Beyond Monaco: Chic Yacht Destinations Along the Riviera

Exploring the wonders of the French Riviera is convenient from Monaco. The Principality is ideally positioned for short day trips, when you can comfortably see the stunning pearls of the Côte d’Azur and even the Italian Riviera. Monaco is very close to the heavenly turquoise coves, dramatic hilltop villages, atmospheric Provençal fishing towns, and renowned party hotspots. The South of France offers the world’s best yachting infrastructure, so cruising here is always a smooth experience. Moreover, Monaco’s legendary ports—Hercules and Fontvieille—are in a league of their own when it comes to luxurious harborside leisure. Here are the most beautiful places to visit by yacht from Monaco.

Menton

Best for the photogenic Old Town and authentic Provençal atmosphere

Menton is a stunner. Approaching it by yacht gives you the best view of the magnificent Old Town. The rows of multicolored houses climb up the hill. The Baroque Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange towers over. The craggy peaks of the Prealps behind the town take your breath away. The silhouette of Menton is an impressionist painting in real life, no less. A labyrinth of narrow medieval streets awaits you inside the Old Town. Menton is the city of cozy cafes, creperies, family-run restaurants, and superb beaches. Sablettes, alongside the Old Town, is one of the French Riviera’s finest urban stretches. Promenade de Soleil (or “sunny boardwalk”) is where you find more gravel beaches, such as Borrigo and Fossan. Don’t miss the Jardin botanique exotique du Val Rahmeh, a 19th-century botanical garden with exotic plants.

Sanremo, Italy

Best for Italian Riviera glamour and gambling

Nicknamed “Montecarlo of Italy,” Sanremo has always been a favorite seaside resort for the European wealthy and famous. It’s home to the sumptuous Art Nouveau Casino, postcard-ready Old Town and miles of pebbly Ligurian beaches. Sanremo is also the country’s music festival capital with a packed cultural agenda. Sailing here from Monaco is a nice addition to your itinerary, immersing you in Italian luxury living. And being in Italy means eating well. Try the Ligurian staple focaccia (olive oil-soaked bread), pizza all’Andrea (a cheese-less local pizza-like dish), and enjoy trenette al pesto (creamy pasta with basil sauce). More beaches and restaurants are in Ventimiglia, a pretty resort at the French border with one of Italy’s most luxurious marinas (Marina di Cala del Forte). 

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Best for Belle Époque villas and beautiful coves

The elegance of the Côte d’Azur reaches its peak at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This picturesque cape, between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer, has long been a refuge for the world’s aristocrats, celebrities, and royalty. A yacht is the most popular transport here—the area has the coast’s most expensive residential prices after Monaco. Drop the anchor at Beaulieu-sur-Mer to admire its Belle Époque architecture, visit the Casino, and take a dip at the stunning Plage Petite Afrique. Then, head to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, which is one of Europe’s most splendid mansions. Wander the elegant rooms and relax in nine themed gardens. There are also les anses (or coves). Crystal-clear turquoise waters await at Fossettes, Fosse and Paloma—the cape’s three top beaches.

Mala Beach

Best for a beach escape 

Located just behind Cap d’Ail—Monaco’s French town neighbor—Mala is one of the French Riviera’s most striking beaches. Hidden from the main road and flanked by tall cliffs, it’s a perfect cove for escaping it all. Expect transparent turquoise water and awe-inspiring vistas. Coming by yacht is the best way, as you won’t have to endure the tiring hike up and down the stairs connecting the beach to the main road. The surface is a mix of pebbles and sand. Two beach clubs—Eden and La Réserve—add a luxurious spin to the beachgoing experience. Eden sports a boho look, while La Réserve comes with white-and-blue restaurant elegance. Both have a great seafood menu. You can also arrange a seaside massage. 

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Best for the gorgeous bay and sandy beaches

Anchoring at the Villefranche-sur-Mer bay is magical. It’s the French Riviera from the postcards: high mountains, sandy beaches, the colorful fishing towns, and the Med greenery. Add some French disco tunes from the ’70s, and it’s pure cinema. Villefranche’s most charming spot is the promenade, where you find restaurant tables right next to the sea. Soak in Provençale vibes by stepping into the tiny, but beautiful Old Town and exploring the ancient Citadelle. See the peculiar Chapelle Saint-Pierre with the Cocteau paintings inside. Marinières Plage is a narrow sandy strip with great views of the bay. 

Èze

Best for village charms and larger-than-life coastal views

One notable stop of the yachting grand tour across the Côte d’Azur isn’t by sea—it’s on the hill. The medieval village of Èze is perched high on the cliff above the blue Mediterranean waters. Every corner here is snap-worthy: the labyrinthine streets, the stone houses, the verdant gardens. It culminates in Jardin Exotique d’Èze, a marvelous succulent garden that crowns the village. It’s also here that you will enjoy one of the most spectacular vistas over the whole French Coast. Èze is also a foodie village with two Michelin-starred restaurants, Château Eza (1 star) and La Chèvre d’Or (2 stars). Both offer panoramic views and an inventive take on Mediterranean cuisine. 

Nice

Best for sightseeing and gastronomy

Nice is the essence of the Côte d’Azur, it’s the capital and the largest city. While you can easily spend a week or two exploring its many sights, a yachting day out from Monaco will also work. Take the Château Elevator to reach the Point de vue Colline du Château with the most spectacular vista over the turquoise beaches of Nice. The Old Town—with its light-toned houses, picturesque squares, and Baroque churches—is a joy to be around. Take a stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, the city’s stunning boardwalk flanked by gorgeous Belle Époque buildings, such as the Negresco Hotel, Palais de la Méditerranée, and Villa Masséna. The 8 Michelin-starred restaurants also make Nice one of the best cities on the coast for fine dining. 

Cannes

Best for soft sand beaches and a glitzy lifestyle

The ultimate celebrity hangout, Cannes is the French Riviera’s most sparkling destination. Yachting here is natural—it’s a part of the town’s DNA. It’s also the French Riviera’s top town for sandy beaches. Stretching for over a mile, Croisette is the most famous stretch. The Cannes Film Festival takes place in the Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes at the western end of the promenade. The strip offers a variety of beach clubs, seafood restaurants, and glamorous bars. Another golden sand highlight is Plage du Midi, behind the town’s Vieux Port area. Check out the atmospheric medieval streets of the historic Le Souque neighborhood. Palm-dotted Boulevard de la Croisette and the surrounding streets are epicenters of luxury, with five-star hotels and high-end boutiques. 

Antibes and Bay of Billionaires

Best for azure waters and charming Old Town

Surrounded by the defensive walls, the Old Town of Antibes is a jewel of the French Riviera. It’s about the wooden window shutters, the fruit vendors, the flower shops, the small artisanal boutiques, and the cobblestone streets. All roads here lead to Marché provençal, a traditional (and visually appealing) fresh food market in the heart of the medieval city core. Check it out for an abundance of local products, and try the famous socca flatbread, baked on the spot. Nearby, occupying a former chateau, is the Musée Picasso. The celebrated Spanish painter resided here in 1946. Now, this is one of the best museums in the world of his works. 

When you’re on the yacht, Cap d’Antibes is an obligatory accompaniment to the Old Town strolls. Cruise around the beautiful cape, stopping at the Salis and Garoupe beaches for a dip. Don’t miss the crystalline Bay of Billionaires (also known as Anse de l’Argent-Faux)—a picture-perfect spot for swimming. 

Lérins Islands

Best for a natural escape and untouched beaches

How about island-hopping on the Côte d’Azur? Located opposite Cannes, the Lérins Islands are a great visit for tranquility and Mediterranean nature. The largest, Île Sainte-Marguerite, is famous for a massive Fort and lush pine groves. The next island, the tiny Île Saint-Honorat, is known for its vineyards, 11th-century monastery ruins, and peaceful hiking trails. The coastlines of both are ideal for yachting. You’ll find many sheltered bays with cyan-blue waters, overlooking the pristine Mediterranean landscapes. If you were to visit one attraction on the islands, make it Écomusée sous-marin par Jason deCaires Taylor. It’s a unique underwater museum, where you dive to see the sublime face statues created by the British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. 

Saint-Tropez

Best for the beach bars 

Much like Monaco, Saint-Tropez is the iconic luxurious destination on the French Riviera. This idyllic Provençal town understands yacht chartering as no other stop in the Mediterranean. Its marina is one of the world’s finest, its Old Town is filled with exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury brand boutiques dot the cobblestone streets. You’d want to experience Saint Tropez’s fantastic beach club scene if you’re coming on a yacht. Pampelonne Beach is the ultimate anchoring spot for all the top party places. Establishments like Club 55, Indie, Loulou, and Nikki Beach offer chic seaside leisure to the sounds of DJ tunes.