If you own real estate in Monaco or the French Riviera, you’re also buying into a coastal lifestyle and stunning coves best discovered by private yacht.

If you’re lucky enough to own Monaco real estate, you’ll already appreciate the decadent Riviera lifestyle right on your doorstep. And, as any private yacht charterer or owner will tell you, there’s no better way to explore the glittering, awe-inspiring coastline of the Côte d’Azur than on the water.

Which is why we review the five best spots to drop anchor on the French Riviera.

Cap Ferrat

Only a short cruise away from Monaco, you’ll drop anchor off the ultra-exclusive headland of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, where grand villas overlook a pebble and turquoise cove of staggering perfection.

The iconic Paloma Beach club sits on a stretch of the cove backed by pines, and the view across the bay to the cliffs behind Beaulieu and towards the glittering skyline of Monaco real estate is superb. If you can drag yourself away from the beach, a wander through the magnificent gardens at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a must.

Cap d’Antibes

As you float down the coast past Nice’s palm-lined promenade, you’ll come to the medieval walled village of Antibes, where the Picasso tower rises above the high sea ramparts and the Alps tower up in the background.

Drop anchor off the Cap d’Antibes, home to the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where celebrities swim in the cliff-carved pool and dine on the sophisticated terrace. The Cap d’Antibes also offers great snorkelling around its rocky coves, a couple of lovely beach clubs on the Plage de la Garoupe, and a stunning coastal walk around to Billionaire’s Bay.

Cannes Islands / Îles de Lérins

Just offshore from the glamour and buzz of Cannes lies one of the French Riviera’s loveliest spots to anchor on your private yacht charter. The Cannes Islands, or Îles de Lérins, are a tranquil archipelago of pine forest and sapphire coves, with some wonderful walking paths and historical treasures.

Drop anchor between the two islands of Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat for a blissful day of exploring. On Sainte-Marguerite, snorkel the rocky coves, have a picnic under the pines, and follow the forest paths to Fort Royal, where the real Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned. Over on Saint-Honorat, take a wander through the vines at the monastery of Lérins Abbey or take lunch on the waterfront at La Tonelle restaurant.

Pampelonne

Of all the anchorages on the French Riviera, Plage Pampelonne is the one that appears in celebrity magazines most frequently. This soft, sandy beach on the Gulf of Saint Tropez is home to a strip of famous beach clubs, including the iconic Club 55, Nikki Beach, and ultra-fashionable newcomer, Bagatelle Beach.

In high summer, private yachts in their hundreds drop anchor off Pampelonne so their guests can play on the water toys and tender ashore to the beach to sunbathe, swim and party under the Mediterranean sun.

Île de Porquerolles

Just down the coast from St Tropez is a dreamy little island often compared to the Caribbean for its vivid turquoise waters, tropical vegetation, and white sand beaches.

One of three islands in the Golden Isles (Îles d’Or) archipelago, Porquerolles enchants with its Provençal vineyards and sensational beaches, including Plage d’Argent and Plage Notre Dame. There’s also an old fort to explore, while the pretty port village is a great stop for a stroll.

Discover the Coves of the Côte d’Azur on M/Y FORCE BLUE

Explore the French Riviera on board the 63.3m Royal Denship M/Y FORCE BLUE. Built in 2002, with a full refit in 2009, this eye-catching explorer yacht is a wonderful choice for cruising the Côte d’Azur with family and friends and can accommodate up to 12 guests in six staterooms. Along with an extensive selection of water toys, which will be very popular in the calm Mediterranean waters, she is the ultimate yacht for entertaining with large volumes and spacious deck areas, a spa, a disco room and a cinema.

Lead image © RIVIERA BUZZ; Eden Roc photo by Roan Lavery on Unsplash; Plage de Pampelonne by Arnaud 25 – Own work, Public Domain, Link