A yacht charter on the French Riviera and in Monaco is mostly a crewed, luxury affair: a recent motor yacht of about 26 metres starts around €55,000 a week before VAT and expenses, and newer 30-metre yachts run €75,000–€110,000. The season runs from May to September, with June and September the most pleasant months, and the calendar is shaped by events: the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix in late spring, the Monaco Yacht Show in September.
Between Monaco and Saint-Tropez the coast is short enough to cover in a week, with glamorous harbours, island anchorages and some of the most famous beaches in the Mediterranean. This guide covers the areas, prices, events and rules to plan a yacht charter on the Côte d’Azur in 2027. To compare it with our other destinations side by side, see our yacht charter destinations guide.
| Typical week (crewed motor yacht) | From about €55,000 for 26 m; €75,000–€110,000 for a recent 30 m |
| On top of the charter fee | VAT of 20% in France, plus an APA of 30–40% for fuel, food and berths |
| Season | May to September |
| Best months | June and September |
| Main wind | The mistral from the north-west, strongest in the western part of the coast |
| Main bases | Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Golfe-Juan, Saint-Tropez |
| Key events | Cannes Film Festival (May), Monaco Grand Prix (late spring), Monaco Yacht Show (September), Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (late September–October) |
| When to book | Event weeks sell out up to a year ahead |
Where to sail on the French Riviera
Most charters cruise between Monaco and Saint-Tropez, less than 50 nautical miles apart, with the Hyères Islands as a quieter extension to the west.
| Character | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco and Nice | Port Hercule, Villefranche bay and Cap Ferrat | Grand Prix weekends, glamour, shore life |
| Cannes and Antibes | The Croisette, Juan-les-Pins and the Lérins Islands just offshore | Festival week, swimming stops, easy day trips |
| Saint-Tropez | The old port and the Pampelonne beach clubs | Beach clubs, the most famous summer scene |
| Hyères Islands | Porquerolles and Port-Cros National Park | Nature, clear water, a quieter end to the week |
Highlights of a Riviera yacht charter
The Monaco Grand Prix on a yacht
Watching the race from a yacht moored in Port Hercule is one of the most sought-after charter experiences in the world, and is booked far in advance.
Cannes and the Lérins Islands
Anchor between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, a few minutes from the Croisette, for the calmest swim on this stretch of coast.
Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne
Lunch at a Pampelonne beach club, then the evening in the old port.
How much does a yacht charter on the French Riviera cost in 2027?
Crewed charters here follow the MYBA system: a weekly base rate, plus VAT, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) paid upfront for running costs, with any unspent APA refunded.
| Typical weekly base rate | |
|---|---|
| Crewed motor yacht, about 26 m (2015) | About €55,000 |
| Crewed motor yacht, 30 m (2023–2024) | €75,000–€110,000 |
| All-in example, high-spec 30 m | About €135,000 including VAT and APA |
- VAT: 20% on charters starting in France.
- APA: 30–40% of the base rate, for fuel, food, drinks and berths.
- Crew gratuity: customary, usually agreed at the end of the charter.
- Event premiums: Grand Prix and festival weeks cost more and often require longer minimum stays.
Day charters and smaller sailing yachts or catamarans are also available along the coast, and a few bases offer bareboat yachts, but the Riviera is first and foremost a crewed-charter destination.
Events that shape the charter season
| When | What it means for a charter | |
|---|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival | May | Cannes berths and anchorages are in high demand |
| Monaco Grand Prix | Late spring | Berths in Port Hercule sell out up to a year ahead |
| Monaco Yacht Show | September | The yachting industry’s main show; Monaco is busy all week |
| Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez | Late September to October | Classic and modern yachts race in the bay |
Best time to charter a yacht on the French Riviera
| Conditions | Crowds | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Water around 19°C; event season | High around events | High for event weeks |
| June | Warm, long days | Moderate | High |
| July | Hot, water around 25°C | High | Peak |
| August | Hottest and busiest | Peak | Peak |
| September | Warmest water, softer light, fewer crowds | Moderate | High |
| October | Mild, some unsettled days | Low | Lower |
Sample 7-day itinerary: Monaco to Saint-Tropez
- Day 1: Monaco. Board in Port Hercule and dine ashore.
- Day 2: Monaco to Villefranche. Cap Ferrat and the bay of Villefranche.
- Day 3: Villefranche to Antibes. The old town and the Cap d’Antibes.
- Day 4: Antibes to the Lérins Islands. Swim and anchor off Cannes.
- Day 5: Lérins to Saint-Tropez. Along the red rocks of the Estérel.
- Day 6: Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne. Beach clubs by day, the old port by night.
- Day 7: Saint-Tropez to Porquerolles, or back east. End the week in the Hyères Islands or return towards Cannes.
Practical information
- Crewed is the norm: no licence is needed; the captain handles navigation and berths.
- Berths: Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez are busy all summer, so your broker or captain books ahead.
- Mistral: it can blow for several days, especially west of Saint-Tropez; a good captain adapts the route.
- Airports: Nice Côte d’Azur is the main gateway for Monaco, Cannes and Antibes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a yacht on the French Riviera?
A crewed motor yacht of about 26 metres starts around €55,000 a week before VAT and expenses, and a recent 30-metre yacht costs €75,000–€110,000. Add 20% VAT and an APA of 30–40% for running costs.
Can you watch the Monaco Grand Prix from a yacht?
Yes. Yachts moored in Port Hercule overlook the circuit, but berths are limited and sell out up to a year ahead, usually with a minimum charter length and a premium on the price.
Can you charter a bareboat yacht on the French Riviera?
A few bases offer bareboat sailing yachts, but most charters on the Riviera are crewed. A recognised licence is needed for bareboat.
What is APA on a Riviera yacht charter?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance, usually 30–40% of the charter fee, paid upfront to cover fuel, food, drinks and berths. Any unspent amount is refunded at the end.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in the South of France?
June and September for good weather with fewer crowds, or May for the event season. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months.
Where do Riviera yacht charters start?
Usually Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes or Saint-Tropez. Nice airport is the main gateway for the eastern part of the coast.