The French Riviera runs from the border with Italy at Menton west to Saint-Tropez and the Var coast, encompassing some of the most celebrated ports and anchorages in the world. A 40 metre charter yacht covers this territory comfortably in a standard week, moving between Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, the Lerin Islands and Saint-Tropez without repeating a bay. At this length guests get five or six en-suite cabins, a crew of seven to nine and the full complement of water sports equipment appropriate to Mediterranean coastal waters.
The South of France fleet at 40 metres is consistently strong, drawing from German, Italian and Dutch yards with build dates from 2010 onwards. Motor designs dominate, with layouts that emphasise outdoor living: large aft decks for dining, fly decks for sunbathing and swim platforms that make water access effortless in any anchorage.
Weekly rates for a 40 metre yacht on the French Riviera run from approximately 80,000 to 140,000 euros in high season. The advance provisioning allowance covering fuel, provisions, port fees and water sports adds 30 to 35 per cent. The season runs from May to October, with July and August at the peak. June and September offer excellent value and less crowded anchorages throughout the coast.
From any of the main Riviera bases, the full sweep of the coast from Menton to Saint-Tropez is accessible within a comfortable week-long itinerary.
