With 300 days of sunshine each year and 115km of stunning coastline, it’s no wonder that the French Riviera is one of the premier yachting holiday destinations in the world. According to the Côte d’Azur Economic Development Agency, the area holds half of the world’s superyacht fleet, with over 90% visiting the coast at some point.



For centuries, the French Riviera has been a second home to the rich and famous. During the 19th century it was regularly frequented by aristocrats, including English monarchs Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. Artists and writers such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Aldous Huxley flooded the area during the first half of the 20th century, and today, hardly a week passes in summer without a high-profile celebrity or royal being snapped on a yacht off the Côte d’Azur.



A number of companies sell yachts and provide luxury charters, so it’s now easier than ever to rub shoulders with the glitterati. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or nautical novice, there’s something for all levels and tastes, from small motorboats to classic sailing yachts and mega-yachts. While those armed with nautical experience may feel confident taking the helm themselves, many opt for a fully crewed ship, complete with an experienced skipper. One of the most respected charter companies providing such a service is Sunseeker, which offers a luxurious one-week charter along the Côte d’Azur. ‘The South of France is very much the place to be seen onboard a yacht during the summer months,’ confirms James Wood, sales director at Sunseeker. Pure Entertainment Group offers a similar service – one of its most popular packages is a 10-day French Riviera trip which includes private jet charter to Nice, a seven-day luxury cruise along the coast on a deluxe 100-foot yacht and a helicopter ride back to Nice. Massages and unlimited Dom Perignon are thrown in, for good measure.



Chartering a yacht for several days or weeks is the right option for some, but those looking to spend longer on the water may opt to purchase. Riva, one of the oldest and most respected yacht retailers in the area, sells models of all shapes and sizes. The small yet stylish Aquariva Super is a sleek, streamlined delight. More serious boatsmen may prefer a larger model; of the bigger yachts, the 92-foot Duchessa is a treat. Its curved, racy lines embody elegance, while scrupulous attention has been paid to the interior design and fittings. At the top of range is the breathtaking 115-foot Athena: dubbed ‘Queen of the Flagships’, it is the ultimate prize for the most demanding boat enthusiast.



Riva, founded in 1842, has served the rich and famous for over a century and a half, providing celebrities including Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Claudia Schiffer and George Clooney with a home from home on the water.



Luxury motorboat company Sealine boasts a similarly prestigious clientele. Last year, Sealine gained a new fanbase after one of its motor yachts, the T60 Aura, was designed by tastemaker Terence Conran’s studio. The 60-foot flybridge craft features Conran’s signature modern interior décor; details include a full-width master stateroom with bespoke Japanese maple wall features and en suite bath, a teak cockpit and hand-crafted coffee table in the saloon. Fitted with blisteringly powerful engines, the T60 Aura can reach 33 knots.



Many purists prefer the wind as their motor, and there are a number of deluxe sailboats also available to charter and buy. For those who see sailing as a sport rather than a recreation, several competitive regattas take place throughout the year. The Voiles de St Tropez, which brings together over 300 of the finest classic and modern yachts every October, is one of the biggest. Yachtsman and photographer Anthony Nagelmann has achieved several podium finishes at the event over the past decade on the majestic Blue Peter, and describes it as the pinnacle of the yachting calendar, as the coast is flooded with ‘hundreds of the world’s most beautiful boats and tens of thousands of spectators.’



For most, yachting is a hobby rather than a sport, but whatever you you’re seeking – relaxation, hedonism or competition – you can be sure of fulfilling your desires on the French Riviera.