Experience Celebrity Yacht Life in the South of France (on a budget)

The Cannes Film Festival is renowned for being the glamorous backdrop where Hollywood's elite showcase their latest films, but behind every red carpet event is a dazzling party sailing along the Riviera.

As the festival unfolds, glamorous guests are anchoring along the Croisette; however, these luxurious yachts aren't just for the A-list. If you've always dreamed of viewing Cannes from a yacht, there are options to infuse a touch of opulence into your South of France adventure, regardless of your budget.

Make Your Reservations Early

It may sound straightforward, but when the peak season kicks off around May, especially during the film festival, boats—and yachts in particular—tend to get fully booked. It's wise to secure your reservation a few weeks in advance. For those looking at the high end, Georgia Hutchinson from SuperYachtsMonaco suggests booking at least a year ahead so your broker can find you the best options. “The later you book, the more you'll have to compromise on yacht features,” she warns. “The best yachts are snapped up quickly!”

Bookings are now stronger than they were before the pandemic, with Georgina noting: “The pandemic sparked a deep appreciation for travel and exploration. Clients not only kept their earlier bookings but have been chartering with increased enthusiasm in the seasons that followed.”

Consider Traveling Off-Peak

July and August are the high season in the south of France, and while you can still find availability during these months, expect to pay a premium and possibly face difficulties securing a berth in crowded ports if you're aiming for a yacht.

Traveling on a budget? Opt for a day trip

While yachts are usually rented by the week, you can book a day boat that accommodates up to 7 people for approximately €2000, including fuel. Chrissie McClatchie, an Australian residing in Villefranche-sur-Mer, often hires a license-free boat with her husband for special occasions or family gatherings.

“It’s a fantastic day out,” she shares. “Everyone can take turns at the helm, pack a picnic, and there's a bit of shade too. The bay of Villefranche leading to Cap Ferret is breathtaking – we’d drop anchor and spend the morning swimming before returning to port for lunch along the waterfront.”

Some boat rental services like Boatsetter offer flexibility, allowing you to select from a variety of vessels at different price points for a day or longer, with options for a captain based on your preferences and budget.

Experience Cannes in style

The small day boats feature a straightforward design, boasting a classic open layout with a sunbathing deck, seating area, shade cover, steering wheel, and life jackets. “These boats are very basic – they don’t even have a toilet,” McClatchie explains. “But they provide everything you need for a fun few hours on the water.”

Larger vessels usually come with cabins and toilets, as well as indoor and outdoor dining and lounging spaces. In high-end models, you can enjoy amenities like cinema rooms, spas, gyms, clubs, and bars. Water toys are currently in high demand, with options ranging from inflatables and jet skis to electronic surfboards and personal submarines.

Pack the essentials

Instead of bulky hard-shell luggage, opt for soft canvas bags that are easier to store. Besides the usual sunscreen and travel documents, for most day rentals, you’ll need to bring your own food and beverages, so plan a picnic to enjoy while out on the water. And when it comes to attire? “The uniform on board is bare feet,” McClatchie emphasizes. “Always!”

Check if you need a license

If you want to take control at the helm, a license is necessary for operating boats with a motor exceeding 4.5 kilowatts or 6 horsepower. However, for most rentals, particularly if you’re just out for the day with friends or family, a license typically isn’t required.

Numerous companies line the coast, including Dark Pelican in Villefranche-sur-Mer, which focus on small boat rentals, available with or without a license. For details on obtaining licenses, check out the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing. If you choose to rent without a license, the company will give you a demonstration on how to operate the boat before you head out, along with specified cruising limits.

If you wish to venture beyond the designated navigation area or prefer a larger vessel, you can rent a crewed motor yacht. Companies like 212-Yachts, based in Nice, offer small yacht charters with a skipper starting at €3,150 per day. For superyachts—defined as those over 24 meters long—the cost begins at €115,000 per week with companies such as SuperyachtsMonaco.

Map out your route in the South of France

Chartering your own boat gives you the freedom to explore the coast away from the crowds. For day trips on boats that don’t require a license, McClatchie recommends departing from lesser-known ports like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and St-Jean-Cap-Ferret, or venturing past Cannes to Mandelieu-la-Napoule to see the stunning red rock mountains of the Massif Esterel.

“The highlights for me are the thrill of driving the boat, which is incredibly fun, and swimming in the cove of St Jean where the water is an enchanting translucent turquoise,” she shares. “It truly feels magical.”

If someone in your group holds a license or you’ve arranged for a skipper, McClatchie recommends anchoring between Les Iles des Lérins, a collection of pristine islands just off Cannes.

“On a superyacht, the entire coastline is yours to explore,” she notes, “but destinations like Porquerolles, St-Tropez (particularly Plage de Pampelonne and Le Club 55, La Bagatelle, and Nikki Beach bars), Cannes, and Monaco remain timeless favorites.”

Be aware of extra costs

When chartering a crewed yacht, be prepared for additional expenses for fuel, dockage, snacks, and drinks. These costs are usually included in the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), which is paid upfront, typically a month prior to your departure. The APA is usually calculated as a percentage of the charter fee—20-25% for sailing yachts and 30-35% for motor yachts. Any remaining funds will be refunded after the trip.

And remember to tip

The golden rule of yachting etiquette? Show appreciation to your crew with a tip. The Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association suggests tipping between 5-15% of your charter fee. Hand it to the captain at the end of your trip, and they will distribute it among the crew.