Why chartering a yacht in Monaco is the best way to see the French Riviera

The Mediterranean coast between Nice and the Italian border has long been synonymous with luxury, but you can only truly appreciate its scale from the water. When the shore remains behind the stern and the rocks of Eze, the bays of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat open up before your eyes, the familiar tourist picture gives way to a different impression. That's why renting a yacht in Monaco turns an ordinary holiday into a journey that is memorable for its details: the smell of thyme from the shore, the silence of the sheltered bays and the view of the evening terraces of Monte Carlo.

The idea is not new — as early as the mid-20th century, the first companies began offering boat trips along the French Riviera. Today, the port of Hercule in the principality accepts vessels of any class, and the infrastructure for water recreation here is considered one of the best in Europe. Let's take a look at what makes Monaco a convenient starting point and how to plan a trip out to sea without any hassle.

What does access to the sea from the port of Monaco offer?

Port Hercule is not just a mooring place. It is a logistics hub from which you can reach any landmark on the Riviera in an hour and a half to two hours. To the east are Menton and Ventimiglia, to the west are Antibes and Cannes, and to the south is the open sea with the possibility of sailing to Corsica or Sardinia.

For those planning to charter a yacht in Monaco for the first time, it is useful to understand the practical side of things. The Principality offers a number of specific advantages:

1. Deep-water marina with berths for vessels from 8 to 100 metres. Even during peak season, free slots become available regularly if you book two to three weeks in advance.

2. Customs and border control right in the port. For routes calling at Italy, this saves up to an hour and a half on formalities.

3. The port has its own weather service. Forecasts for the coastal area are updated every three hours and are available to the crew in real time.

4. Fuel terminal and maintenance on site. Refuelling does not require a transfer to another port.

All this makes the principality a convenient base for day trips and week-long itineraries along the Riviera. Add to this the absence of income tax, which indirectly affects the cost of services, and the logic of the choice becomes obvious.

How to choose a format and what to look for

The market here is more clearly segmented than in most Mediterranean ports. There are three main formats, each designed for a specific budget and scenario.

Motor boats up to 20 metres are suitable for day trips along the coast. A typical route — Eze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer — takes six to eight hours. Prices start at €1,500 per day with a crew. Those who prefer to operate the vessel themselves may consider renting a boat in Monaco without a skipper: this requires an international certificate (ICC) or a French licence. Sailing options appeal to those who appreciate tranquillity and the process of sailing itself. A week's rental of a 12-metre sailing boat costs between €4,000 and €8,000, depending on the season. Superyachts are in a category of their own: vessels over 40 metres with full service, a chef and water toys on board start at €50,000 per week.

Port Hercule is one of the three largest ports in the Mediterranean in terms of the number of superyachts per square metre of water area. During the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show, up to 500 vessels moor here at the same time.

When choosing, it is worth considering not only the price, but also several practical points:

• the technical condition of the vessel and year of construction;

• the availability of a tender for disembarkation in bays without moorings;

• insurance conditions and deposit amount;

• whether fuel and mooring are included in the price or paid separately.

Experienced travellers recommend requesting a photo report of the last technical inspection and reading reviews from previous customers on independent platforms.

Routes worth including in the programme

The Riviera looks different from the water than it does from the Promenade des Anglais. Below are routes regularly recommended by captains who have been working in the region for decades:

• Ez — Villefranche. A short day trip with a stop for swimming in Villefranche Bay. The water here warms up earlier than on the open coast, and the depth allows you to anchor 50 metres from the beach.

• Cap Ferrat – Beaulieu-sur-Mer. A tour of the peninsula with views of the Rothschild villas. Lunch at the restaurant by the Beaulieu marina is a tradition that has been going strong since the 1970s.

• Antibes — Lérins Islands. A full day's crossing. The Lérins Islands are a place worth dropping anchor for a couple of hours: the monastery at Sainte-Honorat, crystal clear water, tranquillity.

Each of these routes can be completed in a day, returning to port in time for dinner. For week-long trips, captains often combine them with a stop in San Remo or Portofino — the Italian border is just 30 minutes away.

Practical advice for those who want to charter a yacht in Monaco

Any sea voyage begins with paperwork, and the principality is no exception in this regard. Planning should begin at least a month in advance, and during peak season (July–August) — two to three months in advance.

Here's what you should do in advance:

• Determine the route and duration. This affects the type of vessel: a motorboat is suitable for a one-day trip, while a motor or sailing boat with cabins is better for a week-long trip.

• Check your documents. To sail without a skipper, you need an ICC or national licence. If you are renting with a captain, only a passport is required.

• Check the cancellation policy. The weather on the Riviera is unpredictable in the off-season: the mistral wind can delay your departure for a day or two.

On board, adhere to basic maritime etiquette rules: wear shoes with white soles, do not throw rubbish overboard, and observe speed limits in swimming areas. To call at Italian ports, you will need to register your vessel in the MCTC system — the captain or operating company usually takes care of this.

One of the most frequently asked questions is about tipping the crew. In the Mediterranean, it is customary to leave 10–15 per cent of the cost. This is not mandatory, but it is considered good manners, especially if the crew helped organise dinners ashore or adjusted the itinerary to suit your wishes.

Monaco remains one of the few places on the map where boating is not a pastime for the select few, but a practical way to travel along the coast in comfort and flexibility. Port Hercule, conveniently located between France and Italy, with its well-developed infrastructure, makes perfect sense. Try starting with a day trip to Villefranche: you will most likely want to return and go further.