A Perfect French Riviera & Corsica Sailing Yacht Charter Itinerary

As the temperatures begin to drop and the nights draw in, our thoughts have turned to plans for the next sun-soaked getaway. If you too are in need of some summer 2020 inspiration then you have come to the right place - our French Riviera & Corsica sailing yacht charter itinerary contains all you need for the perfect getaway. A sailing yacht adventure is the best way to travel responsibly as an eco-tourist, allowing you to explore all the best parts of the world without damaging them with excessive pollution. Here’s where to go and what to do when you have yacht fractional ownership in this beautiful part of the world.

An idyllic adventure: A French Riviera & Corsica sailing yacht charter  

French Riviera

In Nice, expect opulence and sunshine from the city that inspired both Matisse and Chagall. Offering that perfect mix of small-town charm and international luxury, you really couldn’t dream up a better place to start your yacht charter. Wander the historical Boulevard Cimiez - home to old-fashioned hotels, including The Excelsior Régina Palace, with beautiful architecture. Attend one of the iconic ‘Prom Parties’ on Promenade des Anglais, a regal part of the town stretching for kilometres. Visit the charming Old Town, with cliffs overlooking, pastel houses and narrow streets. And don’t miss the Nice Jazz Festival - this internationally-renowned event runs from the 17th-21st July and celebrates some of the biggest names in the business.

St Tropez has transformed from a small fisherman’s village to an artist refuge (Colette, Sartre, Bonnard) to an ultra-glamorous destination. Having gained iconic status in the 1950-60s thanks to Brigitte Bardot, no French Riviera yacht charter is complete without a visit here. Spend your days at Nikki Beach, a sophisticated beach club renowned for its glamorous pool and beach parties, which come extravagantly themed and with world-class guest DJs. Come nightfall, there is plenty of choice for where to carry on the party - those there in August might be lucky enough to catch the Nights of Château de la Moutte, a music festival held at this historic estate and hosting international musicians.

And how could we forget about Monaco, where the sight of so many stunning French Riviera yacht charter vessels sitting in Port Hercule will leave you astounded. Popularised by Grace Kelly’s marriage into Grimaldi family, and with its world-renowned casino appearing in James Bond, Monte Carlo is arguably the most glamorous place in the world. Admire the exquisite Belle Epoque architecture in the casino, remembering to rub the statue of Louis XIV’s shiny leg for good luck. Hunt for jewellery in the exclusive Carré d’Or. If you can make it there for the Monaco Grand Prix in the last weekend of May, this is truly an experience like no other, with the roar of engines and the smell of petrol filling the air. 

Corsica

Corsica is where the French go for their summer getaways, with a more chilled, low-key atmosphere than Riviera, and a beautiful blend of French and Italian cultural influences. The distinct heritage here has been popularly depicted by Asterix in Corsica, the best selling Asterix title in France, which showed stereotypes of the Corsicans as extremely proud and enjoying strong cheese. However, Corsica is about so much more than that, offering so many vibrant port towns, plus hiking and snorkelling spots. 

In Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and the largest Corsican town, enjoy the rich  Baroque architecture, filled with warm colours and ornate designs. Spend a day basking on one of the many long sandy beaches on your Corsica sailing yacht charter - we recommend La Plage de Ricanto, with its beautiful fine golden sand. Stroll around the harbour and admire the array of stunning vessels.

Ile Rousse is named after the deep red/blush sunsets that you’ll see frequently during your stay here. With one of the warmest microclimates, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy bikini weather, perfect for enjoying the paradisiacal white-sand beaches. Plus, the Greek-style marketplace here and busy outdoor cafes give it a real holiday feel - this is the perfect place to sit back with a glass of chilled local wine and people watch. 

For a truly luxurious Corsica sailing yacht charter, you can’t ignore Porto Vecchio, with its stunning turquoise waters and picturesque mountains with waterfalls, rivers, gorges and pines. The ancient narrow streets of Old Porto Vecchio still have high walls from the Middle Ages. At the same time, this is perhaps Corsica’s most cosmopolitan town, catering to a jet-set clientele who enjoy Jeroboams of Champagne at open-air night club Via Notte and browse at boutiques in the fashionable town centre.

Lastly, head to Calvi, the alleged birthplace of Christopher Columbus, where you’ll be treated to superb cuisine, postcard-worthy Mediterranean scenery and the internationally-renowned Calvi On The Rocks music festival. Celebrating the best electronic artists and music over 6-days of partying, this festival has it all - hip bars, a seaside location and a fantastic soundtrack  Dates are yet to be announced, but the last few years have seen it set in early July - what better way to end your Corsica sailing yacht charter.

If you’ve been inspired to book a French Riviera & Corsica sailing yacht charter, get in contact with our friendly team today.