French Riviera yacht charters cost €25,000–€500,000 ($27,000–$540,000) per week. Season runs May–September. Best ports: Monaco, Cannes, St Tropez, Antibes. Budget 30% of base rate for APA.
French Riviera Yacht Charter Guide 2025
Prices shown in EUR and USD. USD figures are approximate at €1 ≈ $1.08.
The French Riviera — Côte d'Azur — is the world's most glamorous superyacht destination. From Monaco to St Tropez, it combines the world's finest restaurants, iconic events like the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival, and the highest concentration of luxury superyachts anywhere on earth. This guide covers rates, ports, events, and everything a broker needs to know.
May–Sep
Season
€25k–€500k/wk
Base rate
30–35%
APA
7 nights
Min. charter
Key ports and anchorages
Monaco
Port Hercule · La Condamine
The ultimate superyacht postcode. Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit runs alongside the harbour. Port Hercule hosts 100+ superyachts in season. Booking a bow-to berth requires connections. Yacht Club de Monaco is the social hub.
Best for: Grand Prix, prestige, nightlife
Cannes
Port Pierre Canto · Port Vieux
Central Riviera base with superb provisioning, world-class restaurants, and easy access to the Lérins Islands and Esterel coast. Film Festival (May) and MIPIM week drive peak pricing. Short passage to Monaco or St Tropez.
Best for: Film Festival, convenience, families
St Tropez
Port de St Tropez · Pampelonne anchorage
The most fashionable address on the Riviera. Shallow harbour limits vessels over 60m to anchoring off Pampelonne Beach. Nikki Beach, Club 55, and Tahiti Beach are the social scene. Avoid late July–August peak unless booked 12+ months out.
Best for: Social scene, beach clubs, celebrities
Antibes & Cap Ferrat
Port Vauban · Cap Ferrat · Beaulieu
Port Vauban is Europe's largest superyacht marina (1,650 berths). Central to everything. Cap Ferrat offers secluded anchoring in the most exclusive peninsula on the Riviera — favoured by royalty and tech billionaires.
Best for: Longer stays, refit, family privacy
Key calendar events — book early
Cannes Film Festival
May
Port fills weeks before. Berths and vessels command 2–3× standard rates.
Monaco Grand Prix
May
The most sought-after week in superyacht chartering. Book 18+ months ahead.
Cannes Lions / MIPCOM
June / Oct
Corporate and media charter demand. Shorter 3–4 day charters common.
French Riviera charter rates by vessel size
EUR is contract currency. USD shown at €1 ≈ $1.08 for reference. Rates at peak events (Grand Prix, Film Festival) are typically 2–3× standard rates.
| Vessel size | Type | Rate/week (EUR / USD) | Total inc. 30% APA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–45m | Motor | €25k–€70k / $27k–$76k | €33k–€91k / $36k–$98k |
| 45–55m | Motor | €70k–€150k / $76k–$162k | €91k–€195k / $98k–$211k |
| 55–65m | Motor | €130k–€250k / $140k–$270k | €169k–€325k / $183k–$351k |
| 65–75m | Motor | €220k–€380k / $238k–$410k | €286k–€494k / $309k–$534k |
| 75m+ | Motor | €320k–€500k+ / $346k–$540k+ | €416k–€650k+ / $450k–$702k+ |
French Riviera charter — FAQ
What is the best time to charter a yacht on the French Riviera?
The French Riviera season runs May through September. The Cannes Film Festival (May) and Monaco Grand Prix (May) are iconic events that fill the coast and require bookings 12+ months in advance. July and August are peak summer. June and September offer full facilities with fewer crowds.
How much does a yacht charter on the French Riviera cost?
French Riviera charter rates range from €25,000 (~$27,000) per week for a 35m motor yacht to €500,000 (~$540,000) per week for an 80m+ flagship. Mid-range (50–60m motor yacht) typically runs €150,000–€280,000 (~$162,000–$302,000) per week plus APA of 30–35%. The Côte d'Azur commands a premium over Greece and Croatia.
Which ports and anchorages are best on the French Riviera?
Monaco is the most prestigious base — Port Hercule is the show-anchor of the superyacht world. Cannes (Port Pierre Canto) has excellent infrastructure and central location. St Tropez is glamorous but very shallow — large yachts anchor off Pampelonne. Antibes (Port Vauban) is the largest superyacht marina in the world by capacity. Cap Ferrat for secluded anchoring.
Is VAT charged on French Riviera yacht charters?
French VAT (10% on charters) applies to charters embarking in French waters. If the yacht leaves French territorial waters (12nm) for more than 50% of the charter, a reduced rate may apply. Your broker handles VAT documentation. APA is typically VAT-exempt. Monaco has its own VAT rules — confirm vessel flag and departure point.
Can a superyacht attend the Monaco Grand Prix?
Yes — many yachts book a grandstand position in Port Hercule, where the race circuit runs directly alongside the harbour. The best positions (Formula One side, tunnel exit) are allocated years in advance. Expect significant premiums: some 50m+ yachts gross over €1M per week during Grand Prix. Contact us 18–24 months ahead.
What is the minimum charter duration on the French Riviera?
7 nights is standard. During Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, 7-night minimums are mandatory and rates are substantially higher. Some yachts accept 3–5 night charters in June and September, usually with a premium of 10–20% over the pro-rata weekly rate.