1-Day Boat Charter Itineraries on the French Riviera

The French Riviera meanders along the coast of Southern France, creating pockets of great beauty where the sea lies on one side and mountains on the other. One of the best ways to explore the Riviera is from the sea and a great way to do that is to charter a boat.

The sophisticated town of Cannes is central between Monaco and St. Tropez and is one of the top charter destinations in the world. The following day boat itinerary suggestions are among the most popular and focus on the Lerins islands off the coast of Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco, all reached from the port of Cannes by charter boat that A.M.A Selections concierge team can arrange for you if you book your holiday with us.

If you’re staying in Cannes, do not hesitate to check out Our Guide to Spending a Week in Cannes, France.

Cannes Lérins Islands Boat Day Itinerary

Isle St Marguerite and Isle St. Honorat make up the Lerins islands which lie just 15 minutes by boat from Cannes.

Embark in Cannes and head to Isle St. Honorat. Sunbathe, swim or snorkel in the clear waters that fill rocky coves along the coast. Inhabited by monks since 427 AD, the Lérins Abbey offers the tranquility of the monastic life on this idyllic island. The monastery you see today was built in 1073 AD. Visitors are encouraged to explore the ruins nearby as well as the cloister which includes a shop selling wine and honey produced by the monks.

Continue on to Isle St Marguerite and have lunch at La Guérite. Open since 1902, this restaurant has long been a favorite of the jet set and the famous. After lunch explore the island where you can visit the fortress (Fort Royal), which was begun in the early 17th century. The fortress was a prison until it was closed in the 20th century. Among those who were imprisoned, the most famous was the man in the iron mask. There is a bird sanctuary and many paths making it easy to explore the island.

Saint-Tropez Boat Day Itinerary

Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950’s, St. Tropez is another destination that is perfect for a chartered boat.

Head across the bay of Cannes, along the impressive red Esterel massif, so called because of “rhyolite,” a silica-rich volcanic rock that imparts a reddish color to the rocks and cliffs. Pass the picturesque port of Théoule sur Mer and stop for a swim at Cap Dramont.

Plan on lunch at the legendary Club 55 on Pampelonne beach, the ultimate hotspot among the rich and famous since the restaurant opened in 1955. For more beach restaurant ideas for your lunch, check out our Top 6 Beach Restaurants in St. Tropez.

Before heading back to Cannes, spend the afternoon on Pampelonne beach or have the boat drop you off at the port of St. Tropez where you can explore the world-famous fishing village and its wonderful shops and charming cobblestone streets.

To learn more about St. Tropez, check out Our Guide to Spending a Week in Saint-Tropez.

Nice to Monaco Boat Day Itinerary

Embark in Cannes and sail past Nice through the stunning Baie des Anges. Stop for a swim in one of the beautiful bays around Villefranche-sur-Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Plan on lunch at at the foot of the stunning Eze village or in a beautiful bay just before Cap D’Ail.

Anjuna Plage in Eze-sur-Mer is right on the beach and is a popular restaurant with a colorful welcoming vibe. Combining a vibrant atmosphere with great food and wine, this is a fun destination with lively beach parties through the summer months. If you’re looking for a beautiful place with less of a party atmosphere, dine at La Réserve de la Mala on Mala beach.

In the afternoon continue on around Cap D’Ail past the Monaco Oceanographic Museum that is perched right on the sea then head back, exploring the beautiful Cap D’Antibes on the way to Cannes.

If you’re planning a holiday in the South of France, do not hesitate to check out our portfolio of luxury villa rentals on the French Riviera.