The French Riviera is the world’s most sought-after yacht charter destination. From Cannes to Monaco, from Saint-Tropez to the Lérins Islands, the Azurean coastline concentrates within 150 kilometers a density of events, excellent ports, and exceptional anchorages that no other Mediterranean destination can match.
International Yachts Charter and Brokerage offers a rigorous selection of superyachts available for charter on the French Riviera — from 20 to 50 meters LOA, with professional STCW certified crew, standard MYBA contract, and a transparent APA estimate provided with the first quote.
From the first week of the Cannes Film Festival in May to the closing of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez in October, the French Riviera season offers six months of exceptional nautical experiences. Here is the complete guide to planning your charter.
The French Riviera brings together, within an 80-kilometer radius, three of the world’s most popular charter destinations:
Cannes — the Bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands, the Old Port, and the Croisette. The world capital of cinema during the May Festival, Cannes also hosts the Yachting Festival in September — the world’s largest in-water boat show.
Monaco — Port Hercule and the Principality. The Formula 1 Grand Prix in June transforms the port into a unique stage where superyachts moored just meters from the circuit become the best viewing boxes for global motorsport.
Saint-Tropez — the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Pampelonne and its legendary beach clubs, the fishing village that has become the world capital of discreet luxury. The Voiles de Saint-Tropez in September and October gather the most beautiful sailing yachts in the Mediterranean.
The French Riviera is the only destination in the world that hosts ten major events in a single season — from the Cannes Film Festival in May to MIPCOM in October. This event density creates a unique charter demand: clients who seek not just to sail, but to experience a global event from the deck of a private superyacht.
World-class marinas — Port Canto and Vieux Port in Cannes, Port Hercule in Monaco, the port of Saint-Tropez — experienced harbor masters in welcoming superyachts, shipyards, chandlers, shore agents. The French Riviera has the most comprehensive infrastructure in the Mediterranean for professional yacht charter.
Cannes is the French Riviera destination that offers the highest number of events during the season — six major events from May to October, three of which are of absolute international scope.
Must-attend events in Cannes:
Cannes’ geographical particularity: the Bay of Cannes is protected by the Lérins Islands — Sainte-Marguerite Island and Saint-Honorat Island — which create a naturally sheltered anchorage, ideal for stationary stays during events. A superyacht anchored in the Bay of Cannes can send its tender ashore in less than 10 minutes.
Monaco is the most exclusive destination on the French Riviera — and the most expensive during its two flagship events. The Principality attracts an international HNWI clientele all year round, but it is during the Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show that charter demand reaches its annual peak.
Must-attend events in Monaco:
Monaco’s particularity: Port Hercule is the only port in the world where the Formula 1 circuit crosses the quays. Superyachts moored on Quai Rainier III during the Grand Prix have a direct view of the New Chicane — single-seaters pass within 50 meters. This absolute proximity to the circuit is unparalleled in global motorsport.
Saint-Tropez is the French Riviera destination that best combines life on board and shore experience. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez offers exceptional anchorages — Pampelonne Bay, Cap Taillat, Les Salins — within tender distance of the world’s most famous beach clubs.
Must-attend events in Saint-Tropez:
Saint-Tropez’s particularity: Pampelonne beach — Club 55, Nikki Beach, Bagatelle, Verde Beach — is accessible only from the sea under acceptable comfort conditions. A superyacht anchored 300 meters from the shore sends its tender directly to the beach club pontoon. This is the Pampelonne experience in its most exclusive form.
The French Riviera charter season runs from May to October. Each period has its specific pricing and events.
May is the most requested month of the year thanks to the Cannes Film Festival (May 13-24). The Bay of Cannes concentrates the highest density of superyachts of the entire season for 12 days. Rates reach their annual peak — €385,000/week for a 50-meter superyacht.
June is the most event-dense month:
A Monaco Grand Prix → Giraglia → Cannes Lions itinerary on the same unit can be organized and constitutes the most complete June sequence possible on the French Riviera.
The summer high season — the busiest in terms of attendance but not necessarily the best period for French Riviera charter. Ports are saturated, anchorages are competitive, restaurants are fully booked. The value for money is better in June or September.
September is the ideal month for boating enthusiasts:
Mid-season rates are 25 to 30% lower than the summer high season for a higher level of comfort — fewer crowds, still warm water (24-25°C), remarkable late summer light.
October closes the season with two complementary events:
Low season rates (October) are the most accessible of the year — up to 45% lower than high season for an authentic French Riviera experience, without the summer crowds.
Our selection covers all sizes and budgets for a cruise on the French Riviera.
The newest and most accomplished superyacht in our fleet. RILASSATA — the sixth hull of the Tankoa S501 EVO program, delivered in July 2024 — is available on the French Riviera from May to October. Its unique sand-beige aluminum hull, 2.25-meter draft, and 4,000 nautical mile range make it the benchmark superyacht for major event weeks.
RILASSATA French Riviera Rates:
ANNAMIA is our Baglietto 43-meter — a superyacht designed by Francesco Paszkowski, the Florentine naval architect also responsible for RILASSATA’s interiors. ANNAMIA accommodates 12 guests in 5 en-suite cabins with a crew of 7.
ANNAMIA French Riviera Rates:
ASCENSION is our high-performance motor yacht — a 37-meter Couach 3700 Fly capable of 25 knots maximum speed. On the French Riviera, its speed is a concrete advantage for itineraries that require covering a lot of distance in a short time — Monaco → Saint-Tropez in 1h30, Monaco → Cannes in 45 minutes.
ASCENSION French Riviera Rates:
RAY is our explorer yacht — a 2025 Numarine 32XP with a steel hull and 4,000 nautical miles of range. On the French Riviera, its minimal draft and stability in all conditions make it the ideal choice for clients who wish to explore the shallow coves of Corsica after a week on the Riviera.
RAY French Riviera Rates:
ABELY is our compact motor yacht — a 33-meter OCEA fresh from a 2024 refit. Ideal size for groups of 6 to 8 people seeking a French Riviera experience at an accessible rate without compromising on crew quality and services.
ABELY French Riviera Rates:
Depart Cannes → Antibes → Monaco → Menton → Villefranche → Beaulieu → Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat → Return Cannes
The classic itinerary covering the most iconic destinations of the Riviera in one week. Suitable for all types of yachts in our fleet.
Depart Cannes → Sainte-Marguerite Island → Saint-Honorat Island → Bay anchorages → Pampelonne → Return Cannes
The ideal itinerary for families and groups looking for the perfect balance between life on board, swimming, and cultural stops. The Lérins Islands — 15 minutes by tender from the Old Port of Cannes — offer crystal-clear waters and protected anchorages.
Depart Cannes → Monaco → Villefranche → Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat → Saint-Tropez → Pampelonne → Return Cannes
The most comprehensive French Riviera itinerary — three major destinations, the best anchorages, Pampelonne’s beach clubs. A 10-day format is recommended to enjoy each stop without rushing.
Depart Cannes → Monaco → Saint-Tropez → Porquerolles → Calvi → Bonifacio → Porto-Vecchio → Return Cannes
The natural extension of the French Riviera to Corsica — accessible only with units with sufficient range. Our RAY (4,000 NM) and our RILASSATA (4,000 NM) are particularly suited for this itinerary.
| Category | LOA | Low Season Rate | High Season Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Motor Yacht | 20-25 m | €15,000 – €35,000 | €25,000 – €55,000 |
| Motor Yacht | 25-35 m | €30,000 – €80,000 | €50,000 – €130,000 |
| Superyacht | 35-45 m | €80,000 – €180,000 | €120,000 – €280,000 |
| Premium Superyacht | 45-55 m | €150,000 – €320,000 | €250,000 – €500,000 |
In addition to the base rate, the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) covers fuel, port fees, provisions, and taxes. It represents 25 to 35% of the base rate depending on the itinerary and destination. Our team provides a detailed line-by-line APA estimate in each quote.
Event weeks — Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Lions — show rates increased by 20 to 40% compared to standard high season weeks, and significantly higher port fees.
20 years of experience in the nautical markets of the French Riviera, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Standard MYBA contract — the international reference contract for yacht charter. APA managed by the captain with a detailed account statement and receipts at the end of the charter.
STCW and MCA certified crews — selected for their technical expertise and service level.
Quote within 48 hours — with detailed APA estimate, position recommendation (quay vs. anchorage), and coordination of shore bookings.
The French Riviera season is the most in-demand of the year. The best units for the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix are booked as early as January. For other weeks, a lead time of 4 to 8 weeks is recommended in high season.
