The French Riviera is one of the best Mediterranean destinations for an exhilarating vacation, and there’s no better way to enjoy this part of France than on a private yacht. Exploring the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea is an experience you won’t forget any time soon. If you don’t own one, there are plenty of charter options available for a memory blend of luxury, freedom, and coastal charm.
Cruising from destinations like Nice, Cannes, or Saint-Tropez, guests can discover hidden coves, glamorous beaches, and charming port towns often unreachable by conventional roads or only accessible with great difficulty. These include places like the Calanques near Cassis, the car-free Lérins Islands, or the pristine shores of Port-Cros.
Imagine waking up to the gentle hum of the Mediterranean, sipping a morning espresso on deck, exploring the waters with one of many water toys before lunch, and then anchoring offshore at sunset for a champagne toast under dark blue skies.
Onboard life is tailored for comfort and adventure. Crews handle all logistics, while guests enjoy personalized cuisine and panoramic sunsets from private decks. With no fixed itinerary, each day becomes an opportunity to explore iconic Riviera destinations.
Here, we list 10 premium options to enjoy the best of Côte d’Azur in opulent comfort and style. With cabins to rival what you’ll find at the best suites in luxury hotels in the region and an opportunity to build your own itinerary, it may not be a bad idea to stay on one of these for the duration of your time in the South of France.
Carinthia VII
At 318 feet, the Lürssen-built Carinthia VII is the pinnacle of yacht chartering on the French Riviera. Refitted in 2023, she features six decks bathed in natural light, topped by a 1,334 sq ft sun deck equipped with dual bars, and room for alfresco dining for 14. Inside, eight lavish staterooms for 12 guests, plus five crew cabins, are complemented by wellness features including a spa, gym, and stabilizers for calm anchorages.
With a cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles and amenities like Wi Fi, an elevator, and comprehensive service from her 33-strong crew, Carinthia VII offers seamless world-class yachting. She’s ideal for high-end Mediterranean itineraries with top Côte d’Azur cities like Cannes and Saint Tropez.
O’Pari
Gliding across the waves at 312 feet, O’Pari exemplifies sleek elegance with room for twelve in twelve stately cabins. Her upper-deck Owner’s suite includes his & hers ensuite bathrooms, and one VIP suite. The main deck has a master suite with ensuite facilities like the one on the upper deck, and a convertible double suite. Delivered in 2020 and refitted in 2025, her interior sparkles with white onyx, Lalique crystal, and luxurious marble-finished ensuites.
O’Pari delivers both relaxation and entertainment. The gym overlooks a pool; the sea-level deck houses a Finnish sauna and massage room; and the sundeck features a Jacuzzi and waterslide. Also present is a helipad that leads to the master suite and a crew of 30 to ensure every detail of your Riviera voyage is perfectly executed.
Victorious
The 278-foot Victorious merges explorer spirit with Mediterranean sophistication. Launched in 2021, her six-cabin layout accommodates 12 guests, including a bridge-deck owner’s suite with private terrace and a full-beam VIP stateroom. Designed by Michael Leach and H2 Yacht Design, the vessel has a spacious beach club with balconies and a pool.
Onboard amenities cater to all tastes: a Jacuzzi, sky lounge, cinema, children’s playroom, and wellness center with hammam. The explorer yacht also has a garage large enough for three tenders and space for water toys to ensure fun at every turn. With a 10,200-nm range and cruising speeds of 12–16 knots, Victorious is ready for an exciting Riviera voyage.
O’Ptasia
Built in 2018 and refitted in 2024, the 278-foot O’Ptasia offers twelve guests ten sumptuous cabins, including a full-beam VIP suite nearly rivaling the owner’s upper-deck stateroom. Winner of a 2019 International Superyacht Society award, she blends award-winning elegance with expansive spaces and impeccable design.
Entertainment and leisure options abound on deck. There’s a sea-level beach club with a massage space, bar and steam facility. If traveling to shore via a tender is something you’d rather not do, her helipad gives you a faster and more exotic way to go to town and back.
Emir
Originally delivered as O’Mega in 2004 and recently refitted in 2022, Emir is a 270-foot classic reborn for today. With accommodation for up to 28 guests across 14 cabins, including a Royal master suite illuminated with natural light, she’s ideal for elegant private celebrations.
Her amenities include a bridge-deck gym, spa with high-end beauty equipment, and a cinema featuring an 8K Mini-LED screen. The sundeck Jacuzzi and lounge on the upper deck invite relaxation, while a crew of 28 ensures expert service throughout your cruise.
Lady A
Lady A, a 219-foot custom Benetti built in 2024 and styled by Giorgio Cassetta, combines sleek design with modern luxury. She hosts 12 guests across seven cabins, including an upper-deck master with private study and an ensuite sauna, perfect for relaxation at sea.
The beach club has a fold-down terrace for convenient access to the water for enjoying the water toys on the vessel. Also available are a Jacuzzi and sun lounging areas that promote indulgent relaxation, while a well-appointed gym and an elevator connecting interior decks ensure ultimate convenience.
O’Madeleine
The 196-foot O’Madeleine’s beautiful contemporary design is captivating. The Golden Yachts design masterpiece accommodates twelve guests across seven suites that offer a refined and spacious ambiance. Her elegant interiors blend contemporary style with classic comfort, creating a tranquil environment ideal for cruising.
Outdoor living is equally emphasized. The sundeck is a highlight, featuring a Jacuzzi with panoramic views, a bar, and sun loungers perfect for long afternoons under the Mediterranean sky. An outdoor cinema with a projector is also available for watching your favorite flicks under the delightful Mediterranean moonlight. Manned by a crew of 15, O’Madeleine provides a seamless and personalized experience, perfect for guests seeking intimate voyages along the storied coasts of the French Riviera. She is expected to be delivered in June 2025.
Anjelif
In a world where most yachts are white, the 163-foot Anjelif stands out. Built in 2024, it fashions a sophisticated environment for eleven guests in five suites. Her upper-deck Owner’s stateroom includes a massage room, office, gym, and sectional wardrobe reflecting modern styling that flows seamlessly throughout the yacht.
A spacious Jacuzzi, open-air cinema, and a beach club provide outdoor indulgence, while the interior showcases bright open spaces and a clean design aesthetic. She’s perfectly suited for travelers who appreciate curated living in a serene, stylish setting.
ArtExplorer
The 152-foot ArtExplorer is the only sailing yacht on the list. If you’re worried about its navigation capabilities, you don’t need to be. The Perini Navi built catamaran is designed to allow efficient sailing in low wind conditions. It blends contemporary opulence with seafaring innovation. Hosting up to twelve guests in six cabins.
The vessel’s emphasis on sustainability is exemplified by the 65 sq m, 200 kW generating solar panel located on the deckhouse. With a dedicated crew of eight and carefully arranged living spaces, ArtExplorer invites guests to savor the Riviera’s splendor in style.
Ora
At 196 feet, Ora offers refined styling and elegant comfort for twelve guests in eight cabins. Updated in 2023, she features contemporary living spaces and thoughtful lounge areas for relaxation and entertainment. The Master Suite, which is on the main deck, has a 180-degree observation lounge that can be used as one more double suite complete with its own bathroom.
There’s a hot tub with a 360-degree view on the sundeck, along with a bar and small barbecue area; the perfect spot for entertaining. The lounge areas on the yacht remain comfortable on days with inclement weather thanks to sliding panels that shield guests from the elements. The vessel has a cruising speed of 15 knots and a max speed of 17 knots.
