Glamour, charm, and glitz are synonymous with the French Riviera, but beyond these is its magnificent coastline. Cote d’Azur, as it is also referred to, is home to some of the best sailing destinations in the world. It is situated in the southeast of France, spanning from the French-Italian border in the east to Toulon and Hyères in the west. Cote d’Azur gets its name from its blue-colored sea, and it has a variety of luxury yachts and harbors in almost every city, like Monaco, Cannes, and St Tropez. These places undoubtedly make sailing an incredibly fun activity when discovering the area on the water.

From Marseille to Nice, to Monaco, to Cannes, and even the Ventimiglia, you can have unforgettable sailing tours. While the city waterways are stunning sail spots, islands like Île de Porquerolles, Île du Levant, and Île Sainte-Marguerite are absolutely delightful as well.

Here are Some of the Best Sailing Destinations on the French Riviera:

Monaco

Monaco is the perfect place to start your French Riviera sailing expedition. This destination is one of the world’s most glamorous cities. While anchored in an isolated cove, take in the South European sun and experience the fantastic restaurants and cafes around. A visit during the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix of the Formula 1 race is bound to excite both the young and old.

Most boat tours are day trips and usually anchor for a while so people can enjoy Monaco’s brilliant scenery. These trips also usually include the chance to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. Sunset cruises can be booked in the evening, when you can enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine. 

Monaco offers a wide range of vessels, including catamarans, motorboats, and sailboats of various shapes, sizes, and prices. For water sports, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and special boat trips are available, and some even have glass bottoms so guests can explore the fish and marine life below. Thrill seekers will have a lot to do in Monaco.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Destinations in Europe

Beaulieu Sur Mer

Regarded by many travelers to be the Riviera’s ‘secret’ getaway, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is one of France’s smallest villages. It has beautiful sun-kissed beaches- that can be enjoyed all year round- with colorful seaside gardens and centuries-old olive groves for immediate relaxation. After resting, sample the cuisine that Beaulieu-sur-Mer has to offer, from Michelin-starred restaurants to small cafés that offer only the freshest local dishes.

The village is located on the French Riviera, 5 miles southwest of the port of Nice and 11 miles northeast of Menton. Preferred by wealthy European aristocrats and American millionaires (such as the legendary Gordon Bennett) in the late 1800s, the city lies at the bottom of a wide bay surrounded by the natural elevation of Cap Ferrat to the west and Cap d’Ail to the east. Plus, a good rail connection and easy access to Nice International Airport, 7 miles to the west. Beaulieu has a large marina with 723 berths and a busy wharf capable of lifting vessels of about 100 tons.

Villefranche-Sur-Mer

Nestled in Cote d’Azur, Villefranche-sur-Mer is an idyllic destination for sailing. It is a natural deep-sea port about four miles east of Nice, so it is usually used as a mooring for cruise ships too large to call Nice. A settlement founded in 1295 by Charles II, Duke of Anjou, the city was granted free port status at its foundation. The subsequent history of the city is closely related to that of Nice, which eventually became part of the French Republic in 1860.

By the late 1800s, Villefranche-Sur-Mer had become an important Russian naval base, and like Nice and Cannes further west, wealthy members of the Russian and other European nobility flocked to enjoy the mild winter climate. 

Meanwhile, from the end of World War II until 1966, Villefranche was the homeport of the US 6th Fleet. Notable former residents of Villefranche include Katherine Mansfield, Jean Cocteau, Tina Turner, and Rolling Stone’s Keith Richards. For boaters, there is a small marina in the Bay of Villefranche, but it rarely receives visitors during the season.

After sailing through the fascinating expanse of water at Villefranche-Sur-Mer, discover the city’s palm-featured streets and other gems to have a remarkable experience in this part of the Riviera. 

Cannes

What comes to mind when you hear ‘Cannes’? For lovers of cinema, we bet it is the yearly film festival. Nevertheless, for boaters, it’s the pristine turquoise waters that are begging to be sailed over. In Cannes, you will find coves and beaches, magnificent cliff edges, and clear waters as you explore the city’s inviting coastline from a vessel.

Going for a boat trip here, ensure you anchor at intervals to absorb the breathtaking views the destination has to offer. These trips typically include swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. Sunset cruises can be booked in the evenings to enjoy a glass of bubbly scenery and even dinner, sometimes. Thrill-seekers can get an adrenaline rush on board a speedboat too. 

Cannes has an expansive variety of vessels, including motor boats, catamarans, and sailing yachts of all shapes, sizes, and prices. Snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and specific water sports boat tours are available. Some have glass bottoms, so you can explore the fish and marine life below. 

Please note that some companies will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the starting point. Meals and drinks may be included in the tour price. Otherwise, boats usually have a bar on board where you can buy drinks. Regardless of your budget, sailing in Cannes is one of the most cost-effective and organized ones on the French Riviera.

>>Also Read: Best Places to Live on a Boat in Europe

Antibes

Perfectly situated between Cannes and Nice, the beguiling city of Antibes is an excellent place to kick off your sailing expedition in southern France. Despite being a port city since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, it was only until a little over 50 years ago that it became a mecca for sailing yachts and superyachts.

These super vessels line the International Quay like white palaces worth fortunes. It is easy to rent a day boat and spend the day exploring the phenomenal Cap d’Antibes, where wealthy personalities and ancient aristocrats owned enormous villas rising above the sea.

There are gorgeous coves and beaches, as well as a lovely high-clifftop coastal path that leads to the Millionaire’s Bay Grotto. Alternatively, you can land and stroll the narrow cobbled streets of old Antibes, visit the lavender-scented Provençal markets, or visit the Picasso Museum perched high in the old city walls. Antibes, without a doubt, brilliantly blends an ancient ambiance with a modern vibe as it enchants both locals and visitors. 

St. Tropez

Technically, the Cote d’Azur starts here. This pastel-colored fishing village is the perfect place to spend the summer months. With superyachts filling the harbor and famous DJs playing until dawn, it is definitely a must if you enjoy glitz and glamour. The best way to get there is by boat. You can drop anchor and come ashore, enjoy the excitement and delicious food, then set sail again and savor the dazzling setting of turquoise waters and red rocks.

Do not miss out on Pampelonne Beach’s popular clubs that have a celebrity-chic vibe. But there are some affordable, family-friendly options. Go there during the quieter months, and you will find that the small and beautiful town of St Tropez is indeed awe-inspiring. 

Visit Les Iles d’Or (the Islands of Gold)- with the most famous island being Porquerolles in this incredibly striking part of the world. The island is a popular port of call for superyachts and boats of all kinds, with astonishing harbors, national parks, beaches, and cliffs- all perfect for exploring. Rent a bike and enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, and hiking all day long. Who says you can’t do it all in St Tropez?!

>>Also Read: Best Deep Sea Fishing Destinations in Europe

Best Sailing Destinations in the French Riviera – In Conclusion

Sailing, fishing, or simply relaxing on the deck with a chilled glass of rosé in hand, your holiday in the South of France can only be enhanced by getting on the sparkling water. Whether you want to rent a boat for a day, a week, or even a month, you are sure to find plenty of options when it comes to choosing the boat that suits your needs.

And whether it is in Monaco, the lustrous port city of Antibes, or the magical village of St Tropez, the French Riviera is home to a whole host of charter companies offering sailboats, motor yachts, catamarans and speedboats of all shapes and sizes as it is typical of an impressive sailing destination. It’s a sailing paradise!