Joie de Vivre: French Riviera
Famous for its sweeping coastlines, picturesque harbour towns and heavenly food and wine, the French Riviera is synonymous with good times.
The jewel of the French Riviera, the Principality of Monaco, has long been recognised as the homeplace of the yachting community. World-renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants, haute couture shopping and red-hot Grand Prix circuit, it’s a magnet for rockstars and royalty. Cap-d’Ail sits pretty against a Mercantour Alps backdrop while Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat rewards with Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a palace with glorious gardens.
Love shopping? Both La Croisette in Cannes and the cobbled streets of Saint Tropez deliver high-end fashion straight from the runway, and, afterwards, Pampelonne Beach – with its A-list beach clubs – lies within easy reach. Across the Bay of Cannes, you’ll find Îles de Lérins, a cluster of islands cloaked in eucalyptus forest. In Nice, the colourful Cours Saleya is a must-visit, while in Antibes, the charming old town and Picasso Museum will satisfy culture-lovers.
Love shopping? Both La Croisette in Cannes and the cobbled streets of Saint Tropez deliver high-end fashion straight from the runway, and, afterwards, Pampelonne Beach – with its A-list beach clubs – lies within easy reach. Across the Bay of Cannes, you’ll find Îles de Lérins, a cluster of islands cloaked in eucalyptus forest. In Nice, the colourful Cours Saleya is a must-visit, while in Antibes, the charming old town and Picasso Museum will satisfy culture-lovers.
Expert Insight
“Explore the French Riviera on an unforgettable cruise to Saint Tropez. Soak in the sun at La Plage de Pampelonne, one of the region’s finest beaches. Indulge in a delightful lunch at Gigi Ramatuelle or Loulou Ramatuelle, and savour sushi and cocktails at Kinugawa Ramatuelle. For bouillabaisse enthusiasts, Plage du Layet’s Chez Jo restaurant is a must-visit, offering the iconic soup cooked on the terrace with a traditional fisherman’s touch. The broth boils intensely for 20 minutes, creating a flavourful masterpiece.
Venture to the Hyères Islands, particularly Porquerolles,
where turquoise waters and a Caribbean ambiance await. Explore the Carmignac Foundation’s contemporary art collection on the island. Cruise to Port-Cros island, nestled within a national reserve, offering opportunities for leisurely walks and the chance to admire marine species such as dolphins and birds.”
Natalia Sevastova, Charter Specialist, Athens
Venture to the Hyères Islands, particularly Porquerolles,
where turquoise waters and a Caribbean ambiance await. Explore the Carmignac Foundation’s contemporary art collection on the island. Cruise to Port-Cros island, nestled within a national reserve, offering opportunities for leisurely walks and the chance to admire marine species such as dolphins and birds.”
Natalia Sevastova, Charter Specialist, Athens
This is an extract taken from the Mediterranean destination feature in the 2024-2025 edition of LIVE THE EXCEPTIONAL, the Fraser Book of Luxury Yachting.
To discover our specialists’ insider tips for unmissable hotspots to experience in the stunning worldwide destinations you can explore by yacht, and find out what makes Fraser the number one choice for Owners, Charterers, Captains & Crew, read the full publication here.
To discover our specialists’ insider tips for unmissable hotspots to experience in the stunning worldwide destinations you can explore by yacht, and find out what makes Fraser the number one choice for Owners, Charterers, Captains & Crew, read the full publication here.
