France and the French RivieraHome » France and the French Riviera

The French Riviera, or Cote D’Azur, is the southern part of France that borders the blue waters of the Mediterranean with its breathtaking coastal landscapes. Combining outstanding natural beauty with world-class restaurants and nightlife hotspots, this place is considered the ultimate yachting destination. Culture, glamour and artisan shops mix together and create a unique blend: once you’re on the French Riviera, you’ll feel like there’s no other place you’d rather be.

France and the French Riviera

One of the best moments of the year to visit Monte Carlo is certainly May, during the Monte Carlo Grand Prix: it is possible to secure a berth and to watch the race from the front row straight from your yacht. In addition to a deep blue sea and a wonderful panorama, Monte Carlo offers many attractions not to miss like the “Jardin Japonais”, or the Museé Oceanographique, an incredible historical building perched over the sea that hosts more than five hundred species of fauna and flora from all over the world. As for the night, dine at Buddha Bar or Nobu, head to Jimmy’z for some dancing and end your night in the world’s most famous Casino.

Villefranche is a beautiful tiny village with a crowded medieval center and an endless white sand beach. Every morning, in the main square, a market is held by local artisans: olive oil and handmade soaps are the best items to buy. It is possible to arrange a visit to the breathtaking village of Eze, an ancient town known as one of the country’s perfumery capital: there you can take a guided tour of the beautiful Fragonard lab where scents and soaps are produced. At a short distance from Villefranche you can also visit Villa Ephrussi, surrounded by 9 gardens, each on a different theme. Dine in one of Villefranche’s seafront restaurants or aboard enjoying the enchanting view of French Riviera at night.

A playground for millionaires in the 1950s, Cannes still holds the same glamour. Cruising along her coast is made even more interesting with a stop at the Lerins Islands, both almost uninhabited and natural reserves. Ashore, don’t miss a stop at the famous Carlton Hotel that has a wonderful beach club with pied-dans-l’eau restaurant and a beautiful terrace right on the Croisette, and a visit to the Cannes Film Festival “Palais”. At night, the Baoli Club is the place to be: enjoy some sushi in a glitz restaurant that, after 24.00, becomes an outstanding dance floor.

The most lively beach in the area of Saint tropez is Pampelonne, home to the well known Nikki Beach where you can stop for lunch and stay there until the happy hour to have a drink while listening to music and watching the sunset. At night, head up the coast to glamorous St.Tropez and anchor in the sprawling Port: you can shop along the Place de la Garonne and have dinner at one of the many beautiful restaurants that crowd the streets. Then opt for a drink at Le Quay Joseph or for some dancing at the VIP room.