The 14th edition of Top Marques Monaco 2017 drew to a close on Sunday 23rd April 2017, concluding the most successful edition in the event’s history. Held in association with the Edmond de Rothschild Group under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, the four-day exhibition showcased the latest and greatest in luxury supercars, fine jewellery, furniture, yachts, various other technological innovations, and even apartments for sale in Monaco. Over 45,000 guests passed the doors of Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum, with an increase of 25% in advanced ticket sales. There were seven world premieres on display in the Ravel Supercar Hall; over 1,200 test drives were carried out buy prospective buyers and press on Monaco’s F1 circuit, passing Port Hercule, the Fairmont Hotel and lavish Monaco real estate; and over 5,000 glasses of champagne and wine were served in the VIP bar. Discover the 10 attractions that stole the show at this year’s edition of Top Marques Monaco.
10. Venturi VM200-FE-02
Set to race in the Monaco ePrix – part of the FIA Formula E Championship – the Venturi VM200-FE-02 is an electric racing car with a difference. With a maximum power of 200 kw (equivalent to 270bhp) and a top speed of 150 mph, the Venturi racing car is a menace on the track but as quiet as the wind. Maro Engel and Stephane Sarrazin will drive it in Monaco on 13th May 2017.
9. Dendrobium
Inspired by nature and rooted in technology, the Dendrobium electric hypercar opens up like a Dendrobium flower, yet merges aluminium, carbon-fibre and glass. The vehicle’s interior resembles something from the distant future.
8. 1969 Shelby GT350
A classic American muscle car, the immaculate 1969 Shelby GT350 stole the attention of many Visitors. With a price tag of €90,000 and a roaring V8 engine, the beautiful automobile will steal a buyer’s heart in no time.
7. Speedback GT – David Brown Automotive
The Speedback GT was meticulously coachbuilt by the team at David Brown Automotive for the 21st Century. Over 7,200 man-hours went into its construction. Although the spectacular car has a top speed of 155 mph and goes from 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds, this supercar is not about the performance. This is automotive sophistication at its finest.
6. Shelby Cobra 427 S/C CSX 6000
On display in both dark blue and metallic silver, the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C CSX 6000 is a thing of beauty and captured the adoration of diehard car enthusiasts with its classic styling and muscle performance credentials.
5. Lamborghini Centenario
Built to mark the 100th birthday of Ferruccio Lamborghini – a successful builder of tractors in the 1950s and 1960s in Bologna, Italy – 5 Lamborghini Centenario Tractors have been built. With a price tag of €250,000 (+tax), the vehicle has 2 seats, exposed metal colour, and was designed by Adler Capelli.
4. FV-Frangivento – The Charlotte Roadster
The aqua-themed Charlotte Roadster by Italian FV-Frangivento contains a fish tank behind the cockpit. The stunning interior console is unlike anything you’re likely to see in a car ever again. The hypercar is entirely electric, but can be adapted to contain a hybrid engine too.
3. Pal-V
The first of its kind, the Pal-V is a gyroplane and an automobile in one, meaning it can legally travel on roads and has the ability to fly. The ground-breaking product incorporates a number of patented technologies and was inspired by nature.
2. AeroMobil
The AeroMobil has made a bit impression in the worlds of aviation, automotive and technology in recent weeks. A road-legal car, the AeroMobil has extendable wings that launch the vehicle into the air. The sleek, stylish design complements innovative technology. An airframe parachute system complements various other safety features to make for an impressive, convenient and safe flying supercar.
1. Silver Muse
For the first time in the history of Top Marques Monaco, a luxury cruise liner was included in the line-up of attractions. Press were invited onboard to experience the opulence of the Silver Muse – a recent launch from Silversea. The magnificent vessel looked perfect at home in the port of Monaco, surrounded by charter yachts, luxury Monaco real estate and an endless supply of supercars.
Manoj Bairstow, Managing director of Top Marques commented: “we say it every year, but this edition of Top Marques really was an incredible show of technology, innovation and the very best in luxury products, and in my mind, our greatest Top Marques to date.
The atmosphere in the Grimaldi Forum and around Monaco throughout Top Marques was electric, and we were delighted with the number of visitors that came over the four days.
Each year the attendance numbers grow significantly. We are now seeing visitors from all over the world at Top Marques which is a testament to the quality of our exhibitors.”
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.
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.
Often referred to as “The Pearl of France”, Menton occupies a spectacular position on the final curve of coastline before France gives way to Italy. Bathed in sunlight and framed by mountains that tumble toward the Mediterranean, Menton has long captivated royalty, artists and writers drawn to its luminous light and fragrant lemon groves.
Among its most devoted admirers was Queen Victoria, who visited frequently during the Riviera’s golden age. Winston Churchill painted its colourful seafront, while literary figures such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Katherine Mansfieldcame to convalesce in the town’s mild, health-giving climate.
Menton’s artistic legacy continued into the 20th century. Jean Cocteau left an indelible mark with his celebrated frescoes, now a cultural highlight of the town. Even cinema found inspiration here, when Sean Connery filmed scenes of Never Say Never Again in the old town’s narrow streets.
Beyond its cultural pedigree, Menton enchants with its architecture and gardens. English nobles once established exotic botanical gardens around Italianate villas shaded by palm trees, taking advantage of the town’s unique microclimate — one of the warmest on the French Riviera. According to local legend, Eve planted the first lemon tree here after leaving the Garden of Eden, and today Menton remains famed for its citrus heritage, celebrated each year in its vibrant lemon festival.
With pastel façades cascading down to the sea, baroque churches rising above terracotta rooftops and the Italian border just moments away, Menton offers a Riviera experience that feels both refined and authentic. Less frenetic than its glamorous neighbours yet equally beautiful, Menton combines history, artistry and Mediterranean charm in a setting that continues to inspire all who visit.
So why is it that glorious Menton — framed by dramatic mountains and cascading toward the deep blue Mediterranean in a cluster of pastel façades and elegant bell towers — is so often left off the typical French Riviera yacht charter itinerary?
Tucked away on the Italian border, Menton feels worlds apart from the high-octane glamour of Monaco and the red-carpet energy of Cannes. Yet this is precisely its charm. For travellers seeking authenticity, beauty and heritage, Menton offers a rare and refined alternative — a destination where history and tranquillity coexist in perfect harmony.
Approaching Menton by sea reveals one of the Riviera’s most picturesque skylines. The old town rises steeply from the harbour in warm hues of ochre, peach and terracotta, crowned by the baroque Basilique Saint-Michel. Behind it, the mountains form a dramatic natural amphitheatre, sheltering the town and creating its famously mild microclimate.
For yacht charter guests looking to combine medieval character with Belle Époque elegance, Menton is paradise found. Cobbled lanes wind past shaded squares and historic churches, while botanical gardens and citrus groves reflect centuries of horticultural passion. The town’s slower rhythm offers a welcome contrast to busier ports — long lunches on sun-drenched terraces, quiet strolls through the old quarter, and panoramic views stretching toward Italy.
Including Menton on a French Riviera yacht charter itinerary adds depth and distinction. It is a place where the medieval and gilded ages merge seamlessly, where architecture remains beautifully preserved, and where the Riviera reveals its softer, more poetic side.
For those willing to venture just beyond the usual hotspots, Menton rewards with elegance, authenticity and an enduring sense of Mediterranean charm.
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.
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.
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.”
Elegant, timeless and effortlessly refined, ANTISAN Yacht is a true classic on the French Riviera charter scene. Permanently based in the iconic Vieux Port de Cannes, ANTISAN Yacht is one of the most appealing choices for luxury yacht charter in Cannes — particularly for groups seeking generous space, stability and understated sophistication.
At 33 metres in length with an impressive beam of nearly 8 metres, ANTISAN Yacht offers the internal volume and reassuring stability typically associated with significantly larger yachts. Her proportions translate into expansive exterior decks, providing ample room for alfresco dining, relaxed sunbathing and stylish entertaining against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
Inside, ANTISAN Yacht combines classic design elements with contemporary comfort. Warm finishes, elegant furnishings and thoughtfully arranged living areas create an inviting onboard atmosphere — ideal for both leisurely family cruising and refined corporate hospitality. Large windows enhance natural light throughout, while the spacious layout ensures guests enjoy comfort without compromise.
For clients searching for a well-priced charter yacht in Cannes that delivers both scale and style, ANTISAN Yacht represents exceptional value. Whether cruising between the Îles de Lérins, Monaco and Saint-Tropez or hosting elegant quayside receptions during major Riviera events, ANTISAN offers versatility, presence and proven appeal.
With her prime Cannes location, balanced performance and classic aesthetic, ANTISAN Yacht remains a superb option for relaxed luxury on the Côte d’Azur.
ANTISAN Yacht is available for Mediterranean charters year-round, offering an exceptional platform for both private cruising and high-profile corporate entertaining. Renowned for her versatility and prime positioning during Riviera events, ANTISAN has become a standout name for luxury yacht hospitality in Cannes.
Her highly experienced, professional crew are particularly skilled in delivering seamless service during major international gatherings. From discreet executive meetings to large-scale brand activations, ANTISAN Yacht ensures every charter is executed with precision, style and attention to detail.
Designed with both relaxation and entertaining in mind, ANTISAN features generous onboard spaces that allow clients to fully tailor their experience. Sun-drenched decks provide the perfect setting for daytime receptions, while elegant interior areas transition effortlessly into sophisticated evening venues for cocktail parties and networking events.
When moored in the prestigious Vieux Port de Cannes, ANTISAN Yacht can host up to 100 guests quayside, making her an exceptional option for luxury yacht events in Cannes. During key industry gatherings — including Cannes Lions, Cannes Film Festival, MIPIM, ILTM and MIDEM — her capacity can be expanded further by utilising the adjacent quay. This flexibility makes ANTISAN Yacht an ideal venue for large-scale receptions, media launches and exclusive celebrations.
For clients seeking a proven, professional and prestigious setting for Cannes yacht events, ANTISAN Yacht delivers year-round Mediterranean availability combined with unrivalled event expertise in the heart of the Côte d’Azur.
As Renoir so eloquently suggested, the spirit of the French Riviera is something to be experienced rather than explained. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Cannes, where luminous Mediterranean light, refined culture and maritime glamour converge. To stand before the same horizons that inspired master painters, dine in Michelin-starred restaurants overlooking the sea, and glide across sapphire bays aboard a private yacht is to encounter the Riviera at its most authentic. A yacht charter in Cannes offers not simply a holiday, but an immersion into a lifestyle shaped by beauty, elegance and freedom.
Cannes is far more than a glamorous seaside resort; it is one of the Riviera’s most strategic and sophisticated charter hubs. Ideally positioned at the heart of the Côte d’Azur, the city provides immediate access to some of the Mediterranean’s most celebrated cruising grounds. Within minutes of departing the historic Vieux Port or nearby Port Canto, yachts can anchor off the tranquil Îles de Lérins — a protected archipelago known for crystal-clear waters, pine forests and historic monasteries. These islands offer an idyllic first stop, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and relaxed alfresco lunches surrounded by pristine nature.
From Cannes, routes unfold effortlessly in multiple directions. Cruising east reveals the dramatic coastline toward Antibes, Cap d’Antibes and Monaco, where rugged cliffs give way to elegant harbours and cosmopolitan sophistication. Heading west leads toward the golden beaches of the Estérel coastline and onward to Saint-Tropez, famed for its beach clubs, nightlife and legendary harbour scene. This central location allows charter guests to experience a wide spectrum of Riviera highlights without long passages at sea.
Accessibility is one of Cannes’ greatest advantages as a yacht charter base. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, located less than thirty kilometres away, offers extensive international connections, while Cannes-Mandelieu Airport accommodates private jets with exceptional efficiency. Helicopter transfers between airport and yacht can take as little as fifteen minutes, ensuring a seamless arrival from runway to deck. VIP terminals, concierge services and dedicated ground support further enhance the sense of effortless luxury.
Cannes’ infrastructure is designed to host global events of the highest calibre, including internationally renowned film festivals, trade shows and cultural gatherings. As a result, marina facilities, security services and hospitality standards are among the best in the Mediterranean. Charter guests benefit from this expertise, enjoying smooth logistics, premium provisioning and professional support throughout their stay.
Time ashore in Cannes offers an abundance of indulgent experiences. The iconic Boulevard de la Croisette forms the city’s glamorous spine, lined with palm trees, luxury hotels and flagship boutiques from the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. Designer shopping, private appointments and bespoke services cater to discerning visitors seeking exclusivity. Along the waterfront, chic beach clubs provide comfortable loungers, attentive service and excellent cuisine, creating the perfect setting for leisurely days by the sea.
Gastronomy is another highlight of Cannes. From traditional Provençal restaurants hidden within the historic quarter of Le Suquet to contemporary fine-dining venues overlooking the bay, the culinary scene is both diverse and refined. Fresh seafood, regional wines and innovative cuisine reflect the richness of Mediterranean culture. Many charter guests choose to combine shore-side dining with onboard meals prepared by a private chef, creating a seamless blend of experiences.
Cannes also offers cultural depth beyond its glamorous façade. Museums, galleries and nearby historic villages reveal quieter dimensions of the Riviera, where art, heritage and local traditions remain deeply rooted. Excursions into the Provençal hinterland can include wine tastings at family-run estates, visits to perfume houses in Grasse or guided tours of medieval hilltop towns with sweeping coastal views. These experiences provide balance, complementing the excitement of coastal cruising.
At sea, the appeal of a charter yacht in Cannes becomes even more compelling. Mornings begin with uninterrupted ocean vistas and the gentle sound of water against the hull. Guests can swim in sheltered coves before breakfast, enjoy water sports throughout the day, and relax on deck as the yacht glides between destinations. As evening approaches, the Riviera’s famous light transforms the coastline into a palette of gold, rose and violet, creating unforgettable sunset moments best appreciated from the privacy of your own vessel.
Nightfall offers further possibilities. Some guests prefer tranquil anchorages beneath star-filled skies, while others return to port to experience Cannes’ vibrant nightlife, rooftop bars and elegant waterfront venues. The flexibility to alternate between serenity and excitement is one of the defining pleasures of chartering a yacht.
Combining exceptional accessibility, world-class hospitality and immediate proximity to iconic cruising areas, Cannes stands as one of the premier starting points for a French Riviera yacht charter. It offers the perfect balance between cosmopolitan sophistication and natural beauty, between cultural richness and carefree leisure. For travellers seeking to design a personalised Mediterranean journey — whether focused on relaxation, adventure or celebration — Cannes provides an unrivalled gateway.
Ultimately, a yacht charter in Cannes captures the essence of the Riviera itself: radiant light, effortless elegance and the freedom to explore at your own pace. From secluded island anchorages to glamorous harbours alive with energy, every moment reflects the timeless allure that has drawn artists, celebrities and travellers to this coastline for generations. Once experienced from the water, Cannes reveals why it remains one of the most compelling and luxurious destinations in the Mediterranean.
2016 is an important year for Custom Line. Indeed, Ferretti Group brand is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of its cutting-edge nautical history that is unrivalled on the contemporary pleasure craft scene. This celebration coincides with the launch of the Navetta 37, the new semi-displacement flagship and the largest ever built by Custom Line, making its international début at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2016 and at Monaco Yacht Show 2016.
This new super yacht conveys the values of seaworthiness, comfort, safety and customisation – all part of Custom Line’s DNA – into a revolutionary product in terms of style, design and space, placing at the top of its class.
The Navetta 37 is 37.04 metres (121.6 feet) long with a maximum beam of 8 metres (26.3 feet). It features a new semi-planing hull with a bulbous bow that ensures the utmost efficiency in any sea conditions, while offering the option of 5 engine configurations.
EXTERNAL DESIGN
The Navetta 37 impresses with its clean lines, well-balanced spaces and meticulous attention to every detail, which makes it an incredibly innovative yacht with a timeless style.
Created from the collaboration between the Strategic Product Committee, which the Ferretti Group is proud to include Mr Piero Ferrari, the Engineering Department and the Zuccon International Project Studio, this yacht features harmonious contours and stylistic features unseen before.
Its clean, streamlined, light design also conveys great stability and strength. The front of the hull rises up to the first superstructure level. This adds a sense of power and character to the bow, giving this super yacht an imposing presence on the water too.
TECHNOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
The large control room with built-in bridge covers the bow area on the upper deck: it is equipped with five monitors, including two multi-touch screens, which let you effortlessly control the main on- board systems. Two exits onto the walkways provide access to the external manoeuvring stations. Just like all the latest Custom Line yachts, the Navetta 37 is equipped with the VOTIS infotainment system, which replaces all the remote controls for the various devices with a single unit and can be extended to the automation system in every area on the yacht. What’s more, owners and guests can manage it with their smartphones or tablets.
This new super yacht represents a major step forward in terms of acoustic comfort. In addition to a special flexible joint in the transmission lines that absorbs vibrations from the axis line, the Ferretti Group engineers have worked with specialists to design innovative solutions minimising the impact of sound through targeted mathematical analysis conducted for each source of noise and its on-board location. For example, damping treatments have been carried throughout glued tiles, which significantly reduce noise and vibrations.
The installation of a floating floor beneath the parquet layer also helps reduce the transmission of sound from the engine room to the living areas on the lower and upper decks, while softening footfall.
CUSTOM LINE AND THE FERRETTI GROUP
Custom Line is a brand of the Ferretti Group, a world leader in the design, construction and sale of motor yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of prestigious and exclusive brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, and Custom Line.
Led by Chairman Tan Xuguang and Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, the Ferretti Group can boast modern shipyards located across Italy, which combine the efficiency of industrial production with typical world-class Italian craftsmanship – the heritage of Italy’s centuries-old yachting tradition.
Established in 1968, the Group is also present in the USA – through its subsidiary Ferretti Group America, which manages a network of points of sales and dealers specializing in the marketing and sale of the Group’s brands throughout the North American market – and in Asia, through its subsidiary Ferretti Group Asia Pacific Ltd., based in Hong Kong, as well as several representative offices and sales centres in Shanghai, Qingdao and other locations in China.
Moreover, a network of approximately 60 carefully selected dealers guarantees the Group’s presence in over 80 countries, thereby ensuring clients receive the very best assistance in marinas all over the world. The Ferretti Group has always been a leader in the pleasure boating industry, thanks to steady product and process innovation and the constant search for cutting-edge technological solutions.
The wide range of available boats – flybridge, runabout, open, coupé, lobster boats, fisherman, maxi and mega-yachts – is conceived by the Group’s Product Strategy Committee, the Marketing Department and the Engineering department, all fully committed to developing aesthetic and functionally innovative solutions, working in close cooperation with internationally renowned consulting boat designers.
This is why the Ferretti Group’s boats have always been known for their high levels of quality, safety and outstanding performance at sea, as well as for the exclusivity of their design and the timeless appeal which make them so recognizable around the world.
Hosted annually at the iconic Port Hercules, the Monaco Yacht Show returns for its 26th edition from 28 September to 1 October 2016. For four days, the Principality becomes the global epicentre of superyachting, welcoming key decision-makers, industry leaders and ultra-high-net-worth clients for the most prestigious nautical rendezvous of the year.
Widely regarded as a cornerstone event on the international yacht show calendar, Monaco Yacht Show attracts the world’s foremost superyacht builders, charter specialists, brokerage houses and naval architects. The event also showcases experts in yacht construction and design, shipchandlery, cutting-edge marine technology, onboard toys and innovations, alongside luxury brands and elite service providers.
Set against the glamorous backdrop of Monte Carlo, the Monaco Yacht Show exudes sophistication and exclusivity. Superyacht owners and prospective buyers stroll the quays alongside leading brokerage firms and designers, exploring some of the finest vessels afloat. The show is renowned not only for its spectacular fleet of superyachts but also for its curated exhibition of luxury lifestyle brands, including supercars and private aviation specialists.
More than just a boat show, the Monaco Yacht Show represents the pinnacle of the superyacht industry — where new launches are unveiled, major deals are negotiated and the future of luxury yachting is defined.
For anyone involved in the world of high-end maritime luxury, Monaco Yacht Show remains an unmissable event — combining innovation, prestige and the unmistakable glamour of the Principality.
Alexander Coles is the Owner and Senior Yacht Charter Broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter, a company he founded in 2014 after 13 years’ experience arranging luxury yacht charters in the south of France, throughout the Mediterranean and worldwide. More than half of his bookings are repeat clients or referrals from existing clients that include ultra high net worth individuals, celebrities, royal families and large corporations. His aim is to deliver beyond all expectations – whether he arranges a charter booking for a two week Summer holiday for a family looking for the last word in discretion, through to corporate yacht charters for companies looking to present an extremely high profile at an important event.
What is it that you do exactly?
I arrange luxury yacht charters for highly discerning individuals from all over the world. I specialize in all Mediterranean yachting destinations but with particular emphasis on the Côte d’Azur and French Riviera, such places as St Tropez, Cannes and Monaco. The yachts I offer are from 25-100m in length and are all fully crewed by highly professional crew, offering the ultimate in floating luxury. In addition to yachting holidays, I also rent yachts to companies attending prestigious events in the south of France such as the Cannes Lions, MIPIM and the Cannes Film Festival.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I love the fact that I spend my days arranging experiences designed to give others pleasure! My clients are usually very busy business people and they want their holidays to be absolutely perfect in every way. Working very closely with each yacht’s Captain and crew, I aim to ensure an absolutely seamless luxury experience for each client.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
I absolutely adore this legendary hotel on the luxurious Cap d’Antibes peninsula between Antibes and Cannes in the south of France. The hotel is incredibly private and set in beautiful gardens with fabulous views of the Mediterranean. The staff are utterly AMAZING! It’s incredibly luxurious but in a very discrete and unpretentious way. If you haven’t stayed there, I strongly recommend it. It is to my mind and many others, the best hotel in the world!
I first discovered this wonderful villa on the island of Korcula in 2007 and booked it for two weeks. It was my first visit to Croatia and I have been going there ever since. The house is surrounded by the sea on three sides with the most stunning views. It has a private pontoon for swimming and taking a boat or kayak out into the bay. It’s an extremely private place and you could stay there for weeks without seeing a soul! This villa is a place to truly lose yourself and switch off. The nearby town of Vela Luka has plenty of shops and restaurants if you ever feel like going out!
I often go to concerts in Milan in the summer months and discovered this fabulous hotel on the internet completely by chance. This hotel is truly unique, part loft apartment, part gentlemen’s club… each suite is themed around something different, motor racing, tennis etc. It’s not often you have Louis Vuitton trunks in your room, unless they’re yours of course! Truly fabulous decoration and beautiful objets d’art to be found throughout. The bar and terrace are also stunning! As the name implies, the hotel is set around a beautiful courtyard right in the centre of Milan, my favourite city in Italy.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
I have been lucky enough to have dined at some of the best restaurants in the world, Le Louis XV in Monaco, Le Gravroche in London etc. But the one that really stands out is The Five Fields in London. I went there with my wife for my birthday last year and was truly blown away. Chef Marguerite Keogh is incredibly talented and uses beautiful ingredients in very creative ways. The food is rare in that it is incredibly stylish but definitely not style over substance. We had the tasting menu and every course was a triumph. The restaurant has been receiving rave reviews and I am sure it is only a matter of time before the Michelin inspectors give the restaurant the recognition it deserves!
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
Yes absolutely! The vast majority of my clients are rather wealthy to say the least, and some of them pretty famous too. I certainly won’t name any names but celebrities certainly love chartering yachts!
I always attend the Monaco Grand Prix and have seen lots of famous faces there, both from the world of F1 of course but also music and cinema. I also love the restaurant Cipriani in Monaco, owned by Flavio Briatore, there are always lots of famous people in there and at the nearby club Twiga! The same is true of some of the beach clubs at Pampelonne near St Tropez.
Funnily enough, for all the celebrities I see on the Côte d’Azur, I actually probably see more famous people in London, specifically around Kensington and Chelsea where I spend a great deal of time.
There is an Italian restaurant called La Famiglia in Chelsea that I’ve been going to since I was in nappies. I must have been there hundreds of times and there is always a famous actor or musician eating there every time I go! As a child, I had my photo taken there with Clint Eastwood and the photo stills hangs on the wall in the restaurant.
What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?
I can’t wait to go to India! I have heard so much about the country and people! Those I know that have been, absolutely rave about it – the food, the colours, the vibrancy. I want to do it justice though and go for a couple of months so I am waiting until I have the time. Spare time is a bit of a luxury at the moment!
Thank you for taking part in our interview, Alex. Good luck with your quest to get to India – I was lucky enough to be there for a couple of days in 2013 but, like you say, it was sadly definitely nowhere near long enough to remotely do it justice!
This interview was originally published on A Luxury Travel Blog and can be found here
M/Y BLUE MAMBA is an exceptional yacht, now available at an exceptional price. With sleek lines and an attractive blue hull, this 38.7m (127′ 1″) motor yacht streaks across the water at a top speed of 28 knots. Offering six staterooms that cater for up to 12 guests, BLUE MAMBA superyacht for sale is a rare find for her size range.
Custom built by Oceanline Shipyard in 2008, the elegant vessel is also an excellent proposition as a charter yacht. Her above-average guest capacity proves a distinctive selling point in the charter market, but her top-end design and performance confirm her pedigree. With clean lines and a gleaming silver superstructure, the superyacht’s stylish exterior was designed by Frank Mulder, while the yacht’s contemporary interior is courtesy of Art Line Interiors from the Netherlands.
M/Y BLUE MAMBA is a superyacht of unrivalled design and performance. She is equipped with an ultra-modern stabilization system, which reduces roll motion effect, comfortably and smoothly cruising between your desired locations. She also features bow thrusters, which enable better manoeuvrability at low speeds.
The stunning yacht’s spacious interior offers a level of comfort and style that is unsurpassed. The layout is unique and includes a sumptuous forward master cabin, which is positioned up on the yacht’s main deck. The bedroom has large windows, which let in abundant light and an impressive sunken bathroom down a short flight of steps. A very comfortable VIP Stateroom with a queen-sized double bed is located on the lower deck and four more cabins, accessible by a spiral staircase, complete the well-considered accommodation. Additionally, the stylish yacht is capable of carrying up to six crew on board.
The decor is elegant yet inviting, consisting of neutral tones with rich brown sofas and seating that complement the dark teak and grey marble finishes. The overall effect is ultra-modern yet effortlessly chic. Amenities include a 52” Sharp Aquos TV, high-quality sound system, air Conditioning, Wi-Fi connection and a deck Jacuzzi.
The yacht is perfect for entertaining guests due to the large dining table for up to 12 people which can be converted into a bar. The main deck aft has fixed seating, a large table and occasional chairs for larger groups. M/Y BLUE MAMBA offers a good selection of water toys, a tender and a swim platform.
Initially on the market for EUR 6,250,000, this yacht is now a brilliant buyer’s opportunity at EUR 4,900,000 through Worth Avenue Yachts. BLUE MAMBA is currently in Saint-Tropez.
With 2015 drawing to a close, it’s time to start planning your luxury yacht charters for 2016. We have compiled a list of the best 5 yacht itineraries on the planet, factoring in the key ingredients for an unforgettable yacht charter: crystal clear seas, white sand beaches, fine dining and luxury, modern marinas.
There are of course, many other superb yacht itineraries on our planet, but these handpicked destinations posses the all-Important glamour that draws luxury yacht charters to drop anchor year after year.
The Virgin Islands, Caribbean
The Virgin Islands are quite staggeringly beautiful, with rainforests meeting sugar white sands and turquoise seas. The diving is exceptional, whether you’d prefer the coral reefs of Anegada or exploring the sunken ships of Wreck Alley. Those who like a bit more action might want to head to St Thomas for its chic shopping malls and fascinating shows, or you can head to one of the Virgin Islands’ sailor bars, such as Tortola’s famous Bitter End.
This tranquil Mediterranean isle offers beaches of immense beauty, where clear sapphire seas meet vast expanses of blinding white sand and rolling dunes. The Costa Smerelda is one of the most popular charter destinations on earth for its glamorous marinas, fine dining, and lively nightlife. The peaceful ambiance, excellent diving, and coastal walks offer a more leisurely pace on your Sardinia luxury yacht charter.
This iconic coastline, with its volcanic range rising out of the Mediterranean, is one of the most spectacular luxury yacht charter destinations in the world. Have lunch at a cliff-top restaurant on Capri, where pink sprays of bougainvillea contrast vividly with the sparkling blue sea. Shop in Positano’s glamorous boutiques, or relax in the famed hot springs of Ischia. Spend your days in the water or visiting the ethereal Blue Grotto, and when night falls enjoy dining and dancing in the warm summer air from the comfort of your luxury yacht charter.
From the French-chic vibe of St Barts to the stunning beaches of Antigua and Barbuda, this chain of islands is the hottest luxury yacht charter destination in the Caribbean. Exclusive Anguilla increasingly draws the superyacht set, while the plantation hotels, pristine reefs and cloud forests of St Kitts and Nevis are putting these gorgeous twin islands on the yachting map.
Number one simply must take us back to where luxury yachting began: the sunny, sparkling shores of Southern France. From the ritzy casinos and grand hotels of Monaco to the wide sandy beaches of glamorous Saint Tropez, this is an itinerary that combines natural beauty with fine dining, fine art, and fine living. From the quiet forests and crystal clear coves of Porquerolles to the chic piano bars and superclubs of Cannes, the Cote d’Azur is the quintessential luxury yacht charter destination.
The possibilities are endless. The list of dreamy itineraries goes on and on: how do the happy isles of the South Pacific strike you? Or perhaps Thailand takes your fancy – one of the rising yacht charter destinations? Or maybe you’d like to venture deeper into the Caribbean, to the quiet isles of the Grenadines, or the jungles and reefs of stunning Costa Rica? Once you’ve decided on your dream itinerary, you must choose from the broad range of luxury superyachts to charter, which are offered across the globe. Get in touch with a luxury yacht charter company to plan the itinerary of your dreams.
All holidaymakers know that other than beautiful surroundings, luxurious accommodation and the much-deserved opportunity to relax, no holiday would be complete without good food. Luckily the South of France has the culinary prowess to make fine dining a certainty on your Mediterranean escape. Naturally, French Riviera Helicopter Transfer and gourmet cuisine go together like champagne and caviar. That’s why so many restaurants have exclusive helicopter landing spots, which allow for quick and luxurious transfers directly to their grounds. We spoke to the leading helicopter transfer company on the French Riviera, Heli Securite, who have recommended the following five restaurants with landing spots for direct landing.
Tahiti Beach
Tahiti Beach, Saint-Tropez
Tahiti Beach is one of the best-located restaurants in Saint-Tropez and perfectly represents the joie de vivre for which the seaside town is universally famous. Fortunately, the food is wonderful, the atmosphere is relaxed and the friendly staff make you feel at home. Tahiti’s food is consistently good and served by the sea with the selection of freshly caught fish and tasty pizza straight from the oven being highlights. In fact, it’s difficult to know what you’ll enjoy more: the delicious food or spectacular sea views.
Chez Bruno
Chez Bruno, Lorgues
Famed for its truffles, the one-Michelin-star Chez Bruno serves more of this exquisite delicacy than any other restaurant in the world. Bruno has been running this iconic restaurant set in the pretty Provençal town of Lorgues for many years and it’s a truly local family business, which has started to expand internationally.
The outdoor setting of idyllic gardens and a terrace is lovely in the summer and during winter a roaring fire gives the cosy interior a magical feel. This really is truffle heaven, and Bruno’s signature dish, a potato and truffle combination, has people returning for more. Most of the produce is found within two hours of the restaurant, so diners are guaranteed the finest quality.
La Bouitte
La Bouitte, Saint Martin de Belleville
La Bouitte is a charming hotel located at the foot of the Saint-Marcel ski slopes in Saint–Martin de Belleville. However, it’s the hotel’s restaurant that really draws the crowds. René and Maxime Meilleur are a father and son team whose impeccable cuisine has been granted three Michelin stars and classified among the ‘great gables of the world’ since 2012. The restaurant is set in an authentic mountain chalet with a cosy yet chic decor befitting an establishment that prides itself on creating cuisine that respects the quality of local products and the art of cooking. The outside terrace nestled amongst the trees is perfect for apres ski drinks or a pre-flight lunch, since the helipad is located 50 metres away.
Les Gorges de Pennafort
Les Gorges de Pennafort, Callas
Les Gorges de Pennafort is one of Provence’s unmissable highlights set in a beautiful setting close to the Cote d’Azur. Chef Philippe Sa Silva and his wife took over management of the restaurant twenty years ago and haven’t looked back, even receiving a Michelin star in that time. His innovative use of regional produce combined with a contemporary twist, such as foie gras and Parmesan ravioli, have won the loyalty of international customers. Chef Da Silva’s flavoursome menu also extends to an impressive cocktail list, including their unique speciality: champagne with grapefruit cream. The sensationally sublime cuisine can be enjoyed in the elegant and light-infused dining room or outside on the terrace under a bioclimatic pergola, which adapts to the weather conditions.
La Bastide de Moustiers
La Bastide de Moustiers, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
La Bastide de Moustiers’s restaurant serves provençale cuisine in a wonderfully rural country setting. The lovely country house is an upscale inn owned by Alain Ducasse, a noted chef famous for his three Michelin star restaurant in London’s Dorchester hotel among others. Nestled in the Provence village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the restaurant sits amid ancient olive trees and vibrant lavender bushes. The menu changes daily in accordance with the products available in the hotel’s vegetable garden and is served under a shaded terrace. Chilled pea and fava bean bouillon, steak, chimney baked lamb, and a cocotte of spring vegetables are all mouth-watering favourites prepared with care and attention.
