Yacht charter in the South of France
Cruising the South of France on a crewed yacht combines coastal passages with established marinas along the French Riviera and the Îles d'Hyères. The region suits guests looking for historic ports, protected anchorages, and straightforward shore access. Distances between cruising hubs are short, allowing flexible itineraries between bustling harbours such as Cannes and Monaco, and quiet natural anchorages around offshore islands and coastal reserves.
Best time to charter
The primary charter season runs from May to October. July and August are hot and dry, bringing crowded anchorages and peak marina occupancy. May, June, and September offer milder temperatures and lighter maritime traffic, accompanied by regular afternoon sea breezes. October brings quieter waters but an increased chance of rain. The Mistral wind can affect western areas around the Golfe de Saint-Tropez, producing sudden, strong north-westerly conditions.
Anchorages and harbours to know
Îles de Lérins
The sound between Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat offers a sandy seabed for daytime anchoring with shelter from southerly swells.
Rade de Villefranche
This deep natural bay provides reliable shelter from westerly and easterly winds, though depths require sufficient chain for secure anchoring.
Baie de Port-Man, Port-Cros
Located within the national park, this sheltered bay features organised mooring buoys to protect the surrounding Posidonia seagrass meadows.
Baie des Canebiers
Positioned just east of Saint-Tropez, this wide bay provides good holding on sand and shelter from prevailing westerly winds.
Anse de Pampelonne
This expansive roadstead south of Saint-Tropez provides good holding on sand, suitable for day anchoring in settled summer conditions.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) and Marseille Provence (MRS). Cannes and Antibes are about 20–30 minutes from Nice; Saint-Tropez is about 1.5 hours from Nice by road or 20 minutes by helicopter.
- Charter tax: French VAT of about 20% is usually added to the charter fee (Can be reduced pro rata for documented time outside EU waters.).
- Fly into Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) or Marseille Provence (MRS); Cannes and Antibes are 20–30 minutes from Nice, while Saint-Tropez is 1.5 hours by road or 20 minutes by helicopter.
- Strict anchoring regulations protect Posidonia seagrass along the coast; always consult official maritime prefecture charts to avoid dropping anchor in banned zones, which risk severe penalties.
- High-season marina berths in destinations like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco should be arranged well in advance through your crew due to limited availability.
- Observe the strict five-knot speed limit within the 300-metre coastal zone and use designated buoyed channels when bringing tenders ashore.