The French Riviera has long been a superyacht playground. A luxury superyacht charter onboard Motor Yacht Loon in this Mediterranean hub offers a whole host of activities for any guest. The picturesque coastline is brimming with charming towns and quaint villages steeped in culture, history, shopping, gastronomy, and outdoor adventures.
It is a popular cruising ground for Yacht Loon, and for good reason: it is full of sheltered bays, picturesque anchorages, and exclusive marinas. Whether you want to relax onboard close to Michelin-starred restaurants, have adventurous days ashore and return to Loon’s luxury indulgences, or enjoy on-the-water fun in between exploring the cultural gems, there is no better way to soak up the French Riviera than a charter onboard Motor Yacht Loon. Here is our guide to explore the French Riviera with Motor Yacht Loon:
Gourmet Delights
The French Riviera opens the door to some of the most renowned restaurants. Whether you dine at a Michelin-star, enjoy alfresco dining on terraces overlooking the water, in lavish dining rooms, or casual beachside cafes, there is plenty of variety here. You can savour exceptional local cuisine in various restaurants. Our favourite top-end choices are the Michelin-star Mirazur in Menton and Louis XV, and Alain Ducasse 3-star restaurant in Monte-Carlo. Loon’s crew can get you a table at one of the many dining options. But also, not forgetting back onboard, Loon’s top chefs serve up culinary delights fresh from the markets. Enjoy alfresco lunches and dinners on the aft deck overlooking a picturesque anchorage.
Beach Club Days
Some of the best beach clubs in Europe can be found on the French Riviera, specifically in and around St. Tropez. Every summer in the Mediterranean, this chic town comes alive with the various glamourous beach clubs that draw in guests to hotspots such as GiGi, Bagatelle, Nikki Beach, Shellona Beach, and Club 55, to name a few. Usually frequented by VIPs and celebrities, these clubs are highly sought-after, and it is easy to see why. Sipping on champagne while lounging on plush sun beds under the Mediterranean heat, this luxury beachside atmosphere epitomises a yacht charter on the French Riviera.
Fun at Night
From days spent on the beach to nights out, the French Riviera is renowned for its party scene. Anchoring in the best spots, the crew onboard Yacht Loon can throw you the best superyacht party, whatever the theme. Pulling out all the stops, from magicians to fire breathers and top DJs, a party onboard is one to remember. Or, ashore, there is plenty to pick from. There are various bars and clubs throughout the Riviera, with resident and celebrity DJs. In St. Tropez, one of the best places for a party is Les Caves du Roy, or in Monaco, the chic venue of Jimmy’Z offers an unforgettable night. It isn’t just bars and nightclubs when it comes to evening entertainment; for those feeling lucky, spend an evening taking your chances at the famous Monte-Carlo casino.
A-Listers Paradise
With so many exclusive events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival held in the run-up to the summer, and the yacht shows that wrap up the summer months, the French Riviera is a destination known to many for VIP and celebrity spotting. Celebrities, movie stars, and royalty have always frequented the area; the picturesque locations, climate, and yachting vibe combined make places such as St. Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes natural hotspots for A-listers. Whether a rock star, a Formula One driver, or a movie star, keep your eyes peeled when cruising the French Riviera on a yacht charter. Restaurants such as l’Hermitage in Monaco, hotels such as Eden Roc Hotel on Cap d’Antibes, and nightclubs such as Baoli in Cannes have all been known to have welcomed A-listers on vacation.
Shopping Sprees
Between relaxing yacht charter days onboard Motor Yacht Loon, there are plenty of opportunities for a spot of shopping ashore. You can easily become laden with shopping bags from boutique and designer brands. Some of the world’s best fashion houses can be found here. A shopping trip isn’t complete until you head to Cannes; it has some of the best shopping along the coast with iconic brands like Cartier and Chanel. Monaco also has its fair share of stores, with designer boutiques lining the streets; here, you will also find Galerie du Metropole – one of the most luxurious malls in the world. Alongside the luxury shopping experiences you can have here, the French Riviera is also a prime destination to explore the bustling and vibrant daily markets full of local produce and crafts. No matter what you are after or wherever you are, the crew can point you to some of the best shopping experiences.
Activities in the Alps
Thanks to the Alpes-Maritimes mountainous backdrop, there are plenty of outdoor activities for guests who like to stretch their legs ashore. If you prefer going with a guide, we have plenty of experienced hikers among our crew and that can help you find some of the best spots here. From hiking trails such as Chemin du Paradis, stretching from Nice to Villefranche, to the coastal circuit of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, the path of Cap d’Antibes, and the famous Eze trail, you won’t be short of hiking opportunities here. The French Riviera is one of the most iconic sections of the Tour de France, so exploring with two wheels is also an option. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, there are plenty of biking paths and trails to explore. Back onboard, celebrate your adventure with a sundowner, and enjoy Loon’s spa facilities that can help soothe tired muscles.
Time for Toys
Cooling off after activities or simply from the midday sun can be done by splashing into the water. And, if you don’t already know, Motor Yacht Loon has an overflowing toy box. With so many toys to play with, such as Yamaha and Sea-Doo Jet Skis, Cabrinha kits, Scuba Pro dive gear, Flite boards, and FunAir inflatables, there is always time for watersports onboard. Some anchorages are better than others for delving into the toy inventory; as a popular yachting hotspot, sometimes areas get busy and aren’t ideal for on-the-water fun, but luckily, we know the best-secluded spots for watersports across the French Riviera and can drop the hook in the right place. Whether you take the paddleboards to hidden coves or get an adrenaline rush with the Jet skis, you will never tire of the toy box!
Cultural Wanderings
A yacht charter on the French Riviera wouldn’t be the same without a dose of the region’s rich culture and history. The enchanting hilltop village of St. Paul de Vence is one of the oldest medieval towns on the Rivieria; spend time here exploring the quaint cobblestone streets lined with art museums and galleries. Continuing the art theme is the Musee Picasso in Antibes, housed in Chateau Grimaldi. To marvel at the architecture and more history, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is home to various notable villas and historical monuments. The area also hosts plenty of world-famous festivals like the Nice Carnival, Menton’s Fete du Citron, and Juan Les Pins Jazz Festival; Loon’s Captain can let you in on the festivities depending on what weeks of the season you cruise here.
Privacy Calls
While there is the option to be in the hustle and bustle of it all in the exclusive marinas, for example, Monaco Yacht Club or Vieux Port in Cannes, there are also plenty of options to escape and enjoy M/Y Loon in a quieter section of the Riviera. There are a few picturesque coves around Saint Jean Cap Ferrat that provide a more tranquil environment in which to relax onboard. And, just south of the Riviera is the trio of islands, the Illes d’Hyeres archipelago; this protected national park is a perfect peaceful anchorage. Similarly, the Lerins Islands, just off Cannes, provide the ideal spot to escape the tourist crowds. Motor Yacht Loon is the perfect platform to enjoy relaxing days; whether you choose a comfortable, sheltered nook to read, enjoy cocktails in the sun on one of the many loungers, or take a dip from the swim platform, there are plenty of ways to relax.
The French Riviera is one of our favourite places to cruise onboard superyacht Loon. If you are looking for more inspiration on where to go on a Mediterranean superyacht charter, email us at info@motoryachtloon.com, and we will put together a bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences. You can also take a look at sample itineraries on our website.