A European grand tour by yacht. First stop - France.

Planning your European grand tour by yacht

France 

A grand tour is as much about the people you encounter as the places you visit – and that’s just one of many reasons to head for the French Riviera. It's the primary playground and melting pot for powerful, famous and fashionable people from all around the world and thus one of the most culturally influential places on earth.

The coastal scenery is stunning. The beach clubs and nightclubs are exclusive and buzzing. The lifestyle is laid back and luxurious. It’s hard to beat for high-end shopping and the cuisine is world class, from three-star Michelin dining to classic bouillabaisse. It’s also the spiritual home of yachting with a wider and better choice of charter yachts available than anywhere else.

Where’s best to start? In Monaco, of course. Arrive by helicopter with a thrilling swoop  over the harbour for a spectacular first impression of the place. Before you set sail, spend a few days moored alongside the quay in Port Hercule or Fontvieille as there’s so much to do and see.

Tour the exclusive boutiques. Try your luck in the casino. See rock, pop, jazz or classical music stars at the famous Opera. See and be seen in the waterfront cafés. Dine at Le Louis XV in the Hotel de Paris. Treat yourself to a spa day at Les Thermes. Drive an open-top sports car along one of the three dizzyingly scenic Corniches.

With all those boxes ticked, it’s time to cast off and explore the Riviera by sea, dropping anchor in the sheltered bays of this beautiful, heavily indented coast. Soak up the historic glamour of the Belle-Epoque in Antibes at the hub of 20th century art and literature, the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

Step ashore on the beach beneath soaring cliffs at Eze and ascend to the medieval ramparts of the mountain-top village for unforgettable views. Stroll along the Croisette at Cannes and enjoy the louche, luxurious lifestyle of the charming old city. Spot celebrities in Saint-Tropez, at Pampelonne Beach by day and Les Caves du Roy by night.

To balance the glamour of the Riviera with a bit of nature, head west to the lush green Îles d’Hyères: Port-Cros for pristine forests and walking trails, Porquerolles for wonderful beaches. Further along you’ll find the Calanques – a national park of impressive limestone fjords – and the best vineyards on the coast where you can taste the distinctive wines of Bandol and Cassis, which are hard to find outside of Provence.

You might want to time your tour of the French Riviera to coincide with one of its world-famous events: perhaps the Cannes film festival, the Monaco Grand Prix or Rallye de Monte-Carlo. Maybe the Monaco Yacht Show or the most spectacular sailing regatta in the Mediterranean, Les Voiles de St-Tropez.  

Planning your European grand tour by yacht. Introduction

France

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Talk to a Burgess charter broker today about making your grand tour dreams a reality. Enquire now

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.