Luxury South of France Yacht Charter

Chartering the Riviera, Provence Coast and Corsica by Yacht

A South of France yacht charter can run from the Riviera’s event harbours to the quieter coastline west of Saint-Tropez. From Monaco, Cannes and Cap Ferrat to the Calanques, Bandol, Cassis, the Îles d’Hyères and Corsica, a single route can include harbour life, protected anchorages, limestone inlets, vineyards, classic sailing and hill towns above the sea.

Pelorus plans the details that change how the region is experienced: berth planning during major events, tender access into protected coves, private guides, classic car logistics, restaurant reservations, private aviation and yacht selection. A morning might begin at anchor off Porquerolles, continue into the Calanques by tender, then end with dinner above the coast or an evening off Cap Ferrat.

Plan Your South of France Charter

Why Charter a Yacht in the South of France?

  • The South of France works well by yacht because the distances are short, but the range of experiences is unusually broad: event harbours, protected islands, limestone inlets, vineyards and open-water passages can all sit within one charter.

  • A yacht puts you close to places that are difficult to experience properly from land, including the limestone inlets of the Calanques, the Îles de Lérins, Cap Ferrat, Porquerolles and quieter anchorages beyond Saint-Tropez.

  • During the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival or Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the yacht becomes a private base for hosting, dining and stepping away between events.

  • Days ashore can be planned with the same precision as time on the water, from private guides and restaurant reservations to classic cars, cellar appointments, perfume workshops and event access.

  • For longer charters, Corsica changes the scale of the route. Cap Corse, Calvi and the Gulf of Porto bring open-water passages, red cliffs, deeper bays and harbour towns backed by mountains.

Best Experiences Along the Riviera and Provence Coast

The most interesting South of France yacht charters are built around access. From the yacht, guests can enter protected inlets by tender, step ashore to a classic car waiting at the quay, reach cellar doors inland, host during Riviera events or continue towards Corsica with the crossing planned around yacht capability, season and conditions.

Best Experiences Along the Riviera and Provence Coast

The most interesting South of France yacht charters are built around access. From the yacht, guests can enter protected inlets by tender, step ashore to a classic car waiting at the quay, reach cellar doors inland, host during Riviera events or continue towards Corsica with the crossing planned around yacht capability, season and conditions.

Classic Cars and Coastal Roads

A Porsche 356 Speedster, Ferrari 246 GT Dino or Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing can be delivered to the quay for a day on the Riviera’s most atmospheric roads. Follow the Corniches between Nice and Menton, trace the headlands of Cap d’Antibes and Cap Ferrat, or climb towards the hill villages above Grasse.

The drive can be guided or taken independently, with the car waiting close to the yacht and time to return to the water for dinner on board or an evening at anchor.

The Calanques by Tender

Between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques cut into the coast in white limestone cliffs, narrow inlets and clear water below the cliffs. Arrive by tender with a local guide to enter selected calanques, swim beneath the rock faces, snorkel in sheltered coves and explore sea caves before returning to the yacht for lunch on board.

From there, continue towards Cassis for time in the harbour or a vineyard visit above the bay. In high summer, access to the national park is carefully managed, so timing, local guidance and permitted access need to be planned carefully.

Wine From the Water: Bandol, Cassis and the Islands

The vineyards of Provence sit unusually close to the sea, which makes wine a natural part of a yacht charter along this coast. Anchor off Bandol for a private tasting at Domaine Tempier, continue to Cassis for mineral white wines grown above the Calanques, or visit the Îles des Embiez, where vines and marine research share the same island setting.

Wine can sit within the day rather than pulling the charter inland for hours: a cellar appointment after a morning swim, a harbour lunch in Cassis, or a tasting above Bandol before returning to the yacht for the evening.

The Riviera Events Circuit by Yacht

The Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez are among the busiest weeks for yachts, berths and hospitality on the Riviera. A yacht gives guests a private base close to the harbour, with space to host on board, dine between events and return to the water when the shore is at its busiest.

Pelorus can support the practical details behind these weeks, from berth requests and hospitality access to restaurant reservations, private aviation, drivers and tender movements between the yacht and shore.

Corsica by Yacht

Corsica suits longer South of France yacht charters when there is enough time to cross from the mainland coast. Cap Corse, Calvi and the Gulf of Porto bring Genoese watchtowers, red volcanic cliffs, deeper bays and harbour towns backed by mountains.

For guests who want more than the Riviera ports, Corsica adds open-water sailing, swimming beneath cliff-backed anchorages and a more rugged end to the route.

The Riviera Under Sail

Between Cannes, Saint-Tropez, the Îles d’Hyères and Corsica, a sailing yacht makes the passages themselves part of the charter: time on deck, anchoring off the islands, swimming from the yacht and longer routes that matter as much as the ports.

Classic and performance sailing yachts, including .ELENA OF LONDON and MES AMIS, work well for guests who want time under sail rather than a charter led mainly by marina calls

Perfume, Vineyards and the Côte d’Azur Hinterland

The Riviera’s coastline sits close to hill towns, vineyards and craft traditions that give the charter more than a coastline-only focus. Step ashore for Grasse, Bellet or Nice Old Town before returning to the water by evening.

In Grasse, work with a master perfumer to create a personal fragrance from rare essences. Above Nice, visit Château de Crémat in the Bellet hills for organic wines and Roman-built cellars, or explore Nice Old Town through a private rosé tasting paired with Niçoise street food.

Where to Charter Along the Riviera, Provence Coast and Corsica?

The route can lean in different directions: Riviera events and restaurants, Provence’s limestone coast and vineyards, or Corsica’s longer passages and rugged anchorages.

The French Riviera

Best for events, culture and coastal access

The Riviera works by yacht because Cannes, Antibes, Cap Ferrat, Monaco and Saint-Tropez can each lead to a different kind of day. Begin with the Îles de Lérins off Cannes, where Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat sit close to the harbour, then continue towards Cap d’Antibes for swimming, coastal walks and the Picasso Museum.

Monaco places the yacht close to Port Hercule and the Grand Prix circuit,while Saint-Tropez is especially compelling during Les Voiles, when classic yachts return to the gulf. Between them, Cap Ferrat, Villefranche and the Corniche roads allow for private swimming, classic car drives, long lunches and evenings back on board

The Calanques and Provence Coast

Best for wild coastline and inland culture

West of the Riviera, the coastline becomes more rugged, with the Calanques cutting between Marseille and Cassis in steep limestone inlets. This stretch suits charters focused on clear water, protected coves and food and wine through Cassis and Bandol.

Further south, the Îles d’Hyères add Porquerolles for cycling and beaches, Port-Cros for protected waters and diving, and quieter anchorages between more active days ashore.

Corsica

Best for sailing, remoteness and unspoiled coastline

Corsica gives the route more open water, wilder coastline and longer passages. Cap Corse brings a dramatic northern coastline and Genoese watchtowers, Calvi offers a harbour backed by mountains, and the Gulf of Porto introduces red cliffs, clear water and deep bays.

A sailing yacht makes the crossing part of the charter, while a motor yacht gives more time for swimming, coastal walks, harbour lunches and evenings at anchor once there. Corsica needs enough time to enjoy the passage rather than simply add another stop.

Yachts Suited to the Riviera, Provence Coast and Corsica

A luxurious yacht anchored in clear turquoise waters, with two small sailboats nearby. The yacht features multiple decks and is equipped with various water toys. Palm trees and a sandy beach are visible in the background.
BOLD
From 875,000 EUR • 85.3M • 12 Guests
Sleek white yacht sailing through vibrant turquoise water under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
KAMALAYA
From 170,352 USD • 56M • 12 Guests
KING BENJI can accommodate 10 guests in 5 luxurious cabins.
KING BENJI
From 250,000 USD • 47M • 10 Guests
ELENA of LONDON
From USD • 55M • 10 Guests
Large sailing yacht named MES AMIS with tall white sails gliding past a steep rocky cliff topped with a lighthouse.
MES AMIS
From 155,000 USD • 44M • 10 Guests
A large white yacht anchored in calm blue waters, with two wooden boats approaching it. A lush green hillside with buildings is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
CHRISTINA O
From 700,000 EUR • 99.13M • 34 Guests
RIANA
From 70,000 EUR • 42M • 10 Guests
Large white classic motor yacht named SHERAKHAN cruising on deep blue water under a clear sky.
SHERAKHAN
From 595,000 EUR • 69.65M • 26 Guests
OKTO superyacht luxury yachting with a pool aboard
OKTO
From 480,000 USD • 66.4M • 11 Guests
DELTA ONE
From 145,000 EUR • 38M • 10 Guests
A sleek sailing yacht anchored in turquoise waters, with a backdrop of lush green mountains and a clear blue sky.
BLISS
From 80,400 USD • 36.7M • 10 Guests
High-angle view of a luxury motor yacht SEVEN SINS with a glass-bottom pool on the deck and a fold-out beach club.
SEVEN SINS
From 300,000 EUR • 52M • 10 Guests

Why Charter This Coastline with Pelorus?

Tender Access to the Calanques and Offshore Islands

Yacht Selection for Riviera Events, Sailing and Longer Routes

Berths, Hospitality and Restaurant Reservations

Private Aviation, Drivers, Guides and Cellar Appointments

Bespoke Yacht Charters for Families, Couples and Groups

FAMILIES

For families, the region suits itineraries that mix active mornings with slower afternoons. A charter can combine shallow-water swimming off Porquerolles, tender exploration in the Calanques, cycling on car-free islands, beginner-friendly snorkelling at Port-Cros and a private perfume workshop in Grasse.

Pelorus can pair guides, tenders and family-friendly stops so children can swim, cycle, snorkel or explore with a guide while adults still have time for sailing, restaurants, wine estates and quieter evenings on board.

COUPLES

For couples, the South of France offers privacy on board and carefully chosen time ashore. Sail between Cap d’Antibes and Saint-Tropez, spend the evening at Mirazur in Menton, or continue towards Corsica for a quieter, more remote stretch of coast.

For honeymoons, anniversaries or time away together, the charter can centre on smaller anchorages, private transfers, sailing time, long lunches and restaurants chosen for the reason they are travelling.

GROUPS

might be spent driving classic cars along the Corniche roads, followed by a private wine tasting in Bandol, dinner on board or a night ashore during Cannes, Monaco or Saint-Tropez events.

Pelorus can handle the practical details behind the charter, from berth planning and drivers to guides, restaurant reservations and tender movements, so guests can split off and come back together without making the itinerary feel fragmented.

The Best Time to Charter in the South of France

May - June: May and June are ideal for those who want the Riviera at its most animated. With the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix taking place in close succession, this is one of the busiest and most sought-after periods on the coast, while longer days and early-season warmth allow time at anchor between events. Berths, hospitality and private aviation should be planned well in advance.

July - August: July and August bring peak summer conditions, warm water and the greatest demand for yachts, berths and restaurants. The most popular anchorages fill quickly, and access to the Calanques is more tightly managed. This period needs careful routing, early reservations and flexibility around quieter anchorages.

September - October: eptember and early October suit warm-water charters with fewer peak-season pressures. The coast is calmer than in July and August, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez brings classic sailing back to the gulf, and routes towards Corsica, the Îles d’Hyères and the Provence coast often bring more comfortable passages and less pressure on anchorages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Calanques national park between Marseille and Cassis restricts visitor numbers and overnight anchoring in certain zones during summer. A private yacht with the right permits, arranged in advance, can anchor in bays that day visitors and walking parties cannot reach. Pelorus handles the permit applications before the group arrives.

The Cannes Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez bring the Riviera to its peak each year. A luxury superyacht charter on the French Riviera gives you a private base for all three, with marina bookings, event credentials and hospitality arranged around the yacht before you step on board.

Sailing yachts suit the passages between Saint-Tropez, the Îles d’Hyères and Corsica, where the prevailing wind runs with the route and the sailing is the experience rather than the means of getting there. ELENA OF LONDON, a performance schooner built to the lines of a 1928 Transatlantic Race winner, and MES AMIS, an award-winning sailing yacht built for Mediterranean passages, both operate in these waters.

Motor yachts are better suited to charters that combine multiple Riviera events or cover more of the coastline in a shorter timeframe, such as Monaco, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, the Calanques and the Îles d’Hyères within one route. SEAWOLF and KAMALAYA both work well for guests who want to balance event access, time at anchor and longer coastal passages. Pelorus works across both sailing and motor yachts, advising on the vessel that best fits the route, season and style of charter.

Yes. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport handles private aviation and is fifteen minutes from Port Vauban in Antibes. Cannes Mandelieu is closer to the Croisette waterfront. Monaco Heliport connects directly to Port Hercule for groups arriving by helicopter from Geneva, Milan or London. Pelorus arranges the aviation transfers and times the yacht's arrival to meet the group at the dock.

Port-Cros, a car-free island in the Îles d'Hyères, is one of the finest dive sites in the Mediterranean. The underwater trail at the Sentier de la Palud, the Dalles de Bagaud and the Rocher de la Gabinière are all within the Port-Cros National Park. Pelorus arranges private diving sessions at Port-Cros, including access to free-diving world champion Stéphane Mifsud, as part of the charter programme.

The region is particularly strong for food and wine experiences that can be built around the yacht’s position. Anchor off Bandol for a private tasting at Domaine Tempier, continue to Cassis for white wines grown above the Calanques, or head inland from Nice for a private rosé tasting paired with Niçoise street food. For a more formal evening ashore, dinner at Mirazur in Menton can be arranged with a private car collecting you from the dock.

Cellar access, drivers, tender timings and restaurant bookings can be arranged so the day flows naturally from yacht to shore and back again.

Yes. Port Hercule sits directly below the circuit and several sections of the race are visible from the water. Pelorus secures berths in Port Hercule for Grand Prix weekend, alongside grandstand access and hospitality arrangements. The marina fills completely for race weekend and berth allocation is managed by the Monaco authorities, lead times of twelve months or more are standard for the best positions.

Cliff jumping at the Giens peninsula, an underwater snorkelling trail at Port-Cros shallow enough for beginners, a private perfume workshop in Grasse where children create their own fragrance from a selection of rare essences, e-bike rides through the Maures massif and tender expeditions into the Calanques sea caves. The South of France has more for children than most families realise, and a private yacht reaches the parts of it that hotels cannot.

Through Pelorus Junior, children follow their own age-appropriate programme on board alongside the main itinerary: treasure hunts, underwater discovery sessions and storytelling built around the coastline they are sailing through. For families travelling with particularly curious young minds, the Curious Minds programme turns the charter into a voyage of genuine discovery.

Why We Love the South of France

The South of France is well known, but a yacht can make it feel less predictable. One charter can include Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez alongside the limestone inlets of the Calanques, the vineyards above Bandol and Cassis, the protected waters of the Îles d’Hyères and, with the right yacht and season, Corsica.

Pelorus makes those combinations practical. A charter might require a berth during the Monaco Grand Prix, tender access into the Calanques, a classic car delivered to the quay, a cellar appointment in Bandol, a private flight into Nice or Cannes, and restaurant reservations that fit the yacht’s position. Those details move the charter beyond the expected Riviera circuit.

Design Your Riviera and Provence Yacht Charter

From Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez to the Calanques, Bandol, Cassis, the Îles d’Hyères and Corsica, our team can bring together the right yacht, berths, guides, private aviation, tender access and time ashore.

Plan Your South of France Charter