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The French Riviera is a must for sailing lovers wishing to combine a boat trip with a whiff of la belle vie. A yacht charter in the French Riviera will make you feel like a member of the international jet set. Here’s a very short list of places you can visit if you hire a boat in the French Riviera.
Ile de Porquerolles
One reason many holidaymakers opt for a yacht charter in the French Riviera is to visit the iÎle de Porquerolles, the largest of the three Îles d’Hyères. Porquerolles is a hidden gem just a stone’s throw from Toulon on continental Côte d’Azur. Its pedestrianised streets keep cars and their noise away, making this tiny island a hiker’s paradise. As for its natural beauty, its rugged cliffs on the south, lush forests in the centre and lovely beaches on the north make for a unique combination. Porquerolles is an ideal destination for a weekend trip to escape the buzz of the French Riviera in the summer.
The island is part of the national park of Port-Cros, which includes the Island of Port-Cros, the Giens peninsula, the Salins d’Hyères (salt marshes) and cape Lardier. Explore all these landmarks of astounding natural beauty with a boat hire in the French Riviera. On Porquerolles itself, Plage Notre Dame on the eastern part of the island is quite popular among the locals.
Cannes
Cannes is not only home to the world’s most famous film festival, but also a premium sailing destination. The world’s most luxurious yachts are docked in the city’s old port. The port also hosts one of Europe’s most prestigious boat shows. The city is full of French bistros and bars to introduce yourself to the nuances of the world-famous French cuisine. On the northern part of the port, take a walk on the famous Allée de la Liberté, a long avenue ideal for evening walks.
From Cannes, you can sail to the Lérins Islands nearby. Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat, as well as uninhabited Îlot Saint-Ferréol and Îlot de la Tradelière, are full of virgin beaches and coves to explore. On Île Sainte-Marguerite, visit the local Musée de la Mer. The notorious Man in the Iron Mask was held captive here for a few years. Ile St Honorat is home to a famous monastery inhabited by Cistercian monks. If you pay a visit they might offer you some of their famous wine, honey, lavender oil and Lérina, a homemade liqueur.
Nice
Nice is the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, and perhaps South France’s busiest yachting hub. Dock your boat in the city’s long port, next to some of the world’s biggest and most expensive luxury yachts. An alternative option is Port de St Jean Cap Ferrat in the eponymous town, famous for its picturesque centre.
Start your visit from the Promenade des Anglais, a long avenue along the seaside. This name comes from the English nobility spending their winters in Nice in the 18th century. The Promenade also hosts some of the most interesting events taking place in the city. The famous Nice Carnival and the Battle of Flowers take place here. In the summer, sit in a famous blue chair to contemplate the endless blue of the Baie des Anges.
