Yacht charter on the French Riviera between the glamor of the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival /

As the weather warms for summer in the Mediterranean, thoughts turn to the chic French Riviera for the season of events that attract celebrities and billionaires alike. Also known as the Côte d’Azur, this stunning stretch of coastline has been a symbol of glamor and luxury since the early 1900s and hosts the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix each year.

The annual Cannes Film Festival is arguably the most famous film festival in the world and its red carpets attract the crème de la crème of the film industry to show off their films and fashion. Once the movie credits roll, it’s all about the glitzy parties and the streets and hotels are packed with people looking to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars. Perhaps one of the most famous stars of her time was Grace Kelly and it was at a party during the 1955 Cannes Film Festival where she met Prince Rainer III of Monaco. Less than a year later, she returned to the Riviera to take her place as Princess Grace of Monaco.

The tiny principality of Monaco plays host to the annual Monaco Grand Prix, which takes place on the streets of Monte Carlo and is one of the most challenging Formula 1 races in the world, attracting the attention of motorsport enthusiasts and the rich and famous by the prestige of being trackside. A Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter is the ultimate way to experience this event. Not only can you watch the race from the comfort of your own yacht, but you can also enjoy the luxury amenities that come with it; sipping champagne while watching the cars race by or savoring a gourmet meal prepared by your personal chef while soaking up the electric atmosphere.

A yacht offers a quiet and private retreat from the crowds, where you can relax on deck, enjoy the view and perhaps anchor near famous faces. Chartering a luxury yacht is also a great way to entertain guests or clients if you are attending these events for business and offers impressive accommodation and unique event space all in one.

Away from the allure of these unique events and once the crowds have returned home, one of the French Riviera’s biggest draws is its stunning coastline. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in the world, with soft white sand and crystal clear waters lapping the shore. There are plenty of charming towns and villages with narrow streets, bustling markets and quaint cafes that complement the designer boutiques, luxury hotels and upscale restaurants of the larger towns.

Traveling along the coast on a luxury yacht offers the opportunity to experience all that the region has to offer and visit as many or as few places as you like, without having to drive the dizzying cliffside roads.

Monaco – a single principality

Despite its reputation as a playground for the wealthy, the principality of Monaco is a place of rich and vibrant local culture and is home to a great choice of clubs and bars, from rooftop lounges to intimate jazz clubs. The cuisine on offer is also delectable and varied with a wealth of world-class restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual beach cafes. Seafood is a special specialty, with fresh fish and shellfish caught daily from the Mediterranean. For those with a sweet tooth, Monaco’s famous patisseries offer a range of delicious treats from macaroons to croissants and the local specialty, fougasse.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Monaco is the Monte Carlo Casino. Opened in the mid-1800s, its ornate architecture and lavish interior make it a must-see for anyone visiting Monaco, even if they don’t intend to gamble. For those who do like to gamble, the casino offers a range of table games and slot machines, as well as a high stakes poker room.

Another must-visit attraction in Monaco is the Prince’s Palace. Perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, this beautiful palace has been the home of the ruling Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Visitors can tour the opulent staterooms of the palace, as well as the private quarters of the current prince and his family.

Cannes – a laid-back beach town… most of the time

Cannes is relatively quiet for most of the year and offers a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere where visitors can wander the narrow streets, stop at local shops and cafes or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Historic sites and cultural attractions include the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the iconic venue for the Cannes Film Festival, the Musée de la Castre, housed in a medieval castle overlooking the city, and the Musée de la Mer, which focuses on the city’s maritime history.

Moorings in the marina during the film festival are hard to come by, but at other times of the year a well-planned charter will have secured your position in advance so you can go ashore to enjoy the sites knowing your captain and crew waiting for you with a cold drink on your return.

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St Tropez – an international hotspot

The city of St. Tropez has a long history, but it was in the 1950s and 1960s that it became an international hot spot, attracting all the entertainment greats. With her 1950s film ‘And God Created Women’, Brigitte Bardot stepped onto French soil and, in effect, created the St Tropez as we know it today. The Côte d’Azur was turned into an exclusive resort for Hollywood’s elite, and Brigette later moved there permanently. Her name is etched into St. Tropez history – so much so that she was honored with a statue on her 83rd birthday.

Today, the city continues to be a center of luxury and style, with high-end fashion boutiques, world-class restaurants and exclusive clubs. And we can’t forget the beaches – Pampelonne Beach is the longest beach in St. Tropez, set in a beautiful, sheltered cove where you’ll find famous beach clubs such as Nikki Beach and Les Palmiers. A luxury charter yacht can anchor in the bay so guests can spend the day sunbathing on the deck, playing on the water toys, eating and drinking or going ashore to be seen at their favorite club. Those who arrive at the quay in an exclusive yacht tender are sure to attract attention.

The French Riviera is home to yachts of all shapes and sizes that can be chartered for a few days to attend one of the events or for a few weeks to combine business and pleasure, or even for a full tour of the Mediterranean during the summer months.

Trina Howes is a director of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with outstanding yachts at amazing prices – worldwide.

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