France Yacht Charter

The large marina in Antibes, France has a view of the castle.

France has a rich sailing heritage and offers yacht charter on two coasts. The best time of year for yacht chartering in France is from April to October.

View yachts for charter in France

The most popular yacht charter route in the Western Mediterranean is along the Côte d’Azur in the South of France. Many of the world’s largest, most impressive megayachts call this region home from May through September, so much so that captains give it the nickname “the Milk Run.” (Read “Yacht Charter France: the Mediterranean Milk Run.“)

The ports in Cannes and Monaco draw noteworthy megayachts for the annual Film Festival and Grand Prix, while the port in Antibes is home to so many marvelous yachts that it has a dock known as Billionaire’s Row. From these locations, charter itineraries can include historic coastline stops such as Nice and St. Tropez.

Many ports are large enough to house a fleet of superyachts, but smaller boats can also find their way along the rocky shorelines and outlying islands.  Bareboat and crewed charter options abound, especially between Marseilles and Nice.  Because August is a vacation month for most French, reservations should be made well ahead of time.

The Atlantic coast of France is ruggedly beautiful, and home to a number of great charter bases.  The Gulf of Morbihan offers a warm, sunny climate, uninhabited islands with white sandy beaches, and well protected anchorages. It is possible to cruise right up several rivers in the area to explore some of the beautiful old towns.  Bareboat and crewed charters are available, on many different kinds of boats.  High season runs from May to September.

Yachts available for charter in France: