A one week yacht charter from Monaco can carry you from the polished harbours of the principality to quiet coves, island anchorages, historic ports, and the beaches of Saint Tropez. This sample route covers Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Villefranche sur Mer, Antibes, Cannes, the Lérins Islands, Agay, and Saint Tropez before returning to Monaco.
Treat the route as a flexible plan, not a fixed timetable. The captain may adjust stops for weather, sea conditions, berth availability, and the cruising range of the selected yacht. Monaco offers two established arrival points for private yachts, Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille, according to the official Monaco visitor guide.
For yacht options and booking support, begin with Monaco Yacht Rentals.
Your 7 Day French Riviera Yacht Route at a Glance
| Day | Route | Main plan | Suggested overnight area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monaco to Cap Ferrat | Boarding, coastal lunch, swimming | Villefranche sur Mer |
| 2 | Villefranche to Antibes | Nice coastline, Cap d’Antibes, Old Town | Antibes |
| 3 | Antibes to Cannes | Swimming, Cannes, La Croisette | Cannes |
| 4 | Cannes to Agay | Lérins Islands, Théoule, Estérel coast | Agay or Saint Raphaël |
| 5 | Agay to Saint Tropez | Scenic passage, Old Port arrival | Saint Tropez |
| 6 | Saint Tropez and Pampelonne | Beach day, water activities, dining | Saint Tropez |
| 7 | Saint Tropez to Monaco | Early departure, final swim, return | Monaco |
This schedule suits a capable crewed motor yacht. A sailing yacht or catamaran moves at a different pace, so the captain may remove a stop, arrange a one way finish, or add more time between ports.
Choosing the Right Yacht for a Week From Monaco
A day boat can be beautiful, fast, and comfortable without being suitable for seven nights. For a week at sea, look beyond the sun deck. The yacht needs enough cabins, bathrooms, shaded areas, storage, crew space, and indoor comfort for the number of guests staying aboard.
Motor yachts work well for this itinerary because they reduce passage time between Cannes, Agay, Saint Tropez, and Monaco. Sailing catamarans suit guests who value wide living areas, steady movement at anchor, and a gentler schedule. The tradeoff is simple: more distance usually means more time underway.
One suitable extended charter option listed by the company is the 31 metre Olivier Racoupeau catamaran. The yacht has four guest cabins, capacity for up to 12 guests, a five person crew, a deck jacuzzi, and stabilizers at anchor. The listing also presents it for routes from Monaco toward Cannes and Saint Tropez.
Ask Monaco Yacht Rentals to match the group size, cabin needs, preferred pace, and planned route with a yacht built for overnight use.
Day 1: Monaco to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Board in Monaco, meet the captain and crew, review the safety briefing, and unpack before departure. A calm first day gives everyone time to settle in rather than turning the opening hours into a race down the coast.
Cruise past Cap d’Ail and the cliffs below Èze, then stop for lunch or a swim near Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. The peninsula has public beaches, sheltered inlets, and clear coastal water, as described by the French Riviera tourism office.
End the afternoon near Villefranche sur Mer. Dinner can be served on deck, or the crew can arrange tender access for a meal ashore.
Day 2: Villefranche Sur Mer to Antibes
Start with breakfast at anchor and a morning swim.
Continue west along the Nice coastline and around Cap d’Antibes. Arriving in Antibes by sea gives the day a clear shift from quiet water to an active harbour setting.
Port Vauban has capacity for about 1,500 berths and can receive yachts up to 150 metres, according to the Port Vauban marina website. From the harbour, guests can walk into Old Antibes for the ramparts, narrow streets, cafés, and the Provençal market area.
Stay overnight in the marina when a berth is confirmed. Berths should be requested early during busy summer weeks.
Day 3: Antibes to Cannes
Keep the morning open for a swim near Cap d’Antibes or breakfast underway.
Continue to Cannes for an afternoon split between yacht time and the city. Guests can remain aboard for lunch and swimming, then go ashore for La Croisette, the Old Port, or dinner near Le Suquet.
Some guests may want boutiques and restaurants. Others may prefer an unhurried afternoon on deck. The itinerary leaves room for both without turning the day into a group negotiation worthy of a board meeting.
Day 4: Lérins Islands and the Estérel Coast
Leave Cannes after breakfast and make the short passage toward Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat. The Lérins Islands combine protected natural scenery with cultural sites, woodland paths, beaches, vineyards, and monastic heritage. The City of Cannes island guide asks visiting boats to anchor only in sandy areas and avoid Posidonia seagrass.
Spend the morning swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or taking the tender ashore. Keep music low and follow local rules.
Continue past Théoule sur Mer as the coastline changes from resort frontage to the red rock landscape of the Estérel. Finish near Agay or Saint Raphaël.
Agay sits between Cap Dramont and Pointe de la Baumette and has three sandy beaches backed by the Estérel hills, according to the Agay destination guide. Its protected bay creates a welcome pause before the longer run toward Saint Tropez.
Day 5: Agay to Saint Tropez
Depart after breakfast and cruise west along the Var coast. The captain can choose a lunch anchorage based on wind, swell, and the preferred arrival time in Saint Tropez.
Once secured near the port, spend the afternoon aboard or go ashore for the old streets, harbour cafés, galleries, and waterfront.
For dinner, choose between a restaurant reservation and a private meal on deck.
Day 6: Pampelonne and the Saint Tropez Coast
Use day six as the least structured day of the charter. After several port changes, a full day near one coastline gives everyone time to enjoy the yacht rather than treating it like transport.
Pampelonne Beach runs for 4.5 kilometres and is classed as a remarkable natural area. The Saint Tropez tourism office recommends visiting before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. for a quieter swim during the busy season.
A mixed group can shape the day around different interests:
- Families can swim early, have lunch aboard, and return before the hottest part of the afternoon.
- Couples can choose a quieter anchorage and reserve a sunset dinner.
- Friends can book a beach restaurant and add approved water activities.
- Corporate groups can use lunch on deck for relaxed conversation away from meeting rooms.
- First time yacht guests can keep the schedule light and ask the crew for help with equipment.
Day 7: Saint Tropez to Monaco
Leave early. This is the longest passage in the sample route, so breakfast may be served underway. A capable motor yacht can make the return practical, but actual timing depends on speed, weather, traffic, and the location of the final berth.
The MYBA broker guidelines advise charter planners to check route distance, yacht availability, delivery time, weather, and local rules before confirming an itinerary. For a slower yacht, a one way charter ending in Saint Tropez may create a better final day.
When timing allows, add a last swim or lunch near Cannes, Cap Ferrat, or Cap d’Ail. Return to Monaco with enough margin for refuelling, harbour procedures, luggage, and onward transport.
What Is Included in a One Week Yacht Charter?
A charter quote usually separates the base yacht fee from operating expenses. Under standard MYBA charter terms, the base fee commonly covers the yacht, normal onboard equipment, crew wages, crew food, yacht insurance, linen care, cleaning materials, and basic consumable supplies.
Additional expenses may include:
- Fuel for the yacht, tenders, and water equipment
- Food and drinks for guests
- Marina and harbour fees
- Local taxes and customs costs
- Shore transport and private excursions
- Special equipment requested for the trip
- Personal communications or laundry in some agreements
- Crew gratuity
The Advance Provisioning Allowance, often called APA, is used by the captain to pay these trip costs. The captain tracks spending, keeps receipts, and provides an account before disembarkation. Any unused balance is returned. Extra spending is settled by the charterer.
Do not estimate a weekly total by multiplying a public day rate by seven. Weekly terms, fuel use, repositioning, taxes, provisioning, and berthing can change the real figure. Request a written quote based on the actual yacht and route.
Best Time for a French Riviera Yacht Charter
June through September is the main period for warm seas and summer activity. The Monaco charter season guide identifies these months as the peak period for private charters.
July and August bring the heaviest visitor numbers in Saint Tropez, with larger crowds around the port and historic centre, according to the local visitor office. June and September can offer a strong balance of warm conditions and slightly less pressure on ports and restaurants.
Major event dates create another layer of demand. Book early when the trip overlaps with the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes events, or the Monaco Yacht Show.
How to Prepare for Seven Days on Board
Send the charter team a complete preference sheet before departure. Include guest names, passport details, food choices, allergies, medical or mobility needs, preferred drinks, music, water activities, celebrations, and restaurant requests.
Pack soft luggage because rigid cases take more storage space. Bring swimwear, sun protection, light evening clothes, medication, non marking shoes, and a light layer for breezy evenings.
Confirm special arrangements early, including beach restaurants, airport transfers, dietary provisioning, water toys, childcare needs, and celebration décor. Clear information gives the crew more time to make the trip feel personal.
Book Your One Week Yacht Charter From Monaco
A seven day Riviera route should match the people aboard, not copy a rigid template. Share the travel dates, number of guests, cabin requirements, preferred yacht style, budget range, and must visit locations with Monaco Yacht Rentals.
The final plan can then be adjusted for the selected yacht, the expected conditions, confirmed berths, and the pace your group actually wants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you charter a yacht from Monaco for one week?
Yes, provided the selected yacht is approved and equipped for overnight charters. Choose a vessel with enough guest cabins, bathrooms, crew space, and range for the planned route.
How much does a one week yacht charter from Monaco cost?
The total depends on the yacht, season, route, fuel use, food, drinks, taxes, and harbour fees. Ask for an itemised quote showing the base fee, APA, taxes, and any expected repositioning costs.
What yacht type works best for this itinerary?
A crewed motor yacht is the most practical choice for covering Monaco, Cannes, Agay, and Saint Tropez within seven days. A sailing yacht or catamaran can follow a shorter version with fewer ports and more time underway.
Can the charter visit Saint Tropez and return to Monaco?
Yes, a suitable motor yacht can complete the loop when conditions allow. A one way finish in Saint Tropez may be more comfortable for slower yachts or guests who want less cruising on the final day.
What happens when weather changes the route?
The captain may change the schedule, anchorage, or port to protect guest safety and the yacht. A good replacement plan keeps the same balance of swimming, coastal scenery, meals, and shore time without forcing unsafe travel.