The French Riviera offers an exceptional playground for weekend nautical getaways. Between its turquoise waters, its secret coves and its mythical ports, this Mediterranean region reveals itself at its most beautiful from the deck of a boat. Sailing along this legendary coast allows you to discover landscapes inaccessible by land, to enjoy paradisiacal anchorages and to experience moments of total escape far from the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts.
This article is intended for experienced boaters as well as novices, boat owners and those who want to rent a boat for the occasion. Whether you are passionate about sailing, a fan of motorboating or simply a lover of the sea, here you will find itineraries adapted to all levels. We offer three carefully selected routes: from Saint-Tropez to Porquerolles for lovers of wild nature, from Cannes to the Lérins Islands to discover local maritime history, and from Nice to Monaco for a weekend full of luxury and sophistication.
Practical advice before going on a boat weekend
Choosing the right port of departure
The choice of the port of departure largely determines the success of your nautical weekend on the French Riviera. Marseille is an excellent base for exploring the creeks and islands of Frioul, with its historic Old Port and numerous modern marinas. Access is facilitated by the A7 motorway and the Old Port car park offers preferential rates for boaters.
Toulon seduces by its strategic position facing the islands of Hyères and its military port steeped in history. Nautical services are complete, with several shipyards and specialized stores. Saint-Tropez, despite its exclusive reputation, remains accessible from the A8 and offers high-end services in an authentic Provençal setting.
Cannes combines prestige and practicality with its ports of the Old Port and Pierre Canto, both ideally located to reach the Lérins Islands. Finally, Nice offers privileged access to Monaco and Italy, with the Lympia port, which has excellent road and rail links.
Rental or personal boat: which should you prefer?
For a weekend, renting has undeniable advantages. It frees you from the constraints of maintenance, permanent docking and annual insurance. Prices vary according to the season and the type of boat: count between 300 and 800 euros per day for a 7 to 10 meter motor boat, ideal for a weekend for four people.
Sailboats of 35 to 40 feet are generally rented between 400 and 1200 euros per day depending on their status and equipment. The advantage of renting also lies in the possibility of choosing the boat that is perfectly suited to your itinerary and the number of passengers.
Most rental companies offer weekend packages that include insurance, fuel for normal use, and sometimes even certified safety equipment. Some also offer additional services such as the delivery of groceries on board or the installation of connected equipment such as the Oria Marine IoT box, which allows the vital parameters of the boat to be monitored remotely.
Best times to sail on the French Riviera
The Côte d'Azur benefits from a Mediterranean climate favorable to navigation almost all year round. The ideal period is from May to October, with stable weather conditions and pleasant water temperatures. The months of June and September offer the best compromise between good weather and moderate attendance.
Summer, from July to August, offers optimal weather conditions but there are significant numbers of visitors to ports and anchorages. Rental rates then reach their maximum. The Mistral, the dominant wind in the region, generally blows from the north-west and can make navigation uncomfortable, especially between Marseille and Toulon.
Nautical events punctuate the season: the Voiles de Saint-Tropez in October, the Cannes Film Festival in May, or the Monaco Grand Prix create particular entertainment but require early reservation of berths.
Itinerary 1 — From Saint-Tropez to Porquerolles
Day 1 — Saint-Tropez > Cap Taillat > Estagnol Beach
Your maritime adventure begins in the mythical port of Saint-Tropez, where the unique atmosphere of the French Riviera welcomes you as soon as you board. The first stage takes you to Cap Taillat, 15 nautical miles away, or about 2 hours of navigation at moderate speed. This wild cape, protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, offers stunningly beautiful anchorages in crystal-clear waters.
The anchoring of Briande Bay, located at the foot of Cap Taillat, is a real gem for lovers of tranquility. Its turquoise waters and sandy bottoms make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The absence of construction on this stretch of coast guarantees a total change of scenery.
In the afternoon, head to Estagnol Beach, accessible only by sea or by a coastal path. This natural beach, preserved from tourist development, offers an exceptional setting for a first night at anchor. The sunsets are particularly spectacular, with the silhouette of the Hyères Islands in the background.
Day 2 — Cap Benat > Porquerolles
The second day begins with a sail to Cap Bénat, a rocky promontory that marks the entrance to the Hyères Islands. This 12-nautical mile crossing allows you to discover preserved coastal landscapes, with its secret coves and rock formations sculpted by the centuries.
Porquerolles, the largest of the Golden Islands, welcomes you to its charming port where pleasure boats and traditional boats mix. The village, which is forbidden to cars, has retained its authenticity with its Provençal houses and shady streets. A walk or bike ride will take you to the sandy beaches of the south coast, in particular Notre Dame Beach, regularly ranked among the most beautiful in France.
The island offers a variety of activities: hiking on botanical trails, discovering military remains, or even wine tasting in local wineries. The Domaine de l'Ile produces exceptional rosé wines that you can enjoy while the sun sets. For diving enthusiasts, the seabed around the island is home to exceptional biodiversity, with posidonia meadows and rocky drop-offs populated by groupers and corbs.
Itinerary 2 — From Cannes to the Lérins Islands
Day 1 — Cannes > Sainte-Marguerite Island
Your journey starts in the elegant port of Cannes, in front of the Palais des Festivals. The crossing to Sainte-Marguerite Island only takes 30 minutes, but it takes you to a totally different universe. This proximity to the mainland makes this itinerary a perfect choice for beginner sailors or those who want to combine navigation and cultural discovery.
The Fort Royal, built in the 17th century, dominates the island with its imposing silhouette. It was in its jails that the mysterious Iron Mask, a legendary character in the history of France, was imprisoned. A visit to the fort and its maritime museum makes it possible to understand the strategic importance of these islands in the defense of the Provençal coast.
The anchorages on the north coast offer ideal protection from the prevailing winds and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming. The island has several sandy beaches accessible by marked trails. Paddleboarding is particularly popular there, with the possibility of walking along the coast discovering coves and sea caves. The pine forest that covers the island offers numerous shaded spots for a midday picnic.
Day 2 — Saint-Honorat Island > Cap d'Antibes
The second day takes you to Saint-Honorat Island, smaller but no less fascinating. For more than 1600 years, this monastic island has been home to a community of Cistercian monks who have perpetuated the traditions of viticulture and the production of liquors. A visit to Lérins Abbey is a rare moment of serenity, with its Mediterranean gardens and its chapel with clean lines.
The monks produce exceptional red and white wine, as well as liquors with aromatic plants that you can taste and buy at the monastic shop. The island offers several trails for meditation and botanical discovery, allowing you to observe the Mediterranean flora in a preserved setting.
In the afternoon, head for Cap d'Antibes for a 45-minute sail that allows you to discover the coast from a privileged angle. The anchoring facing Old Antibes offers a breathtaking view of the Vauban ramparts and the cathedral bell tower. It's the perfect spot for a candlelit dinner on board, with the lights of the old town reflected on the calm water of the bay.
Itinerary 3 — From Nice to Monaco via Villefranche-sur-Mer
Day 1 — Nice > Villefranche-sur-Mer
The departure from Nice immediately offers you an exceptional panorama of the Baie des Anges and the Promenade des Anglais. This local navigation, lasting about 45 minutes, allows you to discover the Côte d'Azur in its most sophisticated aspect. The bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the most beautiful natural bays in the Mediterranean, welcomes you in a green setting and pastel colors.
The anchoring in the harbor offers exceptional protection against all winds and an ideal depth for anchoring. The waters are remarkably transparent, allowing you to observe the seabed up to 20 meters deep. Les Marinières beach, accessible as an annex, offers an intimate setting for morning swimming.
The village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its houses with colorful facades and stepped streets, deserves a thorough exploration. The Saint-Pierre Chapel, decorated by Jean Cocteau, is a unique artistic jewel. The restaurants at the port offer fine Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh fish and seafood specialties. The evening can continue in the authentic atmosphere of the tapas bars on Quai Amiral Courbet.
Day 2 — Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat > Monaco
The morning starts with a sail to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a mythical peninsula on the French Riviera. This short stop allows you to admire the Belle Époque villas nestled in the lush vegetation and the French-style gardens that go down to the sea. The anchoring of Fossette Bay offers an idyllic setting for breakfast on board.
Monaco is gradually appearing on the horizon, with its skyscrapers that contrast with the historic rock. The approach to the Principality from the sea reveals all the enormity of this unique territory, where Monegasque tradition and architectural modernity coexist. Port Hercules, one of the most prestigious in the Mediterranean, welcomes you in a setting of absolute luxury.
A visit to the Rock of Monaco allows you to discover the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum. The exotic gardens offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean, while the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo embodies the Monegasque way of life. For the return, you have the choice between returning to Nice in the evening or enjoying an extra night in the port of Monaco, a unique experience to admire the nightlife of the Principality.
What to put in your bag for a weekend on the boat?
The essential not to forget
Preparing for a weekend on a boat requires special attention to mandatory documents. Your boat license, ship insurance and identity papers are the essential triptych to navigate legally. Also, don't forget the bank card for shipping costs and possible refuelling.
As for clothing, choose outfits that are comfortable and adapted to the marine environment. A waterproof windbreaker, shoes with non-slip soles, and a hat are the minimum. Also, pack a change of clothes in a dry bag, as humidity is omnipresent on board. Polarized sunglasses and sun cream with an SPF 50 minimum are essential to protect your skin from reflections on the water.
Safety equipment includes approved life jackets for each passenger, the complete first aid kit, and emergency communication devices. A waterproof flashlight, flares, and marine whistle complete this vital piece of equipment. New connected devices such as the Oria Marine IoT box also make it possible to monitor the boat's safety parameters in real time.
Tips for managing life on board
Organizing the kitchen on board requires careful planning. Choose non-perishable foods and canned food for the first day, followed by fresh produce purchased at ports of call. A portable gas stove and the right cooking utensils make it easy to prepare meals. Remember to bring enough drinking water, at least 3 liters per person per day.
Sleeping requires lightweight and compact sleeping bags, as well as inflatable pillows to optimize space. Microfiber towels dry quickly and take up little space. For comfort, provide waterproof cushions and a tarp to create shaded areas.
Freshwater management is a major challenge during a long weekend. Use seawater for washing up beforehand and reserve fresh water for final rinsing. Biodegradable wipes allow for quick cleaning without waste. Also remember to bring waterproof trash bags to respect the marine environment.
Conclusion
A weekend by boat on the French Riviera is much more than just a nautical getaway. It is an invitation to rediscover this mythical region from a privileged angle, far from crowds and traffic jams. Each proposed itinerary offers its own personality: the wild authenticity of Porquerolles, the historic charm of the Lérins Islands or the refinement of the Monegasque Riviera.
These moments of sailing allow you to reconnect with the simple pleasures of life at sea: the lapping of the waves against the hull, the spectacle of sunsets from the deck, the freshness of morning swims in crystal-clear waters. They also offer the opportunity to discover an exceptional maritime heritage, from historic fortifications to traditional fishing ports.
Do not hesitate to try the adventure of one of these itineraries. Whether you are an experienced sailor or a motivated novice, the Côte d'Azur has unforgettable discoveries in store for you. Renting a boat for a weekend is a reasonable investment for memories that will last a lifetime. The important thing is to leave with an open mind and the desire to discover this legendary coast from its natural element: the sea.
FAQS
What license do you need to sail on the French Riviera?To sail on the Côte d'Azur, you must have the coastal option sailing license for motor boats of more than 6 horsepower, or the offshore license for outings beyond 6 miles from the coast. Sailboats longer than 6 meters also require a permit. The rental companies systematically check the validity of your license before handing over the boat.
How much does it cost to rent a boat for a weekend?Rates vary depending on the season, size and type of boat. Count between 600 and 1600 euros for a full weekend in a 7 to 10 meter motorboat. Sailboats of 35 to 40 feet cost between 800 and 2,400 euros. These prices generally include insurance and safety equipment, but do not include fuel and shipping.
Do you have to book anchorages or ports in advance?Booking is not mandatory for bay anchorages, but it is highly recommended for berths, especially in high season. Monaco, Saint-Tropez and Cannes are often sold out. Specialized mobile applications allow you to book and pay for berths directly from your smartphone.
Is it safe to sleep on board the boat?Sleeping on board is perfectly safe in sheltered anchorages or ports. Check marine weather, set up an anchor watch, and keep emergency communication handy. Modern surveillance systems, such as Oria Marine's IoT boxes, allow you to monitor the vital parameters of the boat while you sleep.
What type of boat is best suited for a weekend?For a weekend, choose a 7 to 10 meter motor boat with a cabin, offering a good compromise between maneuverability and comfort. Day boats are suitable for day trips, while boats with cabins allow you to spend the night on board. Sailboats are perfect for experienced sailors looking for an authentic experience.
Can you do a boating weekend even as a beginner?Absolutely! Charter companies offer comprehensive briefings and boats suitable for beginners. Choose a simple coastal itinerary like Cannes-Îles de Lérins, avoid periods of strong Mistral wind and do not hesitate to call on a professional skipper for the first outings. Many sailing schools offer weekend courses combining training and discovery.
