Yacht on the Cote d'Azur 2026: your personal pass to the world that tourists do not see

Imagine waking up not in a hotel, but in the cabin of a yacht gently rocking on the waves. The view from the porthole is not of the parking lot, but of the rocky Cape of Antibes or the sparkling white yachts in the Bay of Saint Tropez. You go out on deck, drink your morning coffee and decide where to go today: to a secluded bay on Cap d’Antibes or directly towards the luxurious Monaco. This is not a scene from a movie, but a reality when you rent a yacht on the French Riviera.

In 2026, this will not be a luxury for the elite, but the most logical way to see Côte d’Azur. Because the Cote d’Azur from the water is a completely different world, where you avoid traffic jams on the Corniche, crowds on the promenades and get access to those beaches and restaurants that can only be accessed from the sea.

Where to start: where and which yacht to rent on the Cote d’Azur

The Cote d’Azur is a series of famous marinas, and the atmosphere of the entire trip depends on the choice of the port of departure.

Cannes (Port Canto, Port Pierre Canto) is the perfect start for those who want glamour. Here you will feel the spirit of the film festival. Renting a yacht in Cannes is an opportunity to dock right in front of the Palais des Festivals and go for dinner to a restaurant that is difficult to get to from the land. Prices here are traditionally among the highest, but the choice of vessels — from modern sailboats to luxury motor yachts — is huge.

Antibes (Port Vauban) is one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean Sea and, perhaps, the most convenient and “democratic” marina for rent. It combines the historical charm of the old town with a well-developed infrastructure. From here you can easily reach Cap d’Antibes with its wild coves, Nice and Juan les Pins. This is often where you can find the best value for money on a ship.

The Port de Saint-Tropez is an icon of style and a point of attraction for the most beautiful yachts in the world. Yacht rental in Saint Tropez is a status. The marina is located in the heart of the city, and standing here at the pier, you find yourself in the epicenter of social life. Ideal for a short but intense cruise along the beaches of Pampelonne and Canadier Bay. It is important to remember that during the peak season (July-August) it can be incredibly crowded.

What to choose: a sailing yacht, a motor yacht or a catamaran?

• Sailing yacht (Voilier) — for connoisseurs of silence, wind in sails and authentic sea experience. This is the choice for those who are not chasing speed, but want to enjoy a smooth glide through the azure water. Ideal for trips from Cannes to the islands of Lerain.
• The motor yacht (Yacht à moteur) is the king of the Cote d’Azur. Speed, comfort, the ability to quickly get from Nice to Monaco for lunch and back by sunset. It is often equipped with spacious sun decks, a Jacuzzi and convenient access to the water (a bathing platform).
• Catamaran — stability and space. It almost does not tilt, which is important for those who suffer from motion sickness, or for families with young children. The wide cockpit and the springboard between the buildings are an ideal relaxation area for the company.

Dream route: a week from Cannes to Mentone

Here is an example of an ideal weekly itinerary that covers all the best.

Day 1-2: Cannes and the Leraine Islands. Start in Cannes. The first crossing is a short one, to the islands of Lérin (Îles de Lérins). Saint-Honorat with its monastery and fort, and Saint-Marguerite, where the Iron Mask languished. The perfect place for a first night at anchor away from the hustle and bustle.

Day 3: Antibes and Cap d’Antibes. Transfer to Antibes. In the afternoon, explore the rocky coves of Cap d’Antibes and swim in the crystal clear waters. In the evening, dinner in the old town of Antibes or mooring at the prestigious Port de la Galère marina.

Day 4: Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Sailing along the Promenade des Anglais of Nice with access to the open sea. Day stay in one of the most beautiful and deepest bays — Villefranche-sur-Mer. The bright facades of the houses, descending to the water, create a unique picture.

Day 5-6: Monaco and Cape Ferrat. Visit to the Principality of Monaco. Mooring at Port Hercule is a separate adventure. Next, transfer to Cap Ferrat with its villa-museums and expensive restaurants. You can anchor at Paloma Beach.

Day 7: Menton and return. The peaceful city of Menton with its lemon orchards will be a great starting point before returning to the departure port.

Prices in 2026: how much does it cost to rent a yacht on the Cote d’Azur?

Prices vary greatly depending on the season, the type and size of the yacht, as well as the port.

• Low season (April, May, October): 40-45 ft sailing yacht rental with a captain — from 5,000 € per week.
• High season (June-September): The same yacht will cost from 8,000 to 15,000 euros per week.
• Peak season (July-August, regattas, Cannes Film Festival): Prices can be 30-50% higher. Renting a 60+ ft motor yacht will easily exceed €25,000 per week.

Important: Additional costs (APA) are always added to the base cost: provisions, fuel, port fees (from 50 to 200 € per night in a prestigious marina). The APA budget is at least 20-30% of the charter cost.

The main question is: rent with a captain or self-driving?

Independent rental (Bareboat) is possible only if you have a valid captain’s certificate (for example, an ICC international certificate) and proven experience. Navigation on the Cote d’Azur is considered difficult: busy traffic, many shallow areas, strict marina rules. Charter companies will carefully check your experience. This option is suitable for experienced yachtsmen who want complete freedom.

Skippered Charter is the most popular and reasonable choice for 99% of guests. A captain is not just a skipper, but your guide, translator, and problem solver. He knows how to book a table in a crowded restaurant on the waterfront in Villefranche-sur-Mer, where to anchor for lunch in a quiet bay, and guide the yacht according to all the rules of local navigation. You can relax and enjoy your vacation.

Five tips from Anyships for those who book for the first time

Book now. For 2026, the most sought-after yachts in Cannes and Saint Tropez during the peak season (July-August) are dismantled in a year and a half. In the fall of 2025, the choice will be limited.

Read the contract carefully. Please specify what exactly is included in the price: bed linen, final cleaning, insurance (what is the deductible?), captain’s services. Clearly state the cancellation conditions.

Don’t skimp on marinades. An overnight stay in the famous marina is part of the experience of the Cote d’Azur. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s safe, comfortable, and gives you direct access to the best restaurants.

Discuss everything with the captain before departure. Route, food preferences, budget for provisions, special requests (for example, a visit to the winery).

Insure your liability. Make sure that your travel insurance covers the yacht rental. Consider additional insurance in case of cancellation of the trip.

Renting a yacht on the Cote d’Azur means choosing freedom, privacy and a unique perspective. Anyships works with trusted partners in all key marinas in France. We will not only find you a ship, but we will help you set a route, avoiding the most crowded places, and we will take over all negotiations with the charter company. Send us a request and we will prepare for you several carefully selected options for 2026.