Blue & Beyond #13 - The French Riviera... With A Twist

Day 1 – Monaco

World-famous for its casinos, sports cars and luxury boutiques, Monte-Carlo will ensure that your yacht charter kicks off in style. Visit the Prince’s Palace, enjoy fine dining at Le Louis XV, Alain Ducasse’s restaurant at the exquisite Hôtel de Paris and finish your evening at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, with its Belle Epoque architecture and its rich history in popular culture.

Day 2 – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat & Villefranche-sur-Mer

Start your day in the former fishing village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, meandering along one of its stunning walking trails or admiring the gardens, architecture and art collection at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

After a morning on the move, return to your yacht for a delicious, fresh lunch prepared by your chef before anchoring off Villefranche-sur-Mer to enjoy the natural beauty of this cosy bay and try out the selection of water toys available onboard.

Day 3 – Antibes & St-Paul-de-Vence

The next stop is Antibes, with its quaint old town and picturesque ramparts. Visit the Picasso Museum, formerly the Chateau Grimaldi and home to the Cubist artist for two months in 1946, before heading inland and off the beaten track.

Perched on a hilltop, with medieval walls encircling its narrow streets, the village of St-Paul-de-Vence has a rich artistic history that is reflected in the numerous modern and contemporary art museums and galleries that line its streets. Even the restaurants are inextricably linked to art, with La Colombe d’Or hosting famous artists since the 1930s, allowing you to dine surrounded by the paintings of Picasso, Chagall and Matisse, amongst others.

Day 4 & 5 – Saint Tropez & Pampelonne

Cruise along the red-rock coast of the Massif de l’Estérel, taking in its natural beauty, before entering the Port of Saint Tropez. Once a small fishing village, Saint Tropez became synonymous with glitz and glamour in the 1960s. Shop in luxury boutiques and local markets, sample the local delicacy, the Tarte Tropézienne, and party the night away at the Caves du Roy or Gaïo (formerly Papagayo).

The next day, rest and recover on one of the private beach clubs of Pampelonne, in Ramatuelle, before the party starts all over again. Choose between the more relaxed Moorea Beach Club, big-name DJs at Nikki Beach or classic Club 55 with its ties to Brigitte Bardot.

Day 6 & 7 - Cassis

Anchoring off Cassis is a return to nature, with its majestic cliffs, beautiful rocky coves and myriad hiking trails. The Parc National des Calanques can be explored by boat, on foot or you can even dive underwater as this is the only national park in Europe that is terrestrial, marine and peri-urban.

On your second day in Cassis, head to the quaint village itself, nestled between the Cap Canaille and the white limestone of the calanques. Colourful architecture and vibrant café terraces contribute to the charm of this fishermen’s village.

After lunch, explore the local vineyards and their reputed Cassis wines. After sampling the different wines, you can walk round the vineyards and take in the beautiful countryside, as well as speak to the wine-growers themselves, before heading back to your yacht for a delicious dinner onboard prepared with fresh, local produce.

Day 8 & 9 – Porquerolles

One of the îles d’Or (Golden Isles) with Port-Cros and Le Levant, Porquerolles is a true place of natural beauty. Explore the many quiet coves from the sea, rent bicycles to discover the many trails around the island or hike along the coast with a picnic prepared by your yacht chef. Porquerolles is a national park and has been protected against urbanisation, so its typical Mediterranean flora has thrived. Wander through vineyards and oak forests, taking in the scents of lavendar and rosemary.

The clear waters around Porquerolles are a tempting invitation to dive, snorkel, paddle board and kayak. If you prefer to relax on the beach, you have the choice between the north side of the island with its fine sand beaches and turquoise waters, or the southern coast with its secluded creeks only accessible by foot or from the water.

Day 10 – Cannes

Finish your charter in the glamorous town of Cannes: stroll along the Croisette and shop in the luxury boutiques, pose on the red carpet in front of the Palais des Festivals and sip a cocktail at the bar of the iconic InterContinental Carlton hotel.

If you are looking to relax head to the two islands off the coast of Cannes, Ile Sainte Marguerite and Ile Saint Honorat. Walk along the nature trails, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and have lunch at La Guérite restaurant.

As your French Riviera yacht charter comes to an end, look out onto the Mediterranean Sea, enjoy the warm sun on your face and look back on the beautiful memories you have created.

To book your French Riviera yacht charter, contact the Bluewater Charter Specialists.