Category: Gardens

Monaco Residences / The Best Places to live in Monaco

Posted on by Alex Coles

Monaco Yacht Club during the Monaco Yacht Show

Monaco might be one of the smallest states in the world (second only to the Vatican), but location still reigns supreme.

The 2.02 km-squared city-state is divided into seven distinct districts, each with its own unique appeal. Choosing where to buy or rent Monaco property will be determined by a combination of factors, including your desired choice of district as well as your Monaco residence.

If you’re considering renting or investing in Monaco real estate and looking for the best places to live in Monaco, read on.

Here, we explore Monaco’s most sought-after districts, as well as the most popular and luxurious Monaco residences to call home, as recommended by local real estate agents.

Best Places to live in Monaco: Districts and Residences

Monaco’s Districts

The Principality of Monaco has seven districts; Monte-Carlo, Larvotto, La Condamine, Saint Roman, Fontvieille, Jardin Exotique, Monaco Ville, and Moneghetti. 

Each district has its own unique appeal, and your choice of district will depend on your desired experience. Monte-Carlo, for example, is the most exclusive and appeals to individuals who wish to be at the heart of all the action. Jardin Exotique, on the other hand, is more low-key, while Larvotto is often desired by families, thanks to its picturesque beach. Let’s not forget to include Mareterra, a brand-new eco-district currently under development.

Monaco Residences: The Most Luxurious in the Principality

Within each of these districts, you’ll find some of the Principality’s most desired Monaco residences. Let’s explore some of the most desirable residential buildings in each district.

L’Exotique – Jardin Exotique

This exciting new development is nestled in Jardin Exotique, Monaco’s westernmost district and the gateway to the Principality. L’Exotique is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and has been designed by award-winning French architect and engineer Rudy Ricciotti. Residents will benefit from a swimming pool and gym, 24/7 security, a wellness centre, private parking, and spectacular sea views.

L'Exotique residence in Jardin Exotique, Monaco
L’Exotique

One Monte-Carlo – Monte Carlo

The residences at One Monte-Carlo form part of a brand new fashion district in the Carre d’Or – the most exclusive area of Monte-Carlo. Residents benefit from immediate access to high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, lush green spaces, and the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo pool and fitness centre. Optional hotel services are also available, including room service, housekeeping, and laundry. Residents also enjoy sweeping views of the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino and the Golden Square.

Residence One Monte-Carlo in the Principality of Monaco
One Monte-Carlo

Tour Odéon – La Rousse

Tour Odeon is Monaco’s iconic twin-tower skyscraper, boasting some of the principality’s most opulent Monaco residences, with many boasting breathtaking views. Designed by the Monaco-based architect Alexandre Giraldi, with interiors by the Alberto Pinto Agency, residents enjoy a refined selection of amenities to ensure a luxurious lifestyle, including 24/7 concierge services, housekeeping, valet and limousine services, a spa and hair and beauty salon, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, and a garden relaxation area.

The Tour Odéon building in Monaco
Tour Odéon

Le Stella – La Condamine

La Condamine appeals to those seeking a traditional slice of Monegasque life, and the modernist La Stella is one of the district’s most luxurious and eye-catching Monaco residences, courtesy of its white, ribbon-like façade. La Stella was designed by Jean-Pierre Lott and Alexandre Giraldi. The building spans 12 floors and includes over 90 apartments, many of which are duplexes. Amenities include concierge services, fitness rooms, 24/7 security, and easy access to all of La Condamine’s varied offerings, including its famed Farmers Market and Port Hercules, home to the world’s finest superyachts.

The Stella apartment building in Monaco
Le Stella

Larvotto – Bay House

Bay House Monaco is one of the Principality’s most exciting new residential developments. Located close to Larvotto Beach and with many residences boasting superb sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows, Bay House Monaco offers luxury living in one of Monaco’s most exclusive districts. Residents of Bay House will benefit from a host of amenities, including a wellness centre with a steam room and sauna, a dedicated concierge, dry cleaning and valet services, and a luxurious pool. Each apartment is equipped with state-of-the-art home automation, offering the ultimate Monaco residence for those seeking limitless levels of luxury.

Bay House apartments in Monaco's Larvotto neighbourhood
Bay House

Fontvieille – Les Terrasses du Port

Fontvieille is a dynamic residential and commercial district in Monaco that provides easy access to the French Riviera as well as the exclusive amenities of Monte-Carlo. Les Terrasses du Port is considered one of Fontvieille’s most sought-after residences, located right on the marina of Cap d’Ail and boasting panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Residents benefit from the private enjoyment of a large outdoor swimming pool, a sauna and steam room, a fitness studio, and 24-hour security services. For added convenience, this elegant Monaco residence is located right next to the Fontvieille heliport.

Les Terrasses du Port in Fontvieille, Monaco
Les Terrasses du Port

Monaco-Ville – Ultra-rare villas and Belle Epoque buildings

Monaco-Ville is a highly exclusive area of Monaco, home to the Prince’s Palace. Monaco residences here are primarily made up of ultra-luxury villas, many of which date back several hundred years. This district has a feeling of a bygone era, with mostly pedestrianised cobbled streets, pretty pastel-hued buildings, and local eateries and boutiques at street level. Located on Monaco’s legendary Rocher, Monaco-Ville offers an enchanting destination to call home.

Monaco-Ville
Monaco-Ville

Moneghetti  – Le Palais du Printemps

Moneghetti, or Little Monaco, is the Principality’s northcentral district, located between the exotic garden and Monte-Carlo and the main point of contact between the foothills of the French Alps and the Mediterranean. It’s ideal for families, with a laid-back yet bustling atmosphere. Bordering Monte-Carlo, La Condamine, and Jardin Exotique, it is within striking distance of Monaco’s best amenities. Le Palais du Printemps is a sought-after Monaco residence in Moneghetti. It is a charming Belle Epoque building, favoured for its voluminous proportions and high ceilings that give a wonderful feeling of space. Many apartments in Le Palais du Printemps also benefit from breathtaking views of the Principality of Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea.

Le Palais du Printemps, Monaco
Le Palais du Printemps

Mareterra Residences – Mareterra

This transformational mixed-use development is set to create a brand-new Monaco eco-district, one that is future-proof courtesy of the latest green technologies and sustainable design features. Mareterra will boast a refined mixture of Monaco residences, including waterfront apartments, penthouses, townhouses, and ultra-rare waterfront villas. The residences have been designed to epitomise the elegance of life on the French Riviera, and residents will naturally benefit from a full suite of amenities. Sustainable features include solar panels, rainwater reuse, charging stations for electric vehicles, and carefully planned gardens to encourage biodiversity.

Mareterra, Principality of Monaco
Mareterra

How to choose the best Monaco residence to invest or live in? 

Your choice of Monaco residence will depend on your unique preferences. Key considerations when investing in Monaco include:

  • Price, which is determined by not only the size of the residence but also its location and desirability.
  • Position and proximity to key service providers, such as schools, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, spas, the beach, and the heliport.
  • On-site amenities, for example concierge services, swimming pools, fitness suites, security, and dedicated parking.
  • View, including whether you wish to have a sea view.

Working with an experienced Monaco real estate agent with knowledge of the local market will help you define your priorities and needs. The best agents will be able to provide trusted advice on the best districts and Monaco residences to help refine your search for a real estate investment.

From the Water to the Vine : Vineyards to visit on a French Riviera Yacht Charter

Posted on by Alex Coles

Superyacht at anchor at Cap Taillat on the French Riviera

In the heavenly landscapes of the South of France, vineyards abound. The rolling landscapes of Provence are criss-crossed with vines, some of which run right down to the blue-green sea, while other wineries sit back from the coast in gently rolling countryside, or perch high in the steep hills behind Nice.

Vineyards in Provence

The South of France has been blessed with the perfect wine-growing jackpot. The region is drenched in sunshine, benefits from an environment largely free of pests, and has excellent soils for vines which vary across the different areas: in the west, soil rich in limestone from an ancient inland sea, while granitic and volcanic soil dominates the east. There are also wild-growing herbs throughout the region, which are said to gently permeate the soil – and ultimately, the flavour of the wine. This variety of soil and landscapes lead to a wide variety of grapes being grown, and while the pale-blush rosés of Provence still dominate the winemaking reputation of the region, there are a growing number of exceptional red, white, and sparkling wines being produced.

Grapes in the South of France

Wineries and Yacht Charter : A Match Made in Heaven

From visiting the tiniest local producer to sampling famous vintages that grace Michelin-star menus, a wine journey along the French Riviera and Provencal coastline is an exercise in the good life. A French Riviera yacht charter is the ideal way to experience the spectacular wineries of the South of France, whether you’re dropping anchor off the Cannes Islands or taking a tender to a clifftop winery in Cassis. Floating slowly down the stunning coastline from Monaco to Marseilles against a backdrop of mountains and beaches, you’ll enjoy all the yachting pleasures of life on board, before coming back to land for your next winery experience. A yacht charter effortlessly avoids the hassle of daily transfers to and from your hotel (or moving between hotels as you travel down the coast), making it the ultimate luxury wine tourism experience.

Port de Fontvieille in Monaco

You might even like to plan your South of France yacht charter for the fall, to coincide with grape harvest season and the local wine festivals of October – which is also a great time to take advantage of the reduced charter rates and blissfully quiet anchorages of the shoulder season.

Vineyards near St Tropez, France

Here are a few of the best vineyards to visit on a South of France wine-themed yacht charter. Our list predominantly features vineyards either on or in close proximity to the coast for effortless access; however, we have included a couple of show-stoppers that are well worth a gorgeous day trip into the Provencal interior.

Get your palates ready!

Chateau de Bellet, Nice

A day up at Chateau de Bellet is tinged with that ‘pinch yourself’ feeling a person gets sometimes on the French Riviera; that you have somehow fallen into a movie set; one where the expectation perfectly merges with the reality. Part of the appeal is the magnificent setting: elevated high above Nice with the vineyard terraces dropping away to distant views of the Mediterranean, Chateau de Bellet offers a glorious tasting room in a deconsecrated chapel, a brand new 8000m2 cellar, and tables on a sunny flagstone terrace overlooking the grand view of Alps and sea.

Bellet vineyards in Nice, France

This centuries-old vineyard produces only organic wines, including the prestigious white wines, Cuvee La Chapelle, and Cuvee Baron G. This is a genuinely lovely place to wander among the vines, and is easily accessible from your yacht in Nice.

Abbaye des Lerins, Ile de Saint Honorat, Cannes Islands

In the pine-scented isles just off Cannes, you’ll find a vineyard out of a dream. Tended by Cistercian monks from the island’s medieval abbey, this tiny vineyard produces award-winning wines and liqueurs that appear on fine restaurant tables across the Riviera and beyond. The 8.5 hectare property grows Clairette, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Mourvedre and Pinot Noir grapes, as well as making Limoncello and the herby 19th century liqueur, Lérina. The highlight is the Saint Pierre, a Chardonnay-Clairette blend with apple and honey notes and a delicate white fruit perfume.

The Lerins Islands in Cannes, France

With no cars on the island and an exquisite sense of peace, St Honorat is a lovely island to explore on foot, taking a walk along the coastal path to visit the 10th century fortified monastery and stroll among the sweet-smelling Aleppo pines and olive groves. You’ll want to stay on the island for lunch at La Tonelle restaurant, enjoying its glorious view back across the water to the neighbouring Ile Saint Marguerite.

The monks of the Abbey take a vow to live out their days on the island and never leave, and by the end of your day on Ile St Honorat, you may just think they’re onto something.

Chateau d’Esclans, Gorge de Pennafort

A bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé, frosted with condensation as it is pulled out of a solid silver ice bucket, is perhaps one of the signature sights of the superyacht world. Vast quantities of this pale pink rosé are quaffed on yachts each summer as guests drift down the French Riviera, partying in Cannes and dropping anchor off a beach club in St Tropez.

Chateau d’Esclans

25 kilometres inland of Frejus, you can come and taste it for yourself at Chateau d’Esclans, a breathtaking vineyard with a view back across the coast. The first glimpse of the 19th century chateau through the avenue of trees is enough to make you gasp.

With the property once used as a lookout to spot pirates entering the Gulf of Frejus, the winery’s cellar dates from the Dark Ages and is the oldest in the region. The vineyard is renowned for the age of its Grenache vines, some of which are 90 years old, lending a greater concentration of flavour to the wines.

Chateau Saint-Maur, Cogolin

Just outside glamorous St Tropez, this exceptional vineyard was snatched from obscurity in 2011, when celebrated wine maker Roger Zannier saw the potential of the 70-hectare estate. It was a gamble that paid off, with a number of their wines gaining rapid acclaim, including the Cuvee Excellence White and the superb Clos de Capelune Rosé for its white peach flavours, light perfume, and heavy-based signature bottle.

Their high-tech vineyard sits opposite the historic Grimaud Castle, surrounded by cork oak forest and the Maures hills. Chateau Saint-Maur is considered one of the standout wineries of the Provence region, and tours are by appointment only.

Chateau de Berne

An hour’s drive inland of St Tropez lies the spectacular Chateau de Berne. Located near the village of Lorgues, this five-star hotel and winery is ground zero for Provencal wine tourism. This sprawling Provencal chateau houses a Cinq de Mondes spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant, and is set in a hilly landscape of vines and forest. It is a vision.

Chateau de Berne swimming pool

And in case you’d thought we’d forgotten we were here to talk about wine, Chateau de Berne has plenty to remind us. 200 acres of this 1480-acre estate is dedicated to viniculture, resulting in some of most acclaimed rosés, whites and reds in Provence.

Chateau de Berne rose wine

Clos Sainte Magdeleine, Cassis

The final entry on our list has another jaw-dropping location, right on the cliffs of Cassis in the Calanques National Park. The vines grow right to the Mediterranean at Clos Sainte Magdeleine, making this winery extremely accessible from your yacht. Set on a private wooded headland, this limited-production vineyard benefits from limestone and clay soils, creating exquisite rosé and white wines.

Clos Sainte Magdeleine, Cassis

Four generations of the family have grown wine at this art deco-style chateau, stretching back to founder Jules Savon, who won the gold medal at the World Fair in 1900. It’s not hard to see why the generations continue to live out their years making wine here; it would be difficult to come up with a reason to leave this heavenly place.

The fishing harbour of Cassis, near Marseille, France

Making the Dream a Reality

This list is a mere fragment of the world-class vineyards you could visit on a week-long wine connoisseur’s yacht charter on the French Riviera. In fact, you may need longer than a week! To book a South of France yacht charter taking in the best wineries of the region, contact the French Riviera Yacht Charter experts at Bespoke Yacht Charter.

Horse Riding Near Monaco: Best of the Cote d’Azur

Posted on by Alex Coles

Horse Riding near Monaco

If you’re looking to move to Monaco, you may well already have clear ideas about the kind of luxury villa you wish to buy. However, one thing that may not have crossed your mind is the proximity to great riding schools that a Monte-Carlo postcode brings. After all, Monaco may be synonymous with extreme glamour and ultra extravagance, but this is by no means the extent of what it can offer. Monte-Carlo’s situation, tucked away in the French hillside, makes it the perfect base for excursions. And for those who enjoy nothing more than exploring the countryside with an equine friend, there are plenty of opportunities for pony trekking and horse riding near Monaco, with a range of equestrian centres which cater to every possible need. Read on to discover four of the best, and get ready for the ride of your life!

View over Fontvieille in Monaco

World-class spots for horse riding near Monaco

Centre Equestre Des Preisses, Peillon

Tucked away in the medieval village of Peillon, just 20 minutes from Monaco, lies a magnificent equestrian centre aimed at those with a competitive streak. As a multi-discipline school, the Centre Equestre Des Preisses offers the full range of horse-based disciplines including jumping, contests, dressage, horse-ball and more. 

The club’s friendly teachers will train anyone from 4 years upwards, and its covered riding space means it is in action all year round. What’s more, the prices are extremely reasonable given its proximity to Nice and Monaco, with lessons offered from only €20. Definitely, one to visit if you think you’re little ones may be within a chance of becoming the next Charlotte Casiraghi.

Horse saddle in stable near Monaco

Horse and Ventures, Sainte-Agnès

If you’re willing to drive a little further to find great horse riding near Monaco, a 45-minute road trip will take you to Horse and Ventures. A charming and all-encompassing equestrian centre, this Sainte-Agnès institution offers a friendly approach to exploring the great outdoors on horseback. Horses here are raised in open pasture, and their gentle nature means you can rely on them to bring you an enjoyable excursion in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Horse Riding near Monaco

Horse and Ventures offer part or full day rides in and around Sainte-Agnès, alongside longer 2-6 day trekking holidays around different areas of the rolling French countryside. The club can also provide horse riding lessons, as well as special packages that combine horse riding with a love of food or even yoga. All in all, whatever you are looking for they should be able to provide; their longer trekking holidays come particularly recommended.

The village of Sainte Agnès on the French Riviera

Centre Equestre Monti, Menton

Just a stone’s throw away from Monaco in neighbouring Menton, the Centre Equestre Monti awaits. Run by a family of riders with a passion for everything equestrian, this club has been successfully teaching children and teenagers how to ride since 1979. It offers classes in both French and Italian teaching the main equestrian disciplines: dressage, jumping and pony games. As they progress, children have the opportunity to take the federal exams – aptly named “GALOPS.” The Centre Equestre Monti also teaches kids about the practicalities of the horse riding lifestyle, making sure they know how to groom and care for the horses, and hopefully fostering a love of these gentle animals that lasts a lifetime.

The bay of Menton in southern France

Horse Planet Equitation, Berre Les Alpes

The furthest away of all our schools for horse riding near Monaco, Horse Planet Equitation lies a 50 minute drive away, but we promise you the journey is worth it. Its beautiful setting has to be seen to be believed, known as the “Secret Riviera” because of its privileged position between Mediterranean Sea and Southern Alps and framed by the hilly Nice landscape.

Horse Planet Equitation welcomes all lovers of horses and wide open spaces, so whether you are looking for a horseback trek with a view that makes you never want to get down, or simply want to learn through group or individual classes in stunning surroundings, this is the place for you. Lessons here can be carried out in French, English or Spanish, making them suitable for holidaymakers as well as residents.

So there we have it: our top four spots for world-class horse riding near Monaco. Let us know which is your favourite, or if you have any other suggestions to add to the list. Other than that, we’ll see you out on the field!

An Insider’s Guide: Exploring Monaco’s Best Kept Secrets

Posted on by Alex Coles

Panorama of the Principality of Monaco

The natural location of Monaco provides the perfect setting; a miniature city set into the hillside, overlooking the glistening Mediterranean Sea, where historic buildings sit side by side with modern Monaco real estate and an impressive collection of mega yachts are moored in the bay between Casino Square and the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

Guards at the Prince's Palace in Monaco

Best known for being a tax haven and playground of the uber rich, Monaco is the smallest country in the world (excluding Vatican City) yet it packs a whole lot into its 2km². Famous landmarks, luxury resorts, exclusive nightlife and a calendar of major events, such as the Rolex Monte Carlo Master’s Tennis tournament, Formula 1® Grand Prix and the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival draw visitors from all over the world to experience the unique location and its glamourous atmosphere.

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Yet Monaco has much more to offer than simply a luxury lifestyle. Step off the beaten track to explore Monaco and you will find a place that the locals love, with plenty of unique sights and experiences to take you from morning until night, without venturing onto the tourist circuit.

Local History 

Enjoy a gentle stroll through the colourful, pedestrian streets of Monaco-Ville, Monaco’s old town located high on a headland and home to the Prince’s Palace. Pause for coffee in one of the many welcoming cafes, or take in the impressive and beautifully preserved architecture in Le Rocher, where on Rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette the homes date back to the 16th Century. 

Old houses in narrow street in Monaco

Regional Delicacies

In La Condamine, the daily market is open from 6am until 2pm and offers a range of stalls selling regional produce, while at the indoor food court it is possible to sample the renowned barbajuan, a kind of giant ravioli stuffed with Swiss chard, cheese and meat, most often served as an appetizer. You will also find truffle pasta and socca, a traditional flatbread made with chickpea flour, originating from the neighbouring city of Nice.

Barbajuan - a regional speciality of Monaco

Terrace with a View

If you’re keen to hang out with the locals, head for Club Bouliste du Rocher, situated above the port at the Fort Antoine gardens. There you can experience a game of pétanque and a cold beer on the terrace at the small restaurant which offers a panoramic view of the city. Looking back across the port, the vista features part of the Grand Prix circuit, from the tunnel under the Fairmont Monte-Carlo and the Nouvelle Chicane towards the piscine, making it a fantastic spot from which to observe the race action, even if you’re not fortunate enough to have a ticket. Just don’t forget your binoculars!

View over Port Hercule from Le Rocher in Monaco

Escape the Crowds

Below the popular Oceanographic Museum is the secluded Fisherman Cove. This hidden gem is reached via narrow steps leading down to a shallow, shingle beach and the cool, clear waters of the Mediterranean. Rarely occupied by more than a handful of Monegasque locals, it offers a peaceful suntrap and respite from the vibrant city. 

Blue Mediterranean sea in Monaco

Japanese Gardens

If the beach doesn’t appeal, there are several gardens in Monaco that can provide a sense of escape and the chance to absorb natural beauty amidst the backdrop of the bustling city; the Princess Grace Rose Garden is probably the most traditional, while the Jardin Exotique de Monaco the most famous, but just a short walk from the centre is the lesser known, but no less beautiful Japanese Gardens. This Japanese-inspired garden strictly adheres to Zen principles, seamlessly harmonising stone, water and vegetation in the most serene and tranquil setting.

The Japanese garden in Monaco

Evening Entertainment

Not all evening entertainment in Monaco is about the glitz and glamour. For something a little more low-key, during July and August, those in-the-know head for the Monaco Open Air cinema behind the Oceanographic Museum. Here it is possible to spend a balmy summer evening watching the latest movie blockbuster with a glass of chilled rosé from the comfort of a cushioned lounge chair, as seagulls fly overhead and the sound of the sea rises from the rocks below.

Monaco open air cinema

From morning until night Monaco has something to offer for those keen to follow the path less travelled. If you are keen to explore the real Monaco, you’ll quickly come to appreciate the uniqueness of this compact principality as observed through the eyes of the locals.

Portofino Yacht Charter Guide

Posted on by Alex Coles

Portofino panorama of the port

The Italian Riviera is north-western Italy’s coastal showcase, a place where the Ligurian Alps meet the Apennines with a dash of la dolce vita and a well-deserved reputation alluring yachts to one of the most popular yachting hotspots in the Mediterranean, Portofino.

Decades of tourism have ensured that the beauty of the Cinque Terre and Portofino rank highly on places you need to visit and the entire coastline has bewitched royalty, writers and celebrities who have been drawn to the Mediterranean climate, beautiful towns and the blend of old and new.

Waterfront villas in Portofino, Italy

There’s no denying the appeal of Portofino, tucked into a sheltered inlet surrounded by colourful buildings and olive-clad terraces it has been grabbing headlines and attracting the international jet set for decades.

In the height of peak season, the town morphs into Italy’s version of Saint-Tropez, however if you’re looking for Champagne-spraying nightclubs and hedonistic beach clubs you’ve come to the wrong place.

Superyachts in Portofino

Many visitors to Portofino don’t venture beyond the harbour and Piazzetta (small square), but renting a yacht on the Italian Riviera will introduce you to places of quiet beauty – especially in spring or autumn, ornate villas hidden amongst the trees and gorgeous scenery with romantic restaurants sandwiched between the mountains and sea.

Portofino is not off-the-beaten path, however it’s possible to escape the crowds of day trippers and celebrities who visit Portofino for one day.

Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy

Read this Guide to Yacht Charters in Portofino to discover the best things to see and do while on a Portofino yacht charter, where you can discover some of the celebrated highlights and the charter spots less visited amidst the surrounding attractions of the Gulf of Tigullio.

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Golf on a French Riviera Yacht Charter

Posted on by Alex Coles

The Old Course golf course at Mandelieu on the French Riviera

There are few places on earth better-suited to a golfing yacht charter than the French Riviera. With an abundance of historic, challenging, and downright swanky courses along the Cote d’Azur, the South of France really is a golfer’s paradise.

And what better way to experience the golf courses of the French Riviera than on a luxury yacht charter? You won’t have to swap hotels, carrying luggage and golfing gear, as you make your way along the coast, on a charter yacht your ‘hotel’ moves with you! This is a golfing holiday, done right.

Golf de Saint Donat in the south of France

Imagine getting a group of your golfing buddies together for a 10-day jaunt down the French Riviera on a superyacht, stopping at world-class golf courses along the way.

With views of the Mediterranean and the Alps and old hunting estates among the pines, it will be near-impossible to have a bad game. And even if you do spend half the day in the bunkers, there’s plenty of fine restaurants, watersports, and beach clubs along the Riviera to cheer you up! You might even bring a pro-golfing instructor along on your charter to radically improve your game over the duration of the charter.

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“Sea and Ski” Yacht Charters on the French Riviera

Posted on by Alex Coles

Sea and ski yacht charters on the French Riviera

When planning a holiday, you normally have to choose between snow and sand, mountain and beach, chalet and superyacht. Not on the French Riviera in spring—one of the few locations on earth where you can enjoy a sea and ski yacht charter.

In the south of France, Alpine ski fields are in close proximity to warm, sunny beaches. The French Riviera is famously known as a destination where you can be hurtling down fresh powder in the morning, only to find yourself relaxing in a Cannes beach club in the afternoon, enjoying the spring sunshine as you drink rose with your feet in the sand.

A yacht charter than involves snow skiing and beach clubs, art galleries and opera, Michelin-star dining and hill villages, après ski and boutique shopping.

Sunshine, calm seas, and snow. Where else but spring on the French Riviera?

Read More: Sea and Ski : Spring Yacht Charters on the French Riviera

Winter on the French Riviera

Posted on by Alex Coles

Antibes and the snow covered Alps with the Mediterranean sea in the foreground

A scant 100 years ago, the idea of visiting the French Riviera in the summertime was unheard of in polite society, who deemed the South of France in July and August to be far too hot and bothersome.

Instead, the first-class trains and ornate horse-drawn carriages would start to arrive as the weather cooled and the first snows fell on the Alps, delivering queens and tsars, dukes and duchesses, writers and artists for a glittering winter season of parties and operas and promenading under the palms.

The Duke of Windsor in Cap d'Antibes, France

In winter at the turn of the 19th century, the Cote d’Azur was the centre of the fashionable world. In summer, the carriages departed, and the opulent villas and belle époque hotels were shuttered up once more until the haze of summer cleared and the sea again held its enchanting winter sparkle.

And that’s how the Riviera stayed—a resolutely wintertime resort— until the 1920’s, when New York socialites, Gerard and Sarah Murphy, convinced the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc to keep a wing open for them for a summer. After buying a nearby villa the next year, they invited friends F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hemingway for decadent, endless summers of jumping off the rocks into the sea, fabulous parties, and long boozy lunches under the shade of pine trees that buzzed with cicadas.

Read more: The French Riviera in Winter : A Return to Winter Sun and Elegance

Ultimate Luxury on Land and Water

Posted on by Alex Coles

Ferrari tour on the French Riviera at Gorges du Verdon

Our planet is no doubt blessed with a myriad of breathtakingly stunning scenery, but very few places compare to the luxurious blend of vintage luxury and enchanting landscapes that is the French Riviera and its legendary sun-drenched beaches. This delightfully sculpted scenery which stretches from St. Tropez up until the French-Italian border is an avalanche of hospitality; complete with sandy beaches, blue seas (and skies), trendy shopping stores and exclusive boutiques. Dazzling with historic vineyards, extravagant chateaus, and calm waters transcended by traversing yachts, the French Riviera immerses its visitors in an ethereal world of splendor and magnificence. Add a touch of style and classical French hospitality, and you see why this place leads the chart of top celebrity tourist destinations.

The Carlton beach in Cannes, France

Cannes on the French Riviera is an action attraction sure to tickle the fancy of every tourist. The town hosts the famous Cannes Film Festival on an annual basis – providing a glistering perspective of what luxury and holiday resorting should be like. With an aura of regality and modest affluence, the sun perched Mediterranean coastline, and nearby medieval styled villages provide a lucid imagery of the rich French cultural history. It’s however not just about the scenery, as embossed in the rose gold streets of the nearby, Eze, Antibes, Saint Tropez and Menton as a firsthand historical perspective of French Sovereignty. Antibes in particular, with its picturesque streets and prestigious museums, reunites you with history; and if you have a taste for the exclusive, its impressive line up of celebrity villas will leave you craving for more of the same.

Èze Village

What’s the best way to explore the French Riviera; by land where you get up close and personal with its stunning architecture or via the air where you’re treated to an almost godlike perspective of its stunning scenery? How about a taste of the two; up close and personal plus a godlike view and then a serving of luxurious adventure – cue the waters of the French Riviera and its luxury yachts. Of the many highlights the French Riviera is known for, its exotic yachting and beach culture stands out as one of the most prominent in the world. Since the 18th century when its white pebble beaches were routinely toured by the likes of King Edward VII, Queen Victoria, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, the French Riviera has conveyed a sense of wealth and privileged luxury; the kind that has drawn hordes of affluent visitors to its endearing yet reassuringly calm waters. So, whether you arrive on your private yacht or join the enthusiastic company of other tourists to hitch a ride aboard a cruise, ferry or boat, rest assured that you will a get a taste of the regally grand adventures of the French Riviera’s breathtaking waters.

Port Vauban marina in Antibes, France

Away from the Sea and onto the Roads of the French Riviera

Granted the sea and its frivolities pack a unique touch of adventure, but no trip to the French Riviera is complete without a day, or two spent touring its scenic landscapes and interacting with its soulful scenery. Far from the tardy definitions of a conventional tour, you too can experience the French Riviera from an elite perspective, with a custom planned tour in the supercar of your dreams. If you thought the bustling waters of the Riviera were endearing, then get set for a treat. A driving tour of the French Riviera aboard a supercar replaces the gentle sways of the adventurous sea with the high-octane pumped twists and turns of France’s greatest driving roads – it really is, the ultimate way to infuse a vibrant and spirited experience into your French Riviera adventure.

View over the Old Port of St Tropez

The Cote d’Azur and Provence feature a stunning landscape made for the 21st century explorer. The seemingly endless stretches of roads wiggle around the sun draped hills and snow-tipped mountains leaving in their wake Provence’s signature lavender fields and vignette olive groves. But that’s just a snippet of what lies in store; the Alpes-Maritimes, a streak of cliff-top roads snaking up the French Riviera’s daunting mountain range is length for length one of the most enthralling routes for driving in all of Europe. Its range is dotted with iconic hilltop villages, each painted with a byzantine palette of class and vintage luxury. From Gourdon, through Vence and up into Moustiers Sainte Marie, expect a visually scintillating experience that will most certainly leave an indelible imprint on your travel memories.

Grande Corniche road on the French Riviera

Planning your Car Tour on the French Riviera

Ready to delve into the French Riviera? Start off your tour from Cannes where an experienced tour guide will meet you at about 6:30 pm in the comfort of your hotel lobby. You will be provided with a detailed rundown of what to expect before the keys to your select dream car is handed over; this could be a Lamborghini, a Ferrari, a Porsche or even a Bugatti if you’re hell-bent on keeping the whole experience, French.

Ferrari and Lamborghini cars in southern France

After your first night, spent shrugging off any accompanying bits of sea sluggishness, you should be well in tune with the magic of the French Riviera – the land version. Your first route to conquer is the long stretch of road leading from Cannes up into Provence. Do this by coasting along the famous Croisette promenade and its breathtaking view of the adjacent bay of Cannes. Make your way to the charming and eccentric village of Gourdon. This town hosts an assortment of cute small boutiques, antique and art, sumptuous cuisine, perfumes, olive oils, all reminiscent of medieval France. But all this pales in comparison to the magnificent view this hilltop village provides; Gourdon perched at an altitude of almost 760m treats you to an exclusive perspective of the Mediterranean coastline and the Alps.

Stunning scenery in the south of France on driving tour

From here, its onwards to the iconic Artuby bridge in all its artistic curves and silhouetted brilliance. The Verdon National park lies just ahead and nestled within its confines is the Gorges du Verdon, France’s own Grand Canyon; make sure to take some photos, the views are spectacular. After lunch, head off into Provence where your luxury hotel awaits you.

Ferrari crossing bridge in the south of France

Day two and you’re back on track, only this time for a taste of the spectacular with one of Europe’s finest collection of mountain passes and twisting roads; if you are familiar with the Swiss Alps; you know what to expect with the Mediterranean Alps roads. Breeze through the legendary Route Napoleon and its nearby twin the Route de Thorenc. Both feature hanging cliffs and fast-paced straights; and while others pause to take a breather from the corners, you effortlessly conquer the road with the confidence that comes from being in your very own supercar.

Route de Thorenc, south of France

Your road tour of the French Riviera comes to an end with the shimmering tarmac of Col de Vence, and its striking view of the sea. From here it’s smooth sailing via the highway back to Monte-Carlo.

EPIKdrives has indeed created an epic French Riviera Driving Tour that deserves to be tested on your next trip to France.

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Discover the most beautiful anchorages of the French Riviera

Posted on by Alex Coles

Superyacht at anchor at Cap Taillat on the French Riviera

The perfect French Riviera yacht charter is a tale of two glorious extremes.

On the one hand, there’s the spine-tingling glamour of docking in an exclusive marina like Monaco or St Tropez for a night of Michelin star dining and champagne-spraying decadence.

On the other, there’s the idyllic peace of sitting at anchor with a view of beaches and mountains, the only sounds the lapping of water on the hull and the soporific buzz of cicadas in the nearby pines. From your anchorage you can dive off the swim platform, get the water-toys out, or tender into one of the French Riviera’s fabulous beaches.

Being able to switch between exclusive marinas and tranquil anchorages within minutes is one of the reasons that the French Riviera continues to be one of the ultimate superyacht destinations.

To help you decide where to drop anchor on your South of France yacht charter, here are some of the best anchorage spots along the Cote d’Azur, cruising westward from Monaco to Marseille.

Read More: Stunning Anchorages along the French Riviera

Your Finest Bottle: The Best Wines In and Around St Tropez

Posted on by Alex Coles

Vineyards near St Tropez, France

Less known for its wine production than the city of Bordeaux, the glamorous coastal town of St Tropez in the Cote d’Azur offers a delicious selection of celebrated wines. The region may be renowned for its refreshing range of rosé wines, which have become the de rigueur summer choice for discerning jetsetters over the past ten years. Yet, St Tropez also produces young, fruity, but full-bodied red wines, as well as light, crisp white wines.

Gassin and Ramatuelle road sign

Some of the favoured spots for wine production in the area include Gassin, Ramatuelle and Sainte Maxime. Here, a patchwork of vineyards and wineries veils the landscape, meaning real estate in Sainte Maxime, Gassin and Ramatuelle are in great demand. Some of the real estate in Grimaud even overlooks certain vineyards – such is the close proximity of the residential areas to winemaking territory. Residents and visitors to the vineyards enjoy tranquillity, sweeping vista views, and the finest local produce one could imagine.

Rose-Glass

We’ve handpicked the best wines of St Tropez – each of which is produced at wineries that offer unmissable tastings and tours of picturesque vineyards.

Château Minuty

The quintessential rosé of St Tropez, M de Minuty Rosé is made using the lesser known Tibouren grape – a variety almost exclusively grown in this part of the France. The wine provides the perfect accompaniment to a tomato and mozzarella salad or fresh shellfish dishes, with its citrusy notes and subtle floral hints.

M Minuty rose wine from Provence

Domaine La Tourraque

Meanwhile, the Domaine La Tourraque vineyard produces three wine labels: Cuvée Joseph Brun, Cuvée Classic, Cuvée Harmonie – each of which consists of a white, red and rosé and all offer a myriad of gustatory delights. The real showstopper of the collections, and a regular medal winner, is the vintage 2016 white Cuvée Classic, which wows critics with its fresh aroma and slow-revealing notes of white fruit and citrus. The vintage 2016 white Cuvée Classic is the perfect partner to rich-tasting tapas.

Domaine La Tourraque white wine

Domaine des Tournels

With its rose petal-infused hue, the Côtes de Provence Cuvée Speciale rosé vintage is the standout diamond in Domaine des Tournels’ crown. A two-time winner of the Concours Général Agricole in Paris, the wine boasts an expressive range of ripe and exotic fruits in a well-rounded palate. It is well partnered with grilled meats or a sweet, red fruit dessert.

Domaine Tournels wine selection

Château des Marres

Château des Marres refers to its Cuvée 1907 rosé as ‘an invitation to exceptional pleasures.’ And with its delicate balance of white flowers and fruits, it lives up to this promise from the first to last sip.

Château des Marres rose wines

Château Volterra

The exceptional level of care and dedication that goes into creating Château Volterra’s wines is second to none and is evident in every savoured mouthful. The winery produces two delicious, but very different white wines, yet it is the Château Volterra Red 2008 that steals the show with its silky, elegant taste, that is complemented by hints of spices and smoke. Partnered with spiced, red meat, this wine is pleasingly powerful as well as fresh.

Domaine Volterra, Ramatuelle

Organic Rosés

For the discerning, environmentally conscious oenophiles, there are also a number of organic rosé options available in the region, including Jas d’Esclans Cote de Provence and Alpilles Rosé Longchamp – both of which summon reveries of hazy summer days spent gazing over fields of fragrant lavender and sunflowers.

Jas d’Esclans Cote de Provence rose

With such a broad variety of grapes – reds range across syrah, grenache, cinsault, the lesser known tibouren, mourvedre, carignan, cabernet sauvignon, while whites include rolle, ugni blanc, clairette, and semillon – and such a rich selection of wines, you are guaranteed to find a tipple for every preference and taste in St Tropez.

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4 Luxury Locations For Yacht Lovers To Invest In French Property

Posted on by Alex Coles

Luxury property and yachts on Cap Ferrat

The French Riviera is an esteemed location for luxury real estate, and the perfect setting if you’re looking for a rich lifestyle filled with entertainment, sunshine, beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. Considered to be one of the ultimate yachting destinations in the world, the French Riviera has a perfect Mediterranean climate, as well as stunning luxury homes, whether you are looking for classic or contemporary, large or intimate.

Menton on the French Riviera

Situated in the south-east of France, the coastal region goes from Menton (near the Italian border) to Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Cassis. Building regulations are strict to ensure the beautiful French coastline is not ruined, therefore demand for French Riviera property is high. Consider these four prime locations when searching for property on the French Riviera.

Cannes

Cannes is known for its bevy of luxury properties that attract the wealthy. The area’s plush real estate is why this is such a major hub for affluent home buyers. Homes are available in modern, bustling areas as well as in quieter historic districts and residential neighborhoods. Search for houses or apartments that are set against palm trees on the waterfront or in the heart of town near the best cafes and restaurants. If you’re seeking something more peaceful then look in the hills surrounding Cannes and benefit from stunning sea views! If you’re going to be renting your property out short- or long-term, look for an apartment in the centre of Cannes or a villa in a gated community, where you can rely on high security and peace of mind.

Villa for sale in Cannes

This villa in Cannes boasts contemporary architecture and refined décor. The entrance hall level has a large living room; dining room; fully-equipped kitchen overlooking a covered terrace; and three suites, all of which open into the garden, and that also have a dressing room and either a bathroom or shower room. The upper floor includes a master suite and a second suite, both with a large, private terrace. Outdoors, there’s a pool, pool house and driveway that leads to four garages.

Port de Cannes view from Le Suquet

Life in Cannes means easy access to a picturesque coastline and beaches, plus high-profile events, gourmet cuisine and high class shopping. The area is buzzing year-round, with a strong nightlife that includes live music, casinos and theatre. During the summer, large boats congregate on the nearby Lérins Islands.

Antibes

Located between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is home to Port Vauban, the largest private marina in Europe which is filled with huge superyachts. Exclusive villas, cozy penthouses and modern homes are close to immaculate beaches that can be visited year-round. While there are plenty of turnkey properties ready for immediate move-in, there are also project properties that you can work on in order to create your own, customised dream home (many of them already have renovation permits, too). Features of Antibes property include private garages, serene pool areas, fully-fitted kitchens, rooftop terraces, expansive patios, swimming pools and guest accommodation.

Villa for sale Cap d'Antibes

This lovely, contemporary Cap d’Antibes villa has been recently renovated using high-end materials. Aside from five bedrooms, this home also has a large, bright living room as well as a cinema room. Spend an afternoon lounging by the private swimming pool, then head into the pool house when you need a break from the sunshine.

Old Antibes / Vieil Antibes

Calm and laid-back, Antibes is known for the Marché Provencal covered market, where you can head for gourmet ingredients. Don’t miss scuba diving season, which lasts from May to October. Roam around to catch glimpses of pastel architecture and medieval towers.

Monaco

Though super small (less than one square mile), Monaco is a tiny principality with a huge personality – one that’s in high demand, too. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Southern Alps, living here gives you easy access to both the water and the mountains. Local architecture includes Belle Époque buildings, decadent palaces surrounded by manicured landscaping, and penthouses and apartments that look out onto the sea. By moving here, you’ll be amongst famous celebrities such as professional sportsmen (namely cyclists, golfers and F1 drivers), as well as models, musicians and some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

Apartment for sale Monaco

This one-bedroom apartment in Monaco is located in a prestigious building (complete with concierge service) on a residential boulevard. Bright and south-facing, this apartment has high ceilings, a lounge, a dressing room with made-to-measure units, a bedroom with terrace access, and an open-plan kitchen that leads onto a large balcony.

Casino Square in Monte-Carlo, Monaco

For a teeny, tiny place, Monaco packs in a lot to do. Head to a casino or museum, go golfing or attend a star-studded event. The area is extremely safe too, with 24-hour video surveillance of the entire principality and the world’s largest police for per capita and per square metre.

Saint-Tropez

Steeped in indulgence, excess and the best that life has to offer, Saint-Tropez is delightfully lacking when it comes to tourism sights. Head to the coastal Sentier du Littoral path, which runs along the peninsula and past the locale’s best, most extravagant villas. Other types of Saint-Tropez property include luxury apartments and vineyard estates. A large number of artists live in this part of the French Riviera, and you can watch them setup every morning on the port.

Villa-St-Tropez

This modern villa in Saint-Tropez has a dazzling, pristine interior that stretches across three levels. Five bedrooms have bath and shower rooms, the kitchen is state-of-the-art and many of the living areas are open-plan. Other amenities include a wine cellar, home cellar, electric gates and home automation system. The manicured, fenced-in garden has a variety of Mediterranean plants and trees, plus an automatic watering system.

View over the Old Port of St Tropez

From crystal-clear swimming holes and the rocky coast to high-end dining and designer shopping, Saint-Tropez offers the ultimate jet setting lifestyle. When the 100,000 inhabitants thin out after the summer season, the area becomes peaceful and charming. Stroll down Old Town’s narrow streets or spend an afternoon at Le Café.

One Last Thought

When you purchase a French Riviera property, you also buy into a lifestyle. Opulent housing is available along the waterfront, as well on the outskirts of town, away from the hustle and bustle. When buying such a property, consider speaking to a buyer’s agent such as French property specialists, Home Hunts, they will go out and handpick a selection of luxury properties that meet your requirements and specifications, whether you’re searching for a full-time residence abroad or a holiday home.

Discover this jewel of a property in Mougins

Posted on by Alex Coles

Villa-Mediterranee-Mougins-France

Today you are invited to discover a very exclusive architect’s villa in the heart of Côte d’Azur! Designed by the renowned José Tauzia, this prestigious property has all the features of an authentic villa, modernised to the taste of the day. Zoom on a timeless and contemporary home on the French Riviera.

Villa detail in Mougins, Cote d'Azur

Equipped with all modern amenities and designed in the purest Azurean traditions, this exceptional villa will charm you. Welcome to Villa Méditerranée, the latest creation of the luxury real estate developer “Pride Invests”. You will literally fall in love with this house made of 516sqm of luxury and refinement. Villa Méditerranée is a true architectural masterpiece!

Front of Mougins villa France

In the heart of Mougins, one of the most beautiful villages of the French Riviera, this elegant property is located in one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods of the village, the “Saint Barthelemy” district. This ultra-residential and historic district, is an enchanting environment hosting some of the most beautiful villas of the Côte d’Azur. Close to all amenities, the villa is surrounded by a magnificent pine forest. In addition to its beautifully landscaped garden, the villa has a heated swimming pool and a jacuzzi,  that will allow you enjoy the summer sun. As the possibilities are endless, you will also be able to relax in the shade of the pine trees under the charming pergola designed by José Tauzia.

Pergola at Mougins villa, French Riviera

This villa will offer 5 bedrooms, a large living room and an open kitchen … Each bedroom will have its ensuite bathroom as well as its own dressing room. In addition, the villa is equipped with extra living spaces such as an office, a fitness room, a sauna …

Kitchen in villa in Mougins, France

The conditions will be more than perfect to welcome your family and friends and build incredible memories. Whether you choose it as your main residence or as your secondary home, Villa Méditerranée is the home of your dreams!

Last but not least, Pride of Côte d’Azur, wished to leave the possibility to its customers to choose between two types of interior layout. You will be spoiled with endless options and possibilities to define the floor plans of your villa as well as the finishes that make you dream!

Mougins villa master bathroom

The Villa Méditerranée is a bastide with Provencal accents, but with clean lines. Nothing comparable to what is currently available on the market. Pride of Côte d’Azur has chosen to affirm its own personality asserting itself with an identity of its own. And what a success! Elegant structure, large openings that allow the light to enter the rooms. Like a Venetian palace…. On the French Riviera!

Lovers of luxury and style will be seduced by Villa Méditerrannée and by the other projects of this company led with an international vision.

Villa Méditerranée in Mougins, French Riviera

Pride of Côte d’Azur makes it a point of honour to ensure that it delivers quality work while respecting essential ethics and deontology. The company is surrounded by the best local providers to make your dream come true.

When will your turn come?

Luxury Shopping on a French Riviera Yacht Charter

Posted on by Alex Coles

Chanel boutique in St Tropez, France

You know the South of France summer is in full swing when celebrities and their bodyguards are popping in and out of boutiques, and charter guests speed back to their yachts, their tenders laden down with shopping bags full of designer gowns and swimwear from the world’s great fashion houses.

Louis Vuitton Damier travel bagIt’s far from unknown for superyacht guests to drop a cool €100,000 on a morning’s shopping trip in the glamorous boutiques of Saint Tropez, Cannes, or Monaco. But that’s not to say you need to have a spare hundred grand to enjoy the shopping experience during your South of France yacht charter.

Ferrari in the port of St Tropez, France

Our Riviera shopping guide takes you from the haute couture fashion houses and elite ready-to-wear designers, through to local boutique gems and colourful local markets. And as no-one fancies giving money to the tax-man unnecessarily, we’ve also included some information on how to shop duty-free on the French Riviera.

Shopping in Monaco 

If you begin your yacht charter in Monaco, there’s no better way to start than taking an afternoon stroll through the Principality to find a stunning designer outfit for your first evening on the yacht.

Casino Square in Monte-Carlo, Monaco

The Cercle d’Or & Summer Pavilions

The haute couture designers and luxury jewellers hang their shingles around the famous Cercle d’Or, where it’s just one prestigious fashion brand after another, including Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Cartier, Bvlgari, Hermès, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dior, and Chanel.

Pavillons Monte Carlo luxury shopping in Monaco

During summer 2017, 40 ultra-luxe brands will be displaying in the ‘Promenade Monte Carlo Shopping’: an exclusive installation of summer pavilions near the Place du Casino. The ideal route for a Cercle d’Or shopping tour begins at the Pavilions before carrying along the famous Avenue de Monte Carlo and onto Allée Francois Blanc.

Chanel store in Monte-Carlo, Monaco

If you’re a bargain-hunter roaming this part of town, slip behind the casino and away from the Cercle d’Or to Avenue Saint Michel, where Stock Griffe boutique offers big name brands for up to 70% off.

Town Centre

In the town centre, Boulevard des Moulins, Boulevard d’Italie, and Avenue Princesse Grace showcase many high end boutiques, including local offerings such as Monegasque luxury brand, 209 Mare.

La Condamine

The Condamine area down by the marina has more than 200 boutiques of dazzling variety and budget – from fashion and homewares to gourmet stores. For those shoppers who love to explore, La Condamine holds many treasures, including Le Dressing: a vintage designer shop featuring second-hand beauties from designers like Chanel.

Rue Princess Caroline in Monaco
Shopping Malls

Monaco even does shopping malls with exceptional style. Galerie du Metropole is one of the most luxurious malls on the planet, with acres of marble, porters to help with your bags, and 80 luxury stores including Armani and Brunello Cucinelli.

Metropole shopping mall in Monaco

If you’re after a more low key or practical shopping experience, head to Fontvieille shopping mall, where you’ll find electronics, fashion stores, and a large Carrefour supermarket.

Markets

Finally, despite its high-end shopping reputation, Monaco also does a wonderful daily market in La Condamine featuring Mediterranean produce and local crafts, and a funky little flea market at Fontvieille on Saturdays.

Food market in Monaco

Things worth knowing

There’s a 20% VAT surcharge on goods you buy in Monaco: it may be known as a tax haven, but unfortunately that doesn’t apply to the shopping experience! However, if you’re a visitor from a country outside the EU, you will be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases over €175 made in a single store.

Shopping in Cannes

Cannes is one of the world’s ultimate shopping destinations, and you’ll feel the excitement in the air as you skip from Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent to Dior, passing celebrities carrying little dogs in their Hermès handbags.

The Hotel Carlton in Cannes, France

The Croisette

Cannes Croisette is a byword for luxury shopping, with flagship haute couture boutiques lining the boulevard beneath the palm trees and ornate Belle Epoque hotels. As well as the big global names such as Dior and Chanel, there are also some very fine French boutiques worth knowing about, such as Paule Kar, Chacok, and Leonard Fashion.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a glamorous evening gown for your night out in Cannes but have a bit of an eye on your budget, try MyAnnika, a boutique specialising in evening dresses at affordable prices.

Dior boutique in Cannes, France

During the Cannes Film Festival, there’s even a red carpet laid out along the shopping strip, and the Croisette is largely pedestrianised on summer evenings as of 2017, making this prestigious shopping destination even more drop-dead gorgeous than ever. And if you’re in the mood to get a head-start on the summer crowds with a spring yacht charter, the Croisette hosts a shopping festival each April, with fashion shows and season previews. Be still, my beating heart.

Rue d’Antibes

If you must drag yourself away from the Croisette, Rue d’Antibes is the place to do it. This famous street just behind the Croisette is the other fashionable place to shop in Cannes, with a succession of luxury brands like Vilebrequin and famous high street brands like Zara, as well as sunglass stores and decadent chocolate shops for gifts to take home.

The Rue d'Antibes shopping street in Cannes

And as if it couldn’t get any better, the block between the Croisette and the Rue d’Antibes completes the famous Carré d’Or, where fine jewels are laid out in the window displays between chic bars and swimwear stores.

Rue des Etats-Unis

This recently-updated shopping street features high-end interior design shops to find that perfect French piece to ship home.

Rue Meynadier

On the other hand, if you’re looking to shop like a Cannois local, then Rue Meynadier is for you, with its eclectic mix of affordable fashion and artisan food stores.

Maison Bremond in rue Meynadier, Cannes

Shopping Malls

If you’re still hungry for more, the Galerie Gray d’Albion shopping mall is located just by the Croisette, featuring a range of high-end stores including La Perla. If you’re looking for more practical shopping, head to the neighbouring town of Cannes La Bocca.

Markets

To get the true Cannes experience on your yacht charter, a visit to the local markets is a must, and Marche Forville delights with its bustling atmosphere, and colourful stalls of fruit and flowers, cheese and fish.

Forville market in Cannes, France

Things worth knowing

Like Monaco, you can claim a VAT refund on purchases over €175 in a single store if you hail from a country outside the EU. If you’re planning a South of France shopping spree, apply for a Global Blue ‘shop tax free card’ so you can automatically be refunded at participating stores, or just ask in the store for a detaxe’ form to claim at the airport upon departure.

Shopping in Saint Tropez

Welcome to little boutique heaven, where the towering names of the fashion world sit on cobbled laneways next to unique Saint Tropez boutiques. The village of Saint Tropez isn’t big and all its boutiques are a leisurely stroll from each other, so just grab your credit card and explore to your heart’s content, with a focus on the luxury triangle between Place des Lices, Rue Gambetta, and Rue Allard.

View over St Tropez rooftops and superyachts in the bay of Saint-Tropez.

Global Fashion houses

You’ll find the instantly-recognisable names of Hermès, Armani, Dior, and Louis Vuitton emblazoned above the doorways of Saint Tropez’ pastel facades, as well as Zadig et Voltaire, Lanvin, Swarovksi and Eres, just to name a few. However, it’s worth noting that the luxury shopping scene is just as much about the local as the international in enchanting St Tropez.

Local Boutiques

Arguably the most famous item in a Saint Tropez wardrobe is the iconic Tropezienne sandal, which was established by the Rondini family in 1927, with stiff competition from the K.Jacques family who set up shop 5 years later.

As you might expect, swimwear is also a hot item in sunny Saint Tropez, where the local Vilebrequin and Kiwi St Tropez boutiques began their meteoric rise on the superyacht fashion scene.

Vilebrequin Rolling Stones album cover swimming shorts

For jewellery, Gas Bijoux delights with its chunky, colourful designs, while Au Soleil de Saint Tropez is the last word in boho chic (as worn by the stars.)

There’s something for everyone in fashionable St Tropez. If you’re feeling nautical, Blanc Blue is a local boutique full of sailor-style stripes and scarves, while those up for a spot of polo at the St Tropez polo club will find all the right attire at La Martina. Bla Blas is an absolute treasure trove of quirky labels, while Be Shorts— well, you can guess what they sell.

Markets and Cellars

One St Tropez shopping experience which is not to be missed is a Saturday morning at the Place des Lices market, where Provencal produce, gifts, and clothing are spread out in stalls underneath the shade of century-old plane trees.

Market in Place des Lices, St Tropez

And finally, if you’re wanting to take home some excellent Provencal wine for a gift or to cellar, head to La Cave de Saint Tropez or Terre de Mer.

Things to know

The same tax free opportunities exist in St Tropez as in Cannes, with a Global Blue card definitely the way to go if you’re planning on splashing some cash.

A yacht charter is the perfect way to make the most of a luxury shopping adventure along the French Riviera. Where land-locked tourists have to battle with summer traffic in the South of France, you just float along between the great shopping destinations of the Riviera, falling ever deeper in love as you go.

The Best Yacht Charter Destinations for Nature Lovers

Posted on by Alex Coles

Maldives

The reasons for choosing a luxury yacht charter are woven together in ways that elevate things you desire to provide unforgettable experiences – time, privacy, luxury, seclusion. And luckily, some of the top wildlife spotting destinations on the planet provide many elements to make your yacht charter the ultimate vacation.

Yacht charter destinations for nature lovers provide the feeling of liberation from busy resorts, exclusive first-class service onboard luxury vessels and adventures to far flung locations with a new view each day.

From the Mediterranean to North America and Southeast Asia, while others are dreaming of the world Bespoke Yacht Charter can help you explore some of the world’s most captivating destinations, each with something unique to offer.

Read the full article: Yacht Charter Destinations for Nature & Wildlife Lovers

Things to do with Children on your French Riviera Yacht Charter

Posted on by Alex Coles

Jacuzzi on motor yacht ANTISAN

The French Riviera is the most glamorous stretch of coastline in the world, and as such, is probably not the first place that comes to mind when planning a family yacht charter. Yet there’s actually so much great stuff to do with kids on the Cote d’Azur that you’ll struggle to fit it all in a 7-day charter! From tropical beach treasure hunts and underwater villages to zip-lining, firework shows and rollercoasters, the French Riviera is a children’s playground.

Parasailing off the beach at Nice in the south of France

We’ve written before about why yacht charters are so great for the whole family, and how to make sure they’re a brilliant success.

Here are some fantastic children’s activities for your French Riviera yacht charter.

Visit beautiful La Napoule on your Côte d’Azur yacht charter

Posted on by Alex Coles

Stunning Esterel coast on the French Riviera

The Bay of La Napoule is a stunning stop on a French Riviera yacht charter, with the rich red rocks of the Esterel mountain range contrasting vividly with the turquoise sea, and the gloriously pretty Cannes islands sitting just offshore with their quiet pine forests, secluded coves and sunny vineyards.

Mandelieu-La Napoule

There’s an abundance of superb nature activities on offer in the surrounding hills, from mountain biking to horse riding and hiking, while the town of Mandelieu-La Napoule offers a very famous golf course and some stellar Michelin-star dining.

A Day on Charter in La Napoule

Visit Marseille on your Luxury Yacht Charter

Posted on by Alex Coles

Girl enjoying panoramic view over Marseille, France

Let’s get what must be said out of the way early. Marseille—that maligned, magnificent port city—is rarely included on a French luxury yacht charter itinerary, with the majority of charter yachts floating down the coast as far as St Tropez, before turning back to cruise back up the French Riviera to glittering Cannes and Monaco.

Yet what are yacht charter guests missing by not venturing a little further down the Var coast to Marseille? A whole lot, as it happens. Marseille is located on one of the wildest, most magnificent stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean: a region of towering limestone cliffs and turquoise fjords, Caribbean-like islands, and ancient villages surrounded by rolling vineyards. With the appeal of pretty Cassis and Bandol, the astonishing Calanques National Park, and the exotic Islands of Gold off Hyeres, the Marseille coast is simply unmissable.

Experience the Renaissance of Marseille on Your French Yacht Charter

6 of The Best Restaurants on the French Riviera!

Posted on by Alex Coles

Restaurant La Vague d'Or in St Tropez

One of the highlights of a French Riviera luxury vacation is travelling slowly down the coast from Menton to Saint Tropez, revelling in the astonishing cuisine of the region and dining in some of the world’s finest restaurants.

A luxury yacht charter along the glittering Cote d’Azur is the ultimate foodie experience, as you dine at Michelin starred restaurants on garden terraces with dizzying sea views, and in opulent dining rooms of golden vaulted ceilings and dripping chandeliers.

6 top restaurants of the French Riviera

Luxury Yacht Charters in Corsica

Posted on by Alex Coles

Stunning beaches on the island of Corsica

If you’re seeking a luxury yacht charter that offers an entirely different experience than traditional Mediterranean hotspots such as the Amalfi Coast, French Riviera or the Balearic Islands, then head to Corsica where you’ll be charmed by an island of diverse landscapes, vast history and robust cuisine.

Located at a maritime triangle between the coasts of northwestern Italy, southeastern France and the neighbouring island of Sardinia, Corsica is underrated and largely unspoiled by commercialism – imagine an island where herders still shuffle their mountain goats through the scented maquis of rosemary and lavender, crumbling Genoese fortifications line the wild coastline instead of glitzy resorts and wind-bent pine trees border the shores of spectacular beaches.

Inland, you’ll find an even quieter Corsica with pigs and donkeys roaming the twisting mountain roads, artisans selling almond cookies and hazelnut oil roadside and tiny villages staunchly professing their Corsican identity.

Corsica Yacht Charters