderful history. Further out, you can make the most of the gulf’s beautiful beaches and explore the Iles Sanguinaires, where the sunsets are magical!
Distance: 48nm | Duration: 2h 25m
Beautiful Bonifacio sits on white limestone cliffs on the south end of Corsica. One of the most popular yachting destinations, this harbour town is known for its old citadel, rich history, and cobblestone streets. Charter guests can walk the ancient walls, stopping to admire the incredible views from the ramparts. The maritime cemetery and old convent of St Francois are also worth visiting. On a clear day, from the Esplanade St Francois, you can see right across the bay to Sardinia. Water sport enthusiasts can windsurf around Lavezzi with its impressive rocky backdrop. For those wanting a calmer beach scene, there are scattered turquoise coves and white sands waiting. The perfect blend of medieval city sights and natural attractions makes Bonifacio a bucket list destination for any yacht itinerary.
Distance: 72nm | Duration: 3h 40m
Gorgeous Girolata is an impressive feat. Swallowed by the dramatic red cliffs and bright blue sea that make up the Scandola Nature Reserve, it’s a one of a kind destination for charter guests. No roads lead to this tiny hamlet, wedged between some of Corsica’s most spectacular scenery. The Scandola Nature Reserve is a celebrated UNESCO monument. With volcanic origins, lashings of space, and massive biodiversity, you will find the skies and seas flooded with life. From golden eagles to ash puffins, and over two hundred species of fish, nature lovers will fall head over heels for Girolata. Girolata itself is made of mule tracks, tiny markets, soaring cliffs, and pockets of life living on one of nature’s greatest sets.
Distance: 107nm | Duration: 5h 25m
Saint Tropez was once a sleepy fishing village until it transformed into a glitzy celebrity summer spot where A-listers have flocked since Brigitte Bardot made it famous in the 1950s. Boutique hotels, renowned beach clubs, designer shopping, and lavish superyachts lining the old town all add to its appeal. The old town still has a quaint vibe and charm, and serenity can also be found in the former fishing quarters and the narrow alleys of Ponche. For those wanting upmarket buzz, beaches such as Pampelonne and a wealth of the best clubs and restaurants make Saint Tropez such a famous yachting destination.
Distance: 54nm | Duration: 2h 45m
Historically, Toulon spent centuries as an important trade and port city, but recently, after undergoing much redevelopment, it is a bustling tourist destination with plenty of culture and a great starting point for visiting the quaint towns in the surrounding areas of the Var region. The old town of Toulon is a picturesque maze of winding streets and sculpted fountains where morning markets and tours take place. One of Toulon’s main attractions is the cable car up to Mount Faron. These iconic red cabins transport you 584m up to where you can experience breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. Toulon’s beaches are also not to be missed, lying just a stone’s throw from the center with their golden sands and azure blue waters.
Your charter may begin at one of several cities in the French Riviera, usually Nice, Antibes or Cannes. The Nice Cote d’Azur Airport is easy to fly into from many major European cities and is no more than a 30 minute ride to your embarkation point in Cannes. If you are beginning your charter in Antibes or Nice then it is even closer.
Resources:
Bareboat Charter Packing Checklist
Crewed Charter Packing Checklist
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