Yachting itinerary: 1 week to discover the French Riviera

Day 1: From Cannes to Saint-Tropez

After being welcomed in Cannes to take possession of your yacht and embark, head for the Lerins Islands, located in front of La Croisette. It is between the islands of Saint-Honorat and Sainte-Marguerite that you will experience your first thrills. This environment, very popular with yachters, is preserved from human activity and has a mystical atmosphere. From the legendary story of the man in the iron mask to the Abbey of the Monks of Lérins, you will leave with memories of your stopover on one of the two islands. Before you leave the islands, don your snorkelling gear and dive into the underwater eco-museum, which features sculptures by committed artist Jason deCaires Taylor, enhanced by the seabed and destined to become a new home for underwater life.

After this first stage, your navigation will lead you to the majestic Estérel massif. These red volcanic rocks are one of the symbols of the Côte d’Azur and change throughout the day. After a light lunch on board, you can put on your snorkelling equipment to discover the marine treasures in crystal clear waters. The wild creeks and their red pebbles will welcome you for a moment of idleness. Before leaving this enchanting place, enjoy a blazing sunset while savouring a cocktail from your jacuzzi or pool if your yacht is equipped with one.

This first day will end when you arrive in the mythical port of Saint-Tropez. This fishing village is alive with energy throughout the summer season. Also, get a taste of the Tropezian nightlife by ending the night at the famous Caves du Roy, the Byblos hotel’s nightclub.

Day 2: The jewels of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

After breakfast on board, in front of the iconic Café Sénéquier, you can start discovering the exceptional natural heritage of the Saint-Tropez peninsula. As soon as you see Escalet beach and the Cap Taillat, you won’t be able to resist a trip onboard your tender. You can then take a walk along the coastal path and a passage on the sandy isthmus, which marks the access to the wild Cap Taillat.

A short distance away, discover the joys of wine tasting at Domaine de la Bastide Blanche. The estate enjoys a remarkable amount of sunshine and benefits from the spray of the Mediterranean. The result is exceptional vintages, whose discovery offers you a moment suspended in a busy week.

Back at your yacht, a lunch overlooking Cap Taillat will give you a unique sense of privilege. You can then hop on your jet-skis and extend the afternoon to the beaches of Pampelonne in Ramatuelle. An overnight stay at anchor in front of the Escalet beach will allow you to dine with a view of the sparkling reflections of the moon on the Mediterranean.

Day 3: The Golden Islands and Port-Cros National Park

After this wild day, it’s time to visit two places where biodiversity is preserved. Your arrival at Port-Cros will reveal waters with 1001 shades of blue. Azure, turquoise, intense, indigo… After lunch on board, the sea colours will allow you to put on your diving equipment to immerse yourself alongside the many marine species that live here.

After this unique activity, it’s time to relax, and a diversion to the island of Porquerolles with its silver beaches will be most welcome. If your yacht is equipped with bicycles, visit the small Provencal village and ride through the vineyards. You can then enjoy a gourmet stopover at the Mas du Langoustier restaurant before returning on board for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Day 4: The Embiez Islands

The Golden Islands will be a magnificent stopover before exploring another archipelago where biodiversity is in the spotlight. The islands of Les Embiez have benefited from the protection of Paul Ricard, who has transformed them into a veritable haven of peace for terrestrial and marine biodiversity. You can have a picnic at anchor while admiring this unique area.

Hundreds of species take refuge on the islands of Petit and Grand Rouveau, Les Embiez and on the Rochers des Magnons. Birds have made their nests there. These islands are home to 90% of the Mediterranean’s plant species. Embark on the tender that equips your yacht to venture into these lands where the wild creeks complement the greenery.

After a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Les Embiez beaches, head for a Mediterranean dinner at SÀRTI, where you will be won over by the friendly and authentic atmosphere of this brasserie located on the port.

Day 5: From the Brégançon Fort to Saint-Tropez

On your way back to Saint-Tropez, you will follow the coastline, which will be full of wild beauties one after the other. The Brégançon Fort, the summer residence of the French presidents, will keep its mysteries and state secrets, but you will be able to catch a glimpse of this fort well known to international decision-makers.

Cap Nègre, with its 52 villas and private beaches, will be revealed a few knots away. The peaceful atmosphere of Dolce Vita will be felt right up to your yacht. You can take a trip to conquer one of the beaches and creeks in shades of red.

After lunch at the mooring, you can indulge in an adrenaline rush or a sunbathing session with a glass of champagne on one of the legendary beaches of Pampelonne. Back in port, wake up your taste buds at Alain Ducasse’s La Cucina at the Byblos or Arnaud Donckele’s 3* La Vague d’Or before a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Day 6: To the Principality of Monaco

For this last day, it’s time for the glamour of the Principality of Monaco. Don’t miss a sunny lunch stop at the charming Mala beach in Cap d’Ail, returning to the hustle and bustle of Monegasque life.

Once disembarked in Monaco, take advantage of a driver’s services to stroll around the Carré d’Or, indulge in a shopping spree at One Monte-Carlo, relax during a treatment at the Thermes de Monte-Carlo spa or visit the famous Casino of Monte-Carlo.

Before getting back on board, experience an intense evening in this princely world. An exotic dinner at the Peruvian restaurant COYA will allow you to start an evening at the Monte-Carlo casino before partying at the Jimmy’z club. You can also consider organising a private party on board your yacht where guests will enjoy your view of the harbour, the Carré d’Or and the Grimaldi Rock, with cocktails prepared by your crew.

Day 7: End of stay in Cannes

Enjoy your last wake-up call as you savour your breakfast overlooking the beaches of La Croisette or the old town of Le Suquet. After disembarking in Cannes, enjoy a final shopping spree in the designer boutiques of La Croisette or make a final visit to the authentic Provencal market of Forville.

Perhaps our seasoned advice will inspire you to try a yacht charter to discover the South of France on your next holiday. Excellence Riviera will show you the most prestigious yachts for charter and allow you to compare them directly on its website. Find out more by browsing our catalogue of yacht charters on the French Riviera.

You can also get in touch with our yachting specialists who will be happy to provide you with personalised advice for the organisation of your next stay on the French Riviera.