The French Riviera may be famous for red carpets, superyachts and glamorous beach clubs, but it is also a surprisingly brilliant destination for a yacht charter with children. While the Côte d’Azur is often associated with sophistication and style, families will quickly discover that it offers an abundance of activities perfectly suited to younger guests.
In fact, planning a family yacht charter along this iconic stretch of coastline can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Mediterranean. With calm bays, short cruising distances and diverse shore excursions, the Riviera is ideal for keeping children entertained from morning to evening.
Why the French Riviera Works for a Yacht Charter with Children
The region’s geography makes it particularly family-friendly. Sheltered anchorages provide safe swimming spots, while sandy beaches near Antibes and Saint-Tropez are perfect for treasure hunts, paddleboarding and water sports. Many yachts are equipped with water toys, inflatables and snorkelling gear — turning quiet coves into private playgrounds.
For adventurous families, there’s far more beyond the beach. Children can explore underwater “villages” while snorkelling in clear Mediterranean waters, visit interactive marine museums, or head inland for zip-lining and treetop adventure parks. Summer evenings often bring open-air concerts and spectacular firework displays along the coast, creating magical memories for younger charter guests.
Theme parks and water parks near Antibes add high-energy fun, while boat trips to the Îles de Lérins offer gentle nature walks and castle explorations that feel like stepping into a storybook.
Education Meets Exploration
A yacht charter with children on the French Riviera can also be enriching. Visits to historic forts, island monasteries and maritime museums combine fun with cultural discovery. Exploring bustling Provençal markets introduces young travellers to local food, colours and traditions in a way that feels immersive rather than instructional.
Flexible, Relaxed Family Time
One of the greatest advantages of a yacht charter for families is flexibility. Days can be adapted around children’s energy levels — whether that means early-morning swims, relaxed lunches on deck or spontaneous stops at quiet beaches. Parents can enjoy the luxury and service of a fully crewed yacht, while children benefit from constant variety and outdoor adventure.
The French Riviera may be synonymous with glamour, but it is also a place of sunshine, sea and shared experiences. For families seeking a balance of relaxation, excitement and unforgettable scenery, a yacht charter with children on the Côte d’Azur proves that luxury and family fun can go hand in hand.
The celebrity history of the French Riviera reads like a glittering Who’s Who of the past century. From ambitious tycoons and exiled royals to Hollywood sirens and avant-garde artists, the Côte d’Azur became a magnet for those seeking freedom, fortune and fame beneath the Mediterranean sun.
What began in the 19th century as a quiet coastline of medieval villages, olive groves and rocky sheep farms was transformed by a handful of influential personalities into the ultimate playground for the international elite. The celebrity history of the French Riviera is not merely a tale of glamour — it is the story of how individuals reshaped an entire region.
Aristocrats escaping northern winters first discovered the Riviera’s mild climate and restorative sea air. Soon after, writers, artists and socialites followed. The arrival of European royalty and wealthy industrialists sparked a building boom of grand villas and Belle Époque hotels. Later, Hollywood icons and American billionaires elevated the region’s reputation even further, fuelling its meteoric rise as a symbol of decadence and sophistication.
The Côte d’Azur’s transformation was dramatic. Where fishermen once hauled nets along quiet shores, superyachts began to anchor. Private beach parties, scandalous love affairs and legendary soirées cemented the Riviera’s reputation for intrigue and indulgence. The modern superyacht industry itself owes much to this era of celebrity excess and innovation.
Yet beyond the parties and red carpets, the celebrity history of the French Riviera reveals something deeper: a region shaped by creative energy and bold personalities. Writers found inspiration in its luminous light, artists captured its pastel façades and glittering seas, and socialites redefined leisure culture along its coastline.
Today, the French Riviera continues to carry this legacy. From Monaco’s royal allure to Cannes’ cinematic prestige and Saint-Tropez’s jet-set spirit, each destination bears the imprint of those who helped craft its myth.
Join us on a journey through the celebrity history of the French Riviera, stopping at the villas, cafés, harbours and hidden corners once frequented by royalty, artists and socialites who forever changed the destiny of the Côte d’Azur — and in doing so, created one of the world’s most enduring luxury legends.
A Côte d’Azur yacht charter is defined by contrast — and few anchorages illustrate this more beautifully than La Napoule. Nestled at the foot of the Esterel mountains, the Bay of La Napoule offers one of the most striking natural settings on the French Riviera.
Here, the deep red volcanic rocks of the Massif de l’Esterel rise dramatically from the shoreline, creating a vivid contrast against the turquoise Mediterranean. Just offshore lie the serene Îles de Lérins, where pine forests, hidden coves and sun-drenched vineyards provide tranquil escape from the busier Riviera ports.
Why Include La Napoule on a Côte d’Azur Yacht Charter?
La Napoule offers the perfect balance between natural beauty and refined Riviera lifestyle. As part of the commune of Mandelieu-La Napoule, this charming coastal enclave provides sheltered anchorages ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxed afternoons at sea.
Step ashore and the appeal continues. The surrounding Esterel hills offer exceptional outdoor activities, from scenic hiking trails and mountain biking routes to horse riding through fragrant Mediterranean landscapes. The terrain is dramatic yet accessible, making it ideal for charter guests seeking active exploration alongside time on the water.
For golf enthusiasts, Mandelieu-La Napoule is home to one of the Riviera’s most renowned courses, set amid lush greenery with mountain backdrops. Culinary highlights are equally impressive, with Michelin-starred dining and elegant waterfront restaurants providing memorable gastronomic experiences after a day at anchor.
A Riviera Alternative with Authentic Charm
Unlike the high-energy glamour of Cannes or Monaco, La Napoule delivers a quieter, more scenic stop on a Côte d’Azur yacht charter itinerary. It feels refined yet relaxed — a place where dramatic natural scenery meets understated luxury.
Cruising between the Lérins Islands and the Esterel coastline, anchoring in the sheltered Bay of La Napoule and dining in Mandelieu-La Napoule creates a seamless blend of sea, sport and sophistication.
For those designing a Côte d’Azur yacht charter that balances glamour with natural splendour, La Napoule is an unmissable highlight — a vivid reminder that the French Riviera’s beauty extends far beyond its most famous ports.
One of the greatest pleasures of a luxury escape to the Côte d’Azur is discovering the best restaurants on the French Riviera while travelling slowly along its sun-drenched coastline. From the Italian border in Menton to the glamour of Saint-Tropez, the region offers an extraordinary concentration of world-class dining experiences set against breathtaking Mediterranean backdrops.
A journey through the best restaurants on the French Riviera is as much about scenery as it is about cuisine. Picture elegant garden terraces perched above the sea, where the scent of jasmine mingles with salt air, and Michelin-starred chefs present dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients. Imagine opulent dining rooms beneath golden vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers, where attentive service and refined wine pairings elevate every course.
The Riviera’s culinary identity is rooted in exceptional produce — freshly caught seafood, fragrant herbs, olive oil, citrus and sun-ripened vegetables — yet interpreted through both traditional Provençal recipes and contemporary gastronomy. Whether dining in a historic seaside institution or a cutting-edge Michelin-starred restaurant, the emphasis remains on precision, creativity and respect for regional flavour.
A luxury yacht charter along the glittering Côte d’Azur enhances this gastronomic adventure. Cruising between ports allows guests to anchor near some of the best restaurants on the French Riviera, stepping ashore for lunch overlooking turquoise bays or indulging in multi-course tasting menus as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
From Menton’s refined elegance to Monaco’s haute cuisine, Cannes’ celebrated dining rooms and the vibrant culinary scene of Saint-Tropez, the Riviera offers a remarkable diversity of experiences within a short stretch of coastline.
For discerning travellers and devoted food lovers alike, exploring the best restaurants on the French Riviera is an essential part of the journey — a celebration of Mediterranean flavours, impeccable technique and unforgettable views.
High season on the French Riviera starts with a spectacular event that puts the region into the international spotlight and into the glare of flashing cameras. The Cannes Film Festival 2017 will take place from 17th-28th May, transforming the coastal town into the heart of the world’s movie industry for 11 days. Despite the billion dollar deals and networking taking place, you don’t have to be a member of the film industry to enjoy the glamour of Cannes Film Festival. There are three things to get right to ensure you’ll enjoy the most luxurious experience possible while in town for the festival.
1. A VIP Helicopter Transfer
Those who have attended the Film Festival before know that there is only one way to arrive in Cannes: by helicopter. A helicopter transfer to Cannes from Nice will reduce travel time from an hour on a traffic-packed road to the length of two movie trailers. The population of Cannes triples to a peak of 210,000 people during the Cannes Film Festival, meaning that land access can be frustratingly slow. Why waste precious time in traffic when you could be enjoying the festival and networking with like-minded people? This year is also the festival’s landmark 70th birthday, so it is set to attract even more attention and visitors.
The helicopter to Cannes leaves from Nice International Airport and flies over the stunning Riviera landscape. It lands at the Croisette Helipad a mere 7 minutes later. Once on the helipad, visitors are only a 10-minute walk from the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals and the heart of the action. Alternatively, a shuttle service is available to take festival participants to the hotel, or drop-off point, of their choice. A Cannes helicopter flight is a VIP experience that shouldn’t be missed and it’s undoubtedly the most convenient and stress-free way to arrive in town.
2. A Luxury Hotel
While attending the Cannes Film Festival, it’s best to stay somewhere close to the screenings, awards, parties and press events. The Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is situated in an enviable position on La Croisette, across the road from the Palais des Festivals. Not only does it provide instant access to the Cannes Film Festival, but the 5-star hotel is a two-minute walk from the beach and 1 km from the Musée de la Castre in the historic Old Town. Built in 1926, the Belle Epoque palace has an abundance of character and offers exceptional Mediterranean views.
Courtesy Majestic Barrière
The hotel’s 350 guest rooms are decorated with understated glamour and sophisticated designs. They are furnished with work desks, sitting areas, minibars and designer bathrooms. There are also two penthouse suites with butler service. When you want a break from films and meetings, go and lounge at the outdoor pool or enjoy a cocktail on the private jetty and beach. For those moments of utter relaxation and de-stressing, the cutting-edge Spa can attend to your aching joints and over-burdened mind.
3. Top Restaurant
Cannes has some fantastic restaurants from which to choose, but the 2-Michelin-starred La Palme d’Or is one of France’s finest. It is located in the exclusive Martinez Hotel on La Croisette. It benefits from a magical setting with a large terrace that overlooks the Mediterranean – the very sea which influences its gourmet flavours. The restaurant attracts a high-profile clientele who enjoy the innovative and delicious food that Chef Christian Sinicropi prepares in a chic art deco-inspired interior. Large windows overlook the Croisette and the hotel’s pool deck.
Popular dishes include Dublin Bay prawns with beetroot, sweetbreads with a duck foie gras stuffing and Mediterranean bass with green pea ravioli. The delicate and refined taste of the food blends perfectly with the surroundings and makes any meal a special occasion. The impeccable service at La Palme D’Or will ensure you have the ultimate festival experience while in Cannes.
A French Riviera yacht charter reveals the glittering coastline of southern France, with its secluded anchorages, turquoise waters, and iconic ports such as Antibes and Cannes — yet no journey along the Côte d’Azur is truly complete without venturing inland to discover the flower-filled hill villages that define Provence. Among these, Valbonne stands out as one of the most charming, authentic, and easily accessible escapes from the Mediterranean shore, offering visitors a refined glimpse of traditional village life in France away from the glamour of the coast.
Just a short drive from the sea, Valbonne, France provides the perfect complement to life aboard a luxury yacht. After mornings spent cruising sunlit bays and afternoons anchored off sandy beaches, arriving in Valbonne feels like stepping into another era — one shaped by cobbled lanes, honey-coloured stone houses, shuttered windows, and the gentle cadence of Provençal living. The contrast is striking yet harmonious, revealing another dimension of the French Riviera that is quieter, more intimate, and deeply rooted in history.
Founded in the early 16th century around a former abbey, Valbonne is unusual among medieval towns in France for its elegant grid layout, designed with remarkable foresight during the Renaissance period. The historic centre radiates from a picturesque central square shaded by plane trees, where fountains murmur softly and locals gather for leisurely games of pétanque beneath dappled sunlight. Cafés spill onto the square, creating a relaxed atmosphere that balances historic charm with understated Riviera sophistication.
Exploring Valbonne, France is a sensory pleasure. Boutiques, artisan workshops, and galleries line the narrow streets, showcasing curated fashion, handmade jewellery, ceramics, and regional crafts that reflect the creative spirit of Provence. Stylish yet unpretentious restaurants offer seasonal menus rooted in local produce, while long lunches stretch into languid afternoons accompanied by chilled rosé from nearby vineyards. Despite its popularity, Valbonne has retained a rare authenticity — it feels like a living village rather than a polished attraction, where shopkeepers know their customers and conversations flow easily across café terraces.
For travellers enjoying a luxury yacht charter in southern France, Valbonne offers a rich cultural counterpoint to the coastal scene. Close enough to reach comfortably from major ports yet far enough inland to feel peaceful and unhurried, the village invites visitors to slow down and absorb the rhythms of everyday Provençal life. Weekly markets transform the square into a tapestry of colour and fragrance, with stalls overflowing with fresh herbs, olives, lavender, cheeses, and artisan breads — a quintessential French experience that contrasts beautifully with the polished marinas of the Riviera.
Architectural details reveal centuries of history: ancient stone archways, wrought-iron balconies, hidden courtyards, and quiet side streets that reward aimless wandering. Beyond the centre, the surrounding countryside of Valbonne, France unfolds into gentle hills dotted with olive groves, pine forests, and vineyards, offering scenic drives and walking trails that showcase the natural beauty of inland Provence. The village’s location also makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby historic towns, perfume capital Grasse, and the cultural heritage of the Alpes-Maritimes region.
Ultimately, Valbonne encapsulates the dual identity of the French Riviera — sophistication paired with tradition, elegance balanced by simplicity, glamour complemented by authenticity. Combining a French Riviera yacht charter with a visit to Valbonne, France allows travellers to experience both the dazzling spectacle of the Mediterranean and the timeless soul of inland Provence. It is this seamless blend of sea and countryside, luxury and heritage, that defines the enduring allure of the Côte d’Azur and makes Valbonne one of the most rewarding inland destinations in southern France.
It is impossible to overstate the influence that the light and landscapes of the French Riviera had on some of the world’s greatest artists. From shimmering seascapes to pastel façades and the hazy outline of the Maritime Alps, the Côte d’Azur offered a palette unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Visionaries such as Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Paul Signac and Marc Chagall fell under the spell of this mythic Mediterranean light. They were drawn by the way it danced across terracotta rooftops, illuminated turquoise bays and softened mountain silhouettes into dusky blues.
Many artists did not merely visit — they stayed. The French Riviera became a sanctuary where creativity flourished. Here, they found renewed energy and produced some of their most important Mediterranean-inspired masterpieces, shaped by the region’s colour, warmth and atmosphere.
A luxury yacht charter in the south of France offers a unique way to explore the artistic heritage of the Riviera. Cruising along the coastline allows you to trace the footsteps of the masters — from the dreamy coves of Cap d’Antibes to the flower-filled hill village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and onward to the pastel harbour of Saint-Tropez.
Along the way, you can step ashore to visit celebrated museums and former artist residences, dine in restaurants adorned with their works, and admire the very views that inspired their canvases. The Riviera becomes not just a destination, but a living gallery — where sea, sky and stone still reflect the same luminous beauty that once captivated the world’s most celebrated artists.
To explore artists and the French Riviera is to discover a landscape that continues to inspire — a place where creativity, culture and Mediterranean elegance meet in perfect harmony.
To truly understand a destination, you must experience its food — and nowhere is this more evident than on the French Riviera. The cuisine of the Côte d’Azur tells the story of a region transformed: from a quiet 19th-century coastline of fishing villages and sheep farms to one of the world’s most glamorous culinary hotspots, home to Michelin-starred restaurants and rustic Provençal kitchens nestled among vineyards.
The food of the French Riviera reflects its layered cultural history. Humble, rustic dishes such as socca — the beloved chickpea pancake of Nice — and fishermen’s bouillabaisse evoke the region’s maritime roots. These traditional recipes were born from necessity, using simple, local ingredients to create deeply satisfying meals.
As the Riviera evolved into a jet-set playground, its gastronomy expanded alongside it. Today, elegant fine-dining establishments sit comfortably beside countryside auberges. One iconic example is the Tarte Tropézienne, a cream-filled brioche cake that rose to fame in the 1950s and became synonymous with Saint-Tropez glamour.
Above all, food on the French Riviera is about celebrating local produce. Sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, olive oil, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables form the backbone of Southern French cuisine. The magic lies in simplicity — quality ingredients prepared with care, transforming what might seem ordinary into something unexpectedly extraordinary.
From seaside bistros overlooking the Mediterranean to Michelin-starred dining rooms in Monaco and Cannes, the French Riviera offers a culinary journey that mirrors its landscape: vibrant, sun-kissed and effortlessly refined. To taste the Riviera is to taste its history — a delicious blend of tradition, innovation and Mediterranean soul.
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2017 returns to Cannes from 17–24 June, welcoming more than 15,000 delegates from around the world. Each year, this landmark event transforms the French Riviera into the global capital of advertising, marketing and creative communications.
Cannes Lions brings together agencies, brands, tech innovators, media leaders and independent creatives to network, collaborate and celebrate bold ideas shaping the future of the industry. For one week, Cannes becomes the stage where the world’s most influential campaigns are unveiled, debated and rewarded.
The Heart of Innovation
Beyond the core awards programme, Cannes Lions encompasses three specialist mini-festivals:
Lions Health – focusing on creativity within healthcare communications
Lions Innovation – exploring the intersection of data, technology and storytelling
Lions Entertainment – celebrating the evolving relationship between brands and content
Together, these pillars ensure Cannes Lions remains at the forefront of global creative thinking. The festival provides a rare opportunity for independent agencies to compete directly with multinational media powerhouses for the prestigious Lions awards.
A Refined Awards Structure for 2017
In 2016, the festival received an extraordinary 43,101 award entries, prompting industry discussion about category structure and volume. Under the leadership of Managing Director Jose Papa at Lions Festivals, significant changes were introduced for 2017. A streamlined 10-point entry checklist and restructured award categories were implemented to simplify submissions and enhance the overall judging process.
These refinements aim to maintain the integrity and prestige of the Lions awards while ensuring clarity and fairness for entrants worldwide.
Why Cannes Lions Matters
Cannes Lions is more than an awards ceremony — it is a global forum for inspiration, education and connection. With keynote speakers, workshops, networking events and high-profile brand activations throughout the city, the festival continues to define trends in advertising, marketing and digital innovation.
For creative professionals and industry leaders alike, Cannes Lions 2017 represents the ultimate celebration of ideas — where the world’s most powerful stories compete, connect and inspire on the shores of the Mediterranean.
The French Riviera is far more than sun-drenched beaches and glamorous marinas. It is also one of Europe’s richest destinations for cultural heritage, art and design. From hillside chapels adorned with modern masterpieces to grand institutions housing priceless collections, the best museums on the French Riviera showcase centuries of creativity against a backdrop of Mediterranean beauty.
Across the Côte d’Azur, visitors will find world-class museums, historic villas and maritime collections that celebrate everything from classical art to contemporary innovation. Whether you are drawn to avant-garde design, Belle Époque elegance or nautical heritage, the region offers remarkable diversity within a compact coastline.
In Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco and beyond, museum experiences range from intimate artist foundations to internationally renowned institutions. Expect vibrant modern art galleries, sculpture gardens overlooking the sea, historic fortresses turned exhibition spaces and museums dedicated to some of the 20th century’s most influential creative minds.
Beyond fine art, the best museums on the French Riviera also include fascinating maritime exhibits, archaeological discoveries and decorative arts collections that reflect the region’s layered history — from ancient Greek settlements to the golden age of Riviera glamour.
Whether you are planning a cultural city break or adding enrichment to a luxury yacht charter itinerary, exploring the best museums on the French Riviera offers insight into the artistic soul of the Côte d’Azur. From artistic curiosities to major international collections, this definitive guide highlights ten exceptional museums not to miss.
Once a quiet fishing village, Saint-Tropez was catapulted onto the world stage in the 1950s, evolving into the ultimate playground of the international jet set. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after destinations for a yacht charter in St Tropez, where superyachts line the harbour and Mediterranean sophistication defines the summer season.
From Brigitte Bardot’s era to modern-day celebrities and entrepreneurs, St Tropez has maintained its position as the beating heart of Riviera glamour. Yet beyond the champagne-fuelled beach clubs and high-profile parties lies a town rich in Provençal character and timeless charm.
Why Choose a Yacht Charter in St Tropez?
A yacht charter in St Tropez offers the perfect blend of glamour, scenery and lifestyle. Positioned on the glittering Côte d’Azur, the town provides access to:
Michelin-starred dining and waterfront restaurants
Designer boutiques and artisan markets
Vibrant nightlife and elegant old-town charm
During peak summer months, St Tropez pulses with energy. The harbour becomes a showcase of some of the world’s most impressive yachts, and the social calendar is packed with exclusive events. In contrast, the off-season reveals a quieter, more refined side — cobbled streets, pastel façades and a relaxed Provençal rhythm.
The beauty of a St Tropez yacht charter lies in flexibility — combining glamorous port stops with peaceful anchorages in a single itinerary.
Dining & Beach Clubs
St Tropez is synonymous with exceptional dining. From elegant Michelin-starred establishments to legendary beach clubs along Pampelonne, options range from relaxed barefoot lunches to refined gourmet experiences. Many venues are easily accessible directly from your yacht tender, making reservations part of the seamless charter experience.
Shopping & Lifestyle
Luxury shopping in St Tropez rivals larger Riviera cities. International fashion houses sit alongside independent designers and curated concept stores. The old town’s morning market offers artisan goods, local produce and authentic Provençal finds.
Practical Advice for Booking a Yacht Charter in St Tropez
Book early: Summer demand is extremely high, particularly July and August.
Consider shoulder season: May, June and September offer superb weather with fewer crowds.
Choose the right yacht: From sleek motor yachts to spacious superyachts, select a vessel that matches your group size and desired experience.
Work with experienced brokers: Local knowledge ensures prime anchorages, dining reservations and seamless logistics.
The Ultimate Riviera Experience
A yacht charter in St Tropez captures everything that makes the French Riviera legendary — sunshine, style, Mediterranean beauty and effortless glamour. Whether you are seeking a high-energy summer escape or a refined coastal retreat, Saint-Tropez delivers an experience that is both iconic and unforgettable.
Immerse yourself in our Luxury Guide to Yacht Charter in St Tropez for insider recommendations on dining, shopping and expert tips to plan your perfect French Riviera yacht charter.
Whether you’re cruising between ports on a luxury yacht charter or planning a leisurely exploration ashore, the Mediterranean’s marinas are more than glamorous mooring points — they are gateways to extraordinary culinary and cultural experiences. Beyond the polished teak decks and glittering harbours lies a quieter Riviera, where fine dining unfolds against a backdrop of pine forests, ancient stone walls and endless blue horizons. Nowhere is this contrast more enchanting than on the Islands of the French Riviera, where refinement and authenticity meet in perfect harmony.
Just a short sail from Cannes, La Guérite on Île Sainte-Marguerite captures this spirit beautifully. Tucked among umbrella pines with sweeping sea views, the celebrated beach restaurant blends vibrant Mediterranean cuisine with the relaxed elegance of island life. Long lunches stretch into golden afternoons, dishes showcase the freshest seafood and Provençal flavours, and the atmosphere shifts effortlessly from laid-back chic to festive Riviera glamour. Dining here is not simply a meal — it is an experience shaped by salt air, cicadas and the gentle lull of waves against the shore.
The Islands of the French Riviera remain one of the Côte d’Azur’s best-kept secrets. Just a short distance from the glamour of Cannes and Saint-Tropez lie peaceful archipelagos of extraordinary Mediterranean beauty — worlds away from red carpets and superyachts. Off Cannes, the Îles de Lérins offer pine forests, vineyard-covered hills and historic landmarks set against crystal-clear waters. Further west, near Hyères, the Îles d’Hyères — often called the Golden Islands — reveal long sandy beaches, protected nature reserves and unspoilt coastal paths.
Stepping ashore feels like travelling back to a simpler era. Visitors wander through fragrant woodland trails, explore centuries-old forts and monasteries, and discover quiet coves where the sea shimmers in every shade of turquoise. On Île Saint-Honorat, monastic life continues much as it has for generations, while neighbouring Île Sainte-Marguerite — home to the historic Fort Royal — invites guests to linger over history before settling into a sun-drenched terrace for lunch.
With no cars permitted on many of the islands and only small resident populations, the atmosphere is serene and refreshingly authentic. The soundtrack is cicadas and the gentle rhythm of the sea, offering a rare glimpse of what the Côte d’Azur was like before grand hotels and modern developments transformed the mainland. Here, fine dining feels both elevated and effortless — an extension of the landscape rather than a departure from it.
For travellers seeking more than glamour alone, the Islands of the French Riviera offer a captivating counterpoint to the mainland’s sparkle. They remind us that the true luxury of the Mediterranean is not only found in Michelin stars or marquee names, but in the harmony of place, history and flavour. Whether anchored in a tranquil bay or stepping ashore for an unforgettable lunch at La Guérite, every moment becomes part of a richer, more timeless Riviera story — peaceful, refined and undeniably enchanting.
If skiing in the Alps and sunbathing on a Riviera beach on the same day seems like a pipedream, read on. There aren’t many places in Europe where people can ski to their heart’s content and then be on the beach in their swimsuits a couple of hours after having a hot chocolate in Val Thorens. A quick and convenient helicopter transfer can transport you to the highest mountains and back down to the Cote d’Azur for a day to remember. It’s worth taking a luxury helicopter flight for the views of snow-capped peaks and dappled azure waters alone. We have selected three mountain/beach flight combinations that are easy to access and varied.
Tignes and Cannes
Tignes is always one of the last resorts to close its ski lifts because of its high altitude. Its 1,550m-3,450m slopes are heavy with snow, which makes it one of the most reliable places for late-season skiing. It’s ideally located in the famous Espace Killy ski circuit, which offers easy access to Val d’Isere. It also benefits from the presence of the Grande Motte glacier, which is open until 6th May this year.
A helicopter from Cannes to Tignes takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Enjoy white groomed pistes and white sandy beaches within one day. Sunbathing on Cannes glamorous beaches will take you a world away from the high-adrenaline slopes of Tignes and Val d’Isere. Should you tire of catching the spring sun on the private beaches on La Croisette, you can try one of the many chic restaurants along the prestigious stretch of coast. Alternatively visit the small public beach Plage de Casino nearby the Palais des Festivals, which is sheltered and good for swimming if the temperature is right. If you are a fashionista, don’t forget to take in the Cannes Shopping Festival at the Palais between 14th and 17th April 2017.
Chamonix and Monaco
Chamonix offers the highest skiing in the French Alps with the Aiguille du Midi lift at 3,842 m. Skiing is available throughout spring and closes in early May. Located at the foot of the legendary Mont Blanc, Chamonix’s altitude ensures great skiing and snow coverage. The resort has always attracted adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies with its advanced pistes such as the famous Vallée Blanche, but also has plenty of options for more amateur skiers. Chamonix also has some good restaurants and an abundance of snow activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding.
After fun in the mountain sunshine, catch some rays on Monaco’s Larvotto Beach. This soft pebble man-made beach has a unique city setting, beautiful clear water for swimming and plenty of eateries around to satisfy even the pickiest of foodies. The good thing about this beach is how convenient it is for Monaco’s attractions such as the casino and the beautiful gardens. It’s also close to five-star restaurants and designer boutiques.
If you are in Monaco in April don’t miss the chance to ski in the morning and watch the Rolex Tennis Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club in the afternoon. The event brings the finest athletic talent to the city-state from 15th to 23rd April. The championship takes place in the stunning setting of the Monte-Carlo Country Club, which directly overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. People who prefer cars to sports, should pair a Chamonix helicopter ski trip with a visit to Top Marques, a prestigious luxury goods and supercar show which takes place on 20th-23rd April at the famous Grimaldi Forum. Taking a helicopter from Monaco to Tignes, Chamonix or Val Thorens is also an option if you’d prefer ski in the afternoon or enjoy the après ski scene.
Val Thorens and Nice
Val Thorens is the highest purpose-built ski resort in Europe and it has enviable snow conditions. Located in the enormous Trois Vallees ski area, it is home to more than 140km of pistes above 3,000m, and since most of them are north-facing, skiing goes on until late in the season. The resort is car-free, making a luxury helicopter transfer the ultimate ski pass with hundreds of mountain peaks in sight. However, if you’re hoping for a ski pass a little closer to earth, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find special deals are usually available on lift tickets from mid-April. The season runs through to May and re-opens for glacier skiing in the summer. The cutting-edge ski facilities and high-tech ski lifts complement the informal and laid-back feel of the resort.
When you’re ready to enjoy your apres-ski on the beach, fly to Nice where the water is clear and inviting and the scenery is beautiful. Neptune Beach is a wonderful central private beach option that is affiliated with the famous Negresco Hotel off the Promenade de Anglais. It’s also family-friendly and its beach restaurant has a children’s play area. In the unlikely event that the weather takes a turn for the worst, the indoor lounge area offers various games to pass the time. Plage Publique du Voilier is located nearby on the Blue Beach and is close to attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts. Nice’s beaches stretch along the coast for 10 kilometres so you’ll have your pick of private or public ones. They are composed of large pebbles called ‘galets’ that make the water a uniquely vibrant blue.
With these combinations of Riviera helicopter flights you are never far from a beach or mountain. So enjoy the best of both worlds!
Yacht charters on the French Riviera have long been regarded as the gold standard of Mediterranean cruising. Known worldwide as the go-to destination for superyacht charters, the Côte d’Azur has upheld its elite reputation for decades, attracting royalty, celebrities and discerning travellers seeking glamour, privacy and exceptional cruising grounds.
From the glittering harbour of Monaco to the red-carpet prestige of Cannes and the vibrant beach culture of Saint-Tropez, yacht charters on the French Riviera offer unparalleled variety within a compact stretch of coastline. Each destination brings its own character — whether it’s Monaco’s casino elegance, Cannes’ luxury boutiques and festivals, or the relaxed yet glamorous atmosphere of Pampelonne Beach.
Accessibility is another key reason why yacht charters on the French Riviera remain so popular. Nice Côte d’Azur Airportserves as the principal international gateway, located just minutes from the coast. In summer, it becomes a magnet for private jets, supported by a dedicated business aviation terminal operating year-round. From the airport, seamless transfers can be arranged directly to your yacht.
Charter guests can embark from the Port of Nice or opt for a swift helicopter transfer to Monaco — just seven minutes away by air — ensuring a smooth and stylish start to their Mediterranean journey. This level of convenience, combined with world-class marinas and infrastructure, makes the region exceptionally charter-friendly.
Beyond its accessibility and prestige ports, the Riviera delivers a dynamic cruising experience. Anchor off secluded coves near the Îles de Lérins, cruise past dramatic coastal cliffs, or hop between glamorous harbours where fine dining, designer shopping and vibrant nightlife await.
For those seeking sun-drenched coastlines, cultural heritage and unmistakable glamour, yacht charters on the French Riviera continue to define the ultimate superyacht experience.
Cannes Lions is one of the most important events for those working in the creative communications, advertising and related fields. The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has celebrated everything creative since its inception in 1954. Following on the heels of the Cannes Film Festival, these special awards are also held at the Palais des Festivals every June. As well as handing out numerous accolades, organisers and attendees throw extravagant parties and press events. It is set at an ideal time of year to attend with a luxury yacht charter and enjoy the event in style.
This year’s event takes place from 17th to 24th June, 2017. The Cannes Lions Festival attracts a diverse array of designers, digital innovators, marketers and celebrity guest speakers. This exciting gathering was actually inspired by Cannes Film Festival as cinema screen advertising executives felt the makers of advertising films should be similarly recognised. It was originally held in Venice and later alternated between that location and the French Riviera before finally permanently establishing itself in Cannes in 1984. Since those days it has continued to grow in popularity and prestige and attracts a diverse demographic of creatives and business executives. These visitors want to participate in a cutting-edge event that continues to be relevant and reflect society through creativity.
The Lions Awards are the heart of the celebration and champion work from the past year. They are awarded in a number of advertising and media categories which constantly evolve according to new developments in the industry. Now there are categories including ‘Top 10 Startups to Watch’, ‘Mobile’ and ‘Branded Content & Entertainment’. The juries consist of the best talent with proven creative credentials and influence, and the prizes themselves are highly coveted since the Lion remains the ultimate symbol of excellence.
Throughout Cannes Lions Festival, the superyachts berthed in the Vieux Port form a glamorous backdrop to this already prestigious event. The festival is located on Cannes’ legendary Croisette, exactly where the Cannes Film Festival is situated just one month earlier. The timing of both events is perfect for a French Riviera yacht charter since the weather is warm, but not too hot and sailing conditions are good. As summer has officially arrived along the Côte d’Azur, superyachts become the must-have accessory for companies wishing to showcase their creative genius in a splendid setting.
A superyacht is not just a luxurious place to lay your head at night; they are also impressive venues for meetings, cocktail parties and other networking events. A business lunch on the aft deck could seal the deal you’re looking for, or maybe provide inspiration for your agency’s next advertising campaign. In fact, your yacht charter could become a marketing tool itself if you custom brand it with your logo and banner to ensure your brand is visible to the key players in the industry as they stroll past. However, berths are extremely popular at this time of year, so it’s recommended that you enquire about yachts for the Cannes Lions as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Exciting preview of the new flybridge yacht sailing on the Ligurian Sea, awaiting its debut in Hong Kong.
The jaw-dropping beauty of Riva 100′ Corsaro could not find a more ideal location than the Golfo dei Poeti, a place of enchanting splendour, in one of the most beautiful and world-renowned regions of Italy. The series of photo shoots off the coast of Liguria have immortalised its first nautical miles traveled and intensified the wait for its official introduction in Hong Kong in April 2017.
Its first time on display in Hong Kong will be the ideal occasion to celebrate the truly limitless success of an icon of sporty style and luxury, proven by the fact that the entire 2017 production is already sold out to a few selective ship owners.
The Riva 100′ Corsaro is born from the collaboration between Officina Italiana Design – the studio founded by designer Mauro Micheli alongside Sergio Beretta – exclusive designer for the entire Riva fleet, the Strategic Product Committee and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. It is the natural heir to previous legendary models as well as the perfect combination of comfort, performance, style and safety.
Its majestic dimensions are arranged harmoniously with the athleticism of the design, 100’ Corsaro is characterized by a sharp profile, which evokes the shape of an arrow with metallic colors in dark tones and large glass surfaces.
In particular, the layout of the first unit will present exclusive, original interiors that reflect the style and high standards of its owner.
A French Riviera yacht charter is about more than cruising between glamorous ports — it’s about experiencing the very best the Côte d’Azur lifestyle has to offer. From sun-drenched afternoons anchored off Pampelonne Beach to elegant lunches overlooking the Mediterranean, beach clubs form an essential part of any Riviera itinerary.
Scattered along the coastline from Monaco to Saint-Tropez, these iconic venues combine exceptional dining, attentive service and vibrant atmosphere in unforgettable waterfront settings. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed barefoot lunch, a chic champagne-soaked afternoon or a high-energy party that continues past sunset, the best beach clubs on the French Riviera deliver style in abundance.
Here is our curated selection of the finest beach clubs to visit during your French Riviera yacht charter — where great food, beautiful views and Riviera glamour come together seamlessly.
Plage La Garoupe – Cap d’Antibes
The best beach clubs have a seductive magic about them, an allure that goes far past the sophisticated decor, the handsome charm of the waiters, or even the softness of the sand where white-cloth tables sit before the sparkling sea. At the top beach clubs—the ones that the A-list compete to get into in the long, languorous days of a Mediterranean Summer — there’s a lingering sense of summers past, of all the famous people who have mingled, dined and danced here, passing happy days diving off pontoons and basking in the sun.
So join us as we float from the towering cliffs of Monaco down to the Gulf of Saint Tropez, dropping anchor at the most glorious beach clubs along the French Riviera.
Monaco
Monte-Carlo Beach Club
This prestigious beach club at Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel offers the most impressive selection of options of any Monaco beach club, with a private beach with watersports and luxury tents; an Olympic sized saltwater swimming pool with diving tower, and a Michelin star restaurant on a deck overlooking the glittering sea. Laze back in your cool striped cabana with a hookah pipe, go parasailing high above the Mediterranean, or dine on fresh deliciousness at Elsa, the first all-organic restaurant to be lauded by the Michelin inspectors. Naturally, there’s also a spa onsite to take your pampering beach club experience to the next level.
The global Nikki Beach franchise has extended its reach with a pop-up ‘beach’ club on top of the Fairmont Hotel, which will return for another bout of party madness in April 2017. All the action at Nikki Beach Monaco takes place around the pool, which is surrounded by luxurious white deckchairs, from which you can indulge in some quality people-watching or gaze out at the endless Mediterranean views. With chilled DJ beats ramping up as the day wears on, Nikki Beach Monaco feels very much like a daytime nightclub, so it attracts a young crowd bent on having a good time.
If the idea of loud DJ music and enthusiastic young things spraying Champagne makes you want to retreat with haste to a place of cool, calm exclusivity, there can be no better oasis than La Note Bleue in Monaco. This sophisticated beach club at Monaco’s Larvotto Beach offers a garden-like setting by the sea, with decadent daybeds with wispy curtains, soft white deckchairs by the water, and elegant dining tables shaded by graceful sweeps of canvas. At night, drink and dine by soft lantern-light as notable jazz musicians play to an appreciative crowd.
For sheer celebrity history and Mediterranean charm, it would be hard to go past Paloma Beach, an iconic beach club nestled on a small cove in exclusive Cap Ferrat. Family-run since 1948 and named after Picasso’s daughter, the beach club at Paloma Beach offers heart-soaring views of cliffs and blue-green sea, with opulent villas climbing the steep slopes behind. Paloma Beach isn’t shiny and decadent— in fact it’s slightly rustic compared to its Monaco counterparts, with the same “shack” from 1948 serving up fresh-grilled seafood and family-style service to the dining tables scattered along the pretty pebbled beach.
Paloma Beach promises the French Riviera experience… as it used to be. After a refreshing swim in the crystal clear water, lie back on a deckchair with an icy glass of rose’ and listen to the cicadas buzzing in the nearby pines. A place of family tradition, celebrity patronage, and the bewitching nostalgia of summers past, Paloma each is the French Riviera, and it would be remiss not to stop here on your Cote d’Azur yacht charter.
Paloma Beach, Cap Ferrat
Cap d’Antibes
Plage Keller
Return to where the French Riviera legend truly began, at the gloriously pretty Plage de la Garoupe. This stunning powder-white sand beach is where an American socialite couple called the Murphys launched the French Riviera as a summertime destination in the 1920s, clearing the beach of seaweed and fishing nets and inviting Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Picasso to sunbathe and swim in the crystal clear waters. Today, Plage Keller is the pick of the beach clubs along this pretty cove, offering excellent Mediterranean food in a sophisticated setting and beautiful views across the Bay of Angels to the distant Alps. Take a table on the silky soft sand or a deckchair on the long jetty, shaded by jaunty yellow umbrellas. Celebrity history is everywhere on the Riviera— if you only know where to look, and the refined Plage Keller beach club is the ideal beach club to celebrate the birthplace of the Riviera as we know it.
This designer-chic beach club is part of the Hotel Martinez, and is famous for its wide beach area and vast pontoon with teak decking and deliriously comfortable lounges. The most sought-after beach club experience in Cannes, Z Plage has an adjoining restaurant, a smoothie and cocktail bar, and a beach cabana offering Givenchy spa massages during July and August. Find your heaven under the shade of a white umbrella, or find an oasis of privacy between wisps of white curtains that wave gently in the afternoon breeze.
Z Plage
Baoli Beach
This glamorous beach club is a sister venue to the famous Baoli nightclub in Cannes’ Port Canto, and attracts the same A-list crowd of the young and genetically blessed. With a premier position by the majestic art deco façade of the Carlton Intercontinental hotel, Baoli Beach is the perfect venue to have an elegant lunch at a table on the sand or soak up the sun on the large jetty covered in plush deckchairs. The white and cream décor is set off perfectly against the blue sea and sky, and as the day heads into afternoon there’s a party vibe in the air that carries on long into the summer nights.
Baoli Beach
Saint Tropez
Club 55
When talking of beach clubs in Saint Tropez, you simply must start with Club 55. In 1955 when filming And God Created Woman, Brigitte Bardot’s husband Vadim mistook a simple bungalow on the beach for a bistro, and asked the owner if the film crew could have something to eat. His wife kindly agreed to cook them a meal, and so history was made. That film would propel both Bardot and Saint Tropez to global stardom, and with it, the humble bungalow that would soon become the infamous Club 55 beach club.
Today, the bungalow still stands, surrounded by tall stands of bamboo and tamarisk trees that bend gently in the afternoon breezes which skip up off the water. Tables are shaded by swoops of white canvas, deckchairs are set up on the soft sand with stunning views, and as the day goes on and the inhibitions loosen, people begin to dance. Club 55 is beach club royalty, and the guest list shows it.
For a younger and wilder crowd, head to Nikki Beach St Tropez where beautiful young things dance on tables to big-name DJs, and as much Champagne seems to get sprayed as is drunk. This is hedonism at its most energetic.
In Summer, expect your A-list crowd of young celebrities and racing drivers to be tempered with a crowd of party-goers keen to brush shoulders with the superyacht set. Despite the name, Nikki Beach St Tropez isn’t actually right on the beach, so all the action centres around the pool, which is surrounded by the signature all-white lounges and daybeds of the Nikki Beach franchise.
Tradition is important in Saint Tropez, but it is not everything. Every once in a while, a newcomer announces its arrival with such success and fanfare that it immediately rockets to the top of the ‘must-visit’ list. Bagatelle Beach is one such venue, expanding to Saint Tropez after success in St Barts, Rio, and New York. After a fire destroyed the beach club in early 2016, Bagatelle Beach reopened and is going from strength to strength. The décor is coastal chic, with wicker chairs, white tablecloths, and flashes of bright blue — all reflecting that air of bright light and sparkling sea which makes the Riviera so entirely irresistible to anyone with a touch of romance in their soul.
Another thrilling chapter for Riva opens in the maxi yacht sector in the pursuit of style, elegance and raw performance.
The most renowned shipyard in the world officially presents the Riva 110’, the flagship of our fibreglass fleet, succeeding the Riva 100’ Corsaro as the next-generation model in our restyled flybridge range.
A collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, the studio founded by Mauro Micheli in collaboration with Sergio Beretta, the Strategic Product Committee and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, the Riva 110’ promises to be a flybridge of boundless beauty and unprecedented elegance. The design of the hull has been fully refreshed and is now almost 112 feet (34 metres) in length, and a width of over 22 feet (7 metres).
The exterior design builds on the untamed lines of the 100’ Corsaro: distinguished by her sporty profile, the hull of the Riva 110’ boasts an impressive glass wall and integrated portholes. On deck, a stretched glass roof extends over the length of the entire living area, constructed with panes nestled in a stainless steel frame. A second window surrounds the wide body master suite as far as the nose of the bow, complementing the sleek design.
In addition, the raised bridge enjoys expansive front and side windshields. Two lateral fibreglass structures, finished with glass, reinforce the flybridge in the stern, further accentuating the aerodynamic profile. A streamlined hardtop with an innovative asymmetrical design, moulded glass and chrome inserts, completes the yacht and exemplifies the obsessive attention to the finest details.
STERN AND MAIN DECK
As found on the Ferretti Yachts 850 and the Riva Corsaro 100’, the stern includes a submersible hatch, featuring Ferretti Group’s innovative, patent-pending actuating system. Experts have already lauded the hatch with a victory at the 2016 Boat Builder Awards in Amsterdam.
The stern garage door opens and tilts down creating a generous beach club area at water level. The platform may also be submerged to offer maximum enjoyment from the stern area. Once beneath the water, a lift opens the garage for practical and straightforward launches; choose to store a Williams 505 or a jet-ski with independent launches, or enjoy staggered launches for larger tenders such as the Williams 565 and a jet-ski.
Riva 110 Yacht Aft Deck
The cockpit on the main deck features a C-shaped sofa, table and chairs and leads into the main salon. An extensive open-plan space enhances the convivial atmosphere and includes both a living and formal dining area. The deck features yet another elegant innovation: a polished stainless steel frame supporting the superstructure and glass from top to bottom. This allows natural light to flood the three-dimensional space, creating a luxury loft open to the ocean on all sides.
As on the larger yachts, the central zone serves to regulate the flow of crew and guests by keeping their circulation routes separate.To the left is access to the guest area below deck and the main deck master suite. To the right is access to the bridge, the galley and the below-deck crew cabins.
Riva 110 Yacht Saloon
The left-hand lobby offers access to the external companionway, as well as the day head and stairs to the lower deck. It also leads to the wide body master suite, with a double bed located in the centre, the bathroom and walk-in wardrobe facing the stern to enhance separation from the service areas, particularly the galley. The suite is finished on the right with an armchair and coffee table, and on the left with a spacious walk-in wardrobe and a desk with panoramic sea views.
LOWER DECK
Guest accommodation is comprised of 4 VIP cabins with vanity tables and en-suite bathrooms. The starboard VIP cabin forward has twin beds and may accommodate, on request, an additional Pullman bed.
The crew area in the bow consists of a captain’s cabin with en-suite bathroom, and two additional single crew cabins each equipped with bunk beds and private bathrooms. Crew amenities also include a dinette complete with laundry facilities and a fully-equipped galley.
The engine room is accessed via the left-hand side of the cockpit, passing first through the machine and systems room. This guarantees both increased practicality and safe accessibility, even during navigation, as well as reducing the noise in the cockpit to a minimum.
FLYBRIDGE AND EXTERIOR BOW AREA
The sundeck of the Riva 110’ is striking in its sporty and innovative design. In the stern, the furnished open air sundeck is enclosed by a mahogany handrail finished with stainless steel and polished carbon fibre. There is also a cocktail bar with two stools and an informal dining area with C-shaped sofa, all naturally illuminated thanks to a glass skylight in the hardtop roof. The helm station is situated on the right side, with co-pilot seats on the left.
The flybridge is not only accessible from deck through a sliding glass and steel hatch, but it also linked to the foredeck through a side door on the left. This permits easy access to the facilities and offers practical crew access to on-board services.
Riva 110 Yacht Flybridge
The space is dominated by a C-shaped sofa opposite a centrepiece sunpad, all designed to promote sociability. On request, it is possible to substitute the sunpad with a garage in which to store an additional tender or water toy with appropriate launching crane. On deck, freestanding furniture may also be accommodated to increase the flexibility of the space.
Alternatively, the owner may opt for a Jacuzzi with sliding integrated sun-pad covers. This conceals both the Jacuzzi pool and the mooring stations, offering guests the ultimate in refinement. On this model, the area is equipped with a practical stowage compartment.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
The Riva 110’ sports twin MTU 16V series 2000 M94 engines, each outputting 2638 mhp. With this engine setup, the yacht will reach a cruising speed of 23 knots and a maximum speed of 26 knots (preliminary data). The maxi yacht also benefits from zero speed and underway fins, to which a gyroscopic stabilizer may be fitted to maximise comfort, even when anchored.
Bradley Mitton, founder of Mitton Wines and Club Vivanova brings a new level of sophistication to the world of wine for expats in the French Riviera and Monaco.
Hi Bradley. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and your business?
I left the UK twenty five years ago to travel and experience Australia and Asia and through various work opportunities, I developed my career in the food and beverage industry and worked for eleven years amongst a number of reputable fine dining restaurants in Australia’s Gold Coast, Cairns, Hong Kong, Manila, Subic Bay and Seoul. The affinity of food and wine played a large part during my last eight years working in Asia and when I moved to Seoul in 2000, I managed an international business that focused on gastronomy, Australian wines and cigars and I acquired the ability to successfully market and promote wines, menus and events. It was when I moved to Berlin in 2002 that I started working primarily in wines and I decided that it was time to set my own company up so on a shoe-string budget, I established Mitton International Wines. The company is based in Berlin, we import boutique Argentinean, Australian, New Zealand and South African wines to Central Europe and we sell exclusively to leading hotels, private clubs, villas, yachts and international restaurants across the Continent. I then pioneered Club Vivanova that runs events in parallel with my wine business in locations that list our products as a service to build relationships with our gastronomy partners. Both Club Vivanova and my wine business work hand-in-hand to develop relationships between our wines and our clients and they are growing dynamically in the seven European countries that we work in. I currently travel throughout Europe training and educating hotel and restaurant employees in the diversity and regionality of New World wines and hosting my wine events that are mostly sold-out in Barcelona, Berlin, Milan Monte Carlo, Prague and Warsaw building great business and social connections for me and my partners. We host around 80 events per year.
Why did you decide to switch gears from being a chef to wine importing/distribution and event management?
It wasn’t something that I planned as I loved running and working in restaurants but as my career progressed, I started moving more towards sales, marketing and events and in 2002, I was flown to Berlin from Seoul and employed by a German wine importing company to channel their portfolio towards the New World and so I went from running restaurants to selling into them and the move was seamless. Having a good understanding of your clientelle is important and I understand the gastronomy business well, so I was naturally able to build a good rapport with my sommelier and restaurant managing clients. Looking back, I am happy I made the move, the restaurant industry is a killer; long hours, heavy pressure and it’s tough to make money in this sector, there’s just so many flaws in the industry that cause financial loss. The social life is great but the financial benefits just didn’t weigh up for me so I think simplifying to a trading operation made business life somewhat less stressful for me and more clean in an operational point of view.
You’ve been running your company now for 13 years. How long did it take for it to become successful?
I’m still working on that. The first five years was just building, setting-up clientelle, establishing a database, changing portfolios, learning from mistakes, losing money left right and centre and basically trying to get a start-up business on the road. It was very tough, long hours but inspirational and a great learning curve. I see my business as an train, with an engine and carriages and you have to continuously fine tune the engine to keep it moving ahead but also make sure the carriages (employees, administration and back-office) are keeping up as in our business, it’s the weakest link that is the threat. The wolf is only as strong as the pack and the pack is only as strong as the wolf; so you have to have the whole package running like clockwork from purchasing to pricing and stocking, communication then delivery and of course, the after-sales. We run a slick and specialist operation, I refuse to accept mediocrity and I’m always challenging ourselves internally to do better and be better and grow but carefully and in a planned and selective manner.
You mentioned that the first few years were tough. How did you keep yourself motivated?
I used to take each day as it came, there are always fires to put out with the business and issues to deal with and you’re going to have battles and you win some and lose some but you’ve just got the make sure that you win the big war, that’s the main objective and you’ve got to always be trying to streamline the way the company runs. The motivation comes from within, you need to be hungry, you have to want to survive and succeed and if you are not driven , you just won’t make it and if you’re not strong, it’s no use even starting out. There are employees and there are entrepreneurs and we all have our place in life and I think I was just born ready; I motivate myself and focus on my targets, taking very little notice of distractions and negative people or influences, I take most of my business decisions myself and I am driven to be the best and I think even though that can sometimes be a bit dangerous, that is the key to success, if it is controlled and not erratic. Never take no for an answer and if you fall down failing, just get up, and start again, keep going. Winston Churchill once said that when you’re going through hell, keep going!
A Club Vivanova Event in Monaco
You’re originally from England but have lived in Australia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, South Korea, Germany, and now France. Which place has been your favorite so far and why?
I’ve enjoyed everywhere that I’ve lived for different reasons and at different times, they showed me many different facets of life; but my favourite part of the world is the South of France. I studied French at school for eight years and I fell in love with the language, the literature, the culture, the food, the art, the women, the fashion, just everything, it was all so romantic and so when I moved back to Europe after Asia, I decided to develop my wine business in Monaco and travelled frequently and just fell back in love with the lifestyle. Eventually I had enough business there to be able to move and now live in the hills behind Cagnes Sur Mer looking down over the Mediterranean and it’s serene. The food is wonderful as are the wines, you can be in many of Europe’s business cities quickly and the pace of life is slow so I can balance that with my frantic, travelling and pressured corporate life running events and wine sales. One thing I have always respected though is my work ethic; it’s a relaxing and ambient place to live but you’ve always got to make money, if you start to get too comfortable here, you can end up on the slippery sslope of just having fun and then waking up one day with nothing. So I still work as hard here as I have ever done, but I just enjoy life in this region so much more than anywhere else I have lived. And I think that if you’re willing to give and commit in business in this part of the world, there are amazing rewards.
Have you ever experienced any major culture shocks?
Yes, plenty and especially in Asia; it’s an amazing place and just has so much to offer and the diversity of cultures is quite astonishing. I’ve lived in mud-huts and tree-houses and travelled extensively through East Timor, Komodo, Lombok, Bali and other parts of Indonesia in the 1990s. I spent a few months in the North of the Philippines living amongst the rice paddies in villages without power and I set-up a restaurant in Boracay (Philippines) before it had any power and the restaurant and kitchens were run off generators. I have many wonderful, humorous, humbling, sad and inspirational stories from my experiences and they all built me to be the person I am today. I’m going to write a book.
Bradley Mitton
Where would you say people are most conscious of how they dress and how they present themselves?
I can’t say France as I think in general, the fashion in this part of the world can be superficial and scruffy so I will say Milan; locals always look sharp and Italians have a wonderful and diverse fashion sense; it’s not a style, it’s a statement and in Milan, everything is fashion, the people, the buildings, the restaurants, the designs, the hotels; they just like to make things look good and they like to look good themselves. It’s a great pleasure walking around Milan seeing how people really take pride in what they wear and how they look; I like that, it shows self-respect and pride and a drive to look and feel well.
The traditional English and French styles are quite different. Would you say living in France has had an influence on your style?
I haven’t lived in the UK for 25 years; the styles are at different ends of the fashion spectrum. Living in France has made me dress less formally but with an open-mind to believing that most clothes fit together, jeans with a jacket and formal shirt, colours that would normally not go in the UK, for example brown shoes with blue trousers is forbidden in the British scene, I’ve become less classical and more Continental and I like it, it’s relaxed. I buy most of my suits from Ermenegildo Zegna, shirts from Gucci and Dolce Gabbana, ties from Hermes and shoes from Tod’s. You can mix and match here as long as you’re looking elegant.
How would you describe your style? How has it evolved over time?
Yes, definitely, we evolve as we get older. I would say I’m a classic dresser, I like clean-cut, blues and whites; I try to dress sharply but casually, open-necked shirts, dark colours and not always formal clothing but I have to look professional and elegant as I’m meeting and doing business with leaders of the greatest hotels on the Continent and they want to deal with like-minded, executive, quick-thinking and clean-cut partners. You have to be able to walk into a room and make an impression in my business and wearing something sharp but acceptable to the eye is important.
What items will you never leave home without?
I never leave home without my sunglasses (unless it’s evening) or a jacket. I always wear a jacket, I think it’s a great accessory to turn any outfit into something that makes a statement. I also always wear one ring, a gold one my Mother gave to me; it’s a charm, but I think minimal jewellery is also important and of course a good watch.
Why is it important to present yourself well?
As I’ve mentioned, the people I deal with in business and the people that I like to surround myself in general in life are international business leaders. They run exceptional and highly professional operations in which success, efficiency and leadership is key and so I have to have an effect on these people when I meet them and in turn, they also want to also do business with sharp, sincere, executive and elegant people. So I have to look the part, to fit the sector that I work in and that means dressing well, not over-dressing but just to be clean and crisp and I have to wear that character well to present myself in the right manner. It’s not just what you wear though, it’s how to carry that but the impression has to be right and of course the style of clothes you wear is important.
Turning back to Club Vivanova – what are the most important elements of a good event?
Again, I think it all comes back to relationships and efficiency. One of my regular attendees recently sent me a testimonial, it said “Bradley is the soul of Club Vivanova, the brains and the heart behind it, and that is a guarantee in itself for us that he will continue to attract new and interesting people.” My club members and my clients trust my judgement and they expect excellence, they expect the best and I cannot give anything else, no waivering, no excuses, we have to perform at the absolute top level as reputations are always at stake and so we have to put on a good show. If we have partners involved, they have to fit the profile, they hav to be leaders in their sector. The most important elements for a successful event are good communication, promotion and advertising of the date, an excellent and tested menu with specialist wines that match, a unique venue that is managed well so there are no disappointments and then of course I run each event like my own open pop-up restaurant, we manage the door, the aperitif, the service, the menu, wines, presentations then the finale of the event with appreciations, after-service images posted online and so on. We have to have a well-run, professionally executed package so people arrive, and they know I’m taking care of business until the end of the night. It is tough work as we’re dealing with temperamental human beings, alcohol and food it can get complicated but it is inspirational and challenging and I love it, because we always do it right and so we always succeed.
What are your future plans for your businesses and your “brand”?
I just keep my head down, keep pushing for better and more exclusive events, inspirational event partners, out-of-the-box thinking in regards to the concepts but all the time, remembering that it’s the clients who have to enjoy themselves so we have to feature projects that will impress or interest them. Our plans include two galas in 2016, one at the Fairmont on 12th March and one at the Café de Paris on 23rd April. I’m also releasing and wine and food cookery book and we’re just going to keep pushing to be better, fine-tuning all the time, listening to our clients, re-focusing and using all of the criticism we get positively to drive the brand forward fast. The brand has grown extensively in Monaco, though it is always important to be grounded in this part of the world and stick to the basic guidelines of running a successful business. Success goes to people’s heads, not mine, we’re still the same, caring, small company we were ten years ago, straight and true and I’ll never lose that special sincere touch that we give to everything that we do.
Are there any rules or principles that you live by? What keeps you grounded?
Principally, I try to be a gentleman. I believe in truth and sincerity, there is no other way; and that you only get out of life what you put in, I am a non-believer in luck or fate, business and success is 0% luck and 100% determination and grit. My father always taught me that there are two ways of doing things in life, the right way and the wrong way and the right way is always the hard way and so getting to the top is painful and sometimes lonely but when we strive for that and drive ourselves to do things correctly, no short-cuts, no excuses, then we normally get to where we want to be. And then when we get there, we aim for the next plateau and so on. Driven people are never satisfied, they just want to keep becoming better and better and so I stick to my principles and strive for greatness in work and in life. I’m grounded because I’m a father, my son is 16, he lives with me in France and so I have a wonderful home life, full of love and happiness. I cook a lot at home, I entertain and run my home like an extension of my old restaurants and that is what gives me the grounding that I need. I love nature and so spend lots of time in my garden and I run most mornings between 5 and 10 kilometres, it clears my mind, focuses and channels my thoughts and once I arrive at my desk, I’m ready to challenge anything that comes my way.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
In my field of sales and marketing, I would advise entrepreneurs not to take on anything that you are passionate about, you have to work with a business almost remotely as if you’re tuning a racing car, feelings and personalities have to be left behind. If you’re too close to your business personally, you’ll make emotional decisions, not good. Decisions have to be made clinically and with a view to total survival. I’m not saying that you have to be impersonal but business is business and business is cut-throat these days and if you want to succeed and build something substantial in a lifetime, you have to be ready to challenge, sacrifice, accept physical and mental pain and sleepless nights and drive yourself to perfection. Nothing in this life is easy, there is no free lunch, so be prepared to do it the right way, the hard way and always surround yourself with amazing, smart, sharp and successful people and always be true! “If you can keep your wits about you while all others are losing theirs, and blaming you. The world will be yours and everything in it, and what’s more, you’ll be a man, my son.”
Bespoke Yacht Charter, the leading charter brokerage for Cannes events advises clients to book now to avoid disappointment for Cannes Lions
LONDON, ENGLAND, December 18, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ — Senior Charter Broker and CEO at Bespoke Yacht Charter, Alexander Coles, has confirmed unprecedented interest for yacht charters for Cannes Lions, to be held from 17-24 June 2017.
Cannes Lions is the premier event for creative excellence, attracting attendees from over 90 countries to the annual ‘International Festival of Creativity’ and yacht charter demand is outstripping supply. Alexander commented that “Cannes Lions is a tremendously successful event in all aspects and our charter clients expect the best service. We have repeat clients for most of the events in Cannes, and this unrivalled loyalty has resulted in 5 yachts already booked with us for Cannes Lions 2017, with 3 more in discussion.
We highly recommend companies attending Cannes Lions to book their yacht activation in Cannes now to avoid disappointment – early January is the latest deadline. There has been a significant rush of early bookings with around 40 yachts already reserved; Vieux Port can facilitate 76 yachts so there is a fantastic opportunity for last-minute bookings to still secure a berth for this pinnacle event. We have access to the latest portfolio of yachts available on the charter market, ideal for corporate parties or business meetings. Our clientele desire the best for their guests and trust our expert knowledge of every yacht’s crew, facilities, and availability to ensure an enjoyable experience onboard.
Here is what Bespoke Yacht Charter can offer companies attending Cannes Lions in 2017:
– Fully crewed luxury yacht rentals and boat hire – Yachts from 60ft to 300+ft available to charter by the day or for the duration of the event.
– Your very own floating venue in the heart of the action to host meetings, lunches, presentations and parties for groups from 15 to over 300.
– A fabulous boat fully branded with your company logos, flags and banners. This enables companies to have the ultimate high profile during this event. You also have the opportunity to cruise to nearby beaches and towns, including St Tropez! Lunches at Club 55, Nikki Beach and Bagatelle are ever popular!
– Every yacht we offer for charter at Cannes Lions is professionally crewed and has a dedicated chef onboard. You will receive exceptional service and sublime food throughout the charter and your yacht crew will guarantee that your events are the ones that people leaving Cannes at the end of the week are talking about!
Bespoke Yacht Charter has over 12 years experience organising yacht charters for companies during Cannes events and we are able to assist with every detail in ensuring you and your company the ultimate Cannes Lions experience! We take care of every detail from helping you choose the perfect yacht, obtaining the best berth in Cannes, assisting with catering arrangements, branding, additional staff, DJs, photographers, marketing materials, Nice – Cannes helicopter transfers, limousine transfers etc.
Well regarded as the French Riviera’s leading luxury yacht charter company, Bespoke Yacht Charter offers impartial and expert advice by a team of fully independent yacht charter brokers. In addition to unforgettable luxury yacht charter holidays on the French Riviera, throughout the Mediterranean and worldwide, they specialise in corporate static yacht charters and boat rentals for companies attending major industry events in Cannes and Monaco.
If you would like brochures or further information about any of the yachts for charter during Cannes Lions or other French Riviera events, please contact Alexander Coles at Bespoke Yacht Charter; E-mail: alex@bespokeyachtcharter.com or Mobile: London +44 7708 014404 / Monaco/France +33 (0)6 77 46 97 00
