A unique place for everyone that enjoys sailing, the Côte d'Azur boasts an exceptional natural environment with nearly 200 kilometres of coastline, six islands, exceptional sea beds and more than 300 days of sunshine per year, which makes it the best place to spend the summer on a sailing adventure with your friends and family.

Arriving in Saint Laurent du Var

If you decide to arrive in France by plane, we recommend flying to Nice at Aeroport Nice – Cote d’Azur. The port of departure in this sailing adventure is Port of Saint Laurent du Var, offering various options for charter yachts, from small power boats to super yachts, making it a good deal for every budget. The port is only 3 kilometres away from the airport and there are plenty of options to reach it, by bus or taxi. Some of the charter agencies offer also airport transfer, if needed.

If you are a boat owner and want to follow this sailing itinerary, you should know that France is part of the European Union, hence the following EU regulations applies:

• If you are sailing into France from another EU country, there is no need for customs clearance, you just have to report to the Immigrations.
• If you are sailing into France from a country under Shengen Agreement, there is no need to clear immigrations.
• If you are sailing into France from a non-EU country, the captain of the boat must report to the port of entry with the boat’s documents and crew passports. In most of the cases, the boat will be subject to Customs inspection.

Weather on Cote d’Azur

Côte d’Azur has a Mediterranean climate and will welcome you with beautiful weather from May to October. Summers are dry and temperatures can reach highs of about 35 °C in July and August, but fortunately, the temperatures are generally bearable due to the influence of the sea and its cool breeze. Winters are pretty mild, even if the temperature can drop to 7 °C in January and February. Rainfalls are more abundant in the eastern area mainly between October and April, while on the western side they tend to decrease.

The winds on Cote d’Azur will usually be calm and will blow from North-West. However, the captains should always take into consideration the intense north-westerly wind, the Mistral. It blows mainly in winter time but, occasionally, it blows on the coasts during the summer too. It can reach up to 185 km/h, however, in summer time is less intense and not as frequent as the southeast wind. As a bottom line, the best sailing season on Cote d’Azur is from May to September.

Planning the itinerary

The starting point for this sailing week on Cote d’Azur will be the Port of Saint Laurent du Var. It’s a well sheltered port with top class amenities, plenty of restaurants, accommodation and retail stores to provision your boat.

For this itinerary, you will sail around 50 nautical miles, with lots of free time to explore the picturesque landscapes that nature has created is this amazing area, the amazing coastline cities, the amazing French cuisine and wines.

• Leg 1 – Saint Laurent du Var to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – 10 nautical miles – 2 hours
• Leg 2 – Saint Jean Cap Ferrat to Nice – 6 nautical miles – 2 hours
• Leg 3 – Nice to Antibes – 10 nautical miles – 2 hours
• Leg 4 – Antibes to Cannes – 9 nautical miles – 2 hours
• Leg 5 – Cannes to Saint Laurent du Var – 12 nautical miles – 2 hours

1. Saint Laurent du Var to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – Leg 1

Sailing to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

As in most places along the Mediterranean Sea, you can check-in around 14:00, giving you plenty of time to visit the surroundings and also to provision your boat. After raising the anchor, head East towards the Cap Ferrat peninsula. You should reach the destination in about 2 hours. In the area, there are three marinas offering top services and amenities and also good shelter in case of bad weather: Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Port des Fourmis, Port de Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

Sightseeing in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

One of the first things to do while sailing to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is to admire the landscape on your port side, and also the multi-million villas along the Cap Ferrat peninsula.

The peninsula is legendary for its wild beauty, stunning villas and sleek yachts. From the Belle Epoque to the present day, it attracted people from all over the world who want to enjoy the good life.

The marina is located in the heart of the town, giving you fast access to the streets filled with colourful houses and shops.

Up the peninsula, one of the biggest draws to the area is Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The mansion was commissioned by Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild when she inherited her family’s immense fortune in the early 20th century. Visitors can tour the rooms to see the extensive art, porcelain and furniture collections, then head into the many gardens.

Timetable:

• Address: 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Visiting hours: July – August: 10:00 – 19:00
• September – June: 10:00 – 18:00

Prices:    

• Full rate: 16 €
• Senior rate: 15 € (+65 years old)
• Reduced rate: 13 € (students, Education Pass holders and unemployed)
• Youth rate: 11 € (7-25 years old)
• Family rate: 45 € (for 2 adults and 2 children aged 7-25 years old)

Beyond Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, there are lots of places to see on the peninsula and the best way to explore is by foot, so you can discover the area’s coves and inlets, fountains and lighthouses.

Paloma Beach is just south of the marina on the Anse de la Scaletta and one of the must visit beaches while in Cap Ferrat. Passable Beach is also close to the marina, offering a large number of services.

Accommodation when sailing to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Good accommodation can be found at Welcome Hotel**** with starting price from 419 € / night or Royal Riviera*** from 631 € / night.

2. Saint Jean Cap Ferrat to Nice – Leg 2

Sailing to Nice

Only 6 nautical miles away you will find Port de Nice Lympia, a good opportunity to reprovision your boat. Once you approach the port keep an eye on the ferries, because the port has heavy traffic. Another option would be to find a berth in Port de Villefranche-sur-Mer, located in the proximity of the Rade de Villefranche sur Mer.

Sightseeing in Nice

One of the top things to do in Nice is to take a walk on the famous Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade), formerly a favourite resort for English people during winter months. These world-famous 7 kilometres promenade runs from the Castle Hill (La colline du Château) to the Nice airport. Renting a bike would be a good option if you want to do the whole promenade.

Another must see place in Nice is its Old Town with its shady alleyways, colourful facades and typically Mediterranean shutters.

We cannot go to the Old Town without visiting the Cours Saleya, where is held almost every morning the famous market and flower market. It’s also the ideal place to have a cold drink or eat a local dish at one of the many terraces.

Around the Old Town of Nice, we also recommend visiting:

• The Courthouse Square (Place du Palais de Justice)
• The Rossetti Square (Place Rossetti), where the magnificent Sainte-Reparate de Nice Cathedral is located.
• Palais Lascaris, close to the cathedral.

Accommodation when sailing to Nice

Good accommodation can be found in Nice: Le Meridien Nice**** with starting price from 363 € / night or Hotel Negresco***** from 406 € / night.

3. Nice to Antibes – Leg 3

Sailing to Antibes

Port Vauban Antibes is one of the biggest marinas in the Mediterranean Sea and Europe. The marina can accommodate from the smallest boats to mega yachts. The services and amenities in this marina are the same, among top you can find in the Mediterranean Sea. Take a SW course to reach Antibes, which is 2 hours away from Nice.

Sightseeing in Antibes

This classic resort town offers all the attractions of a summertime vacation destination: sunny days, sandy beaches, and a lively holiday ambience. Antibes has 23 kilometres of coastline with dozens of beaches overlooking the serene blue Mediterranean Sea. The beautiful natural setting of pine groves and sea views inspired Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and other artists, who captured the scenery in vibrant paintings.

The walled Old Town of Antibes is an inviting place to wander at a leisurely pace. The narrow, winding cobblestone streets are filled with little boutiques, gourmet food shops, cafés and restaurants. In the old town you should not miss two top attractions: the Archaeological Museum of Antibes and the renowned Picasso Museum.

Le Fort Carre, it’s another landmark for Antibes. This 16th century fort with a unique star shape will amaze you with the panoramic views and scenic grounds.

After admiring the Old Town's atmospheric pedestrian lanes and ancient stone buildings and having a cold drink accompanied by a traditional dish, you should definitely go for a stroll along the ramparts. Overlooking the Baie des Anges, the path along the city's historic fortifications offers an exceptional panoramic view onto the Mediterranean Sea.

Accommodation when sailing to Antibes

Good accommodation can be found in Antibes, like Hotel La Villa Port d’Antibes**** with starting price from 300 € / night or Hotel Le Collier*** from 112 € / night.

4. Antibes to Cannes – Leg 4

Sailing to Cannes

Time to raise the anchor and visit the town of the rich and famous. Sail South until you reach Cap d’Antibes and then keep the West course until you see the mega yachts, and you will know you reached Cannes. There are two options for marinas: Vieux Port de Cannes or Port Canto. During summer months it’s quite difficult to find a berth, however many skippers prefer to stay at anchor in the proximity of Sainte-Marguerite island. Check the charts for the best place to anchor safely.

Sightseeing in Cannes

Boulevard de la Croisette is one of the most iconic streets in France – it certainly dominates Cannes, running the entire length of the seafront. Dotted with designer boutiques, palm trees and casinos, it’s here that you’ll find the smartest hotels, many of which have their own private beaches. If you don’t mind paying for a sun lounger, you can enjoy waiter service on the beach as you look out over the Bay of Cannes. The boulevard extends from the Palais des Festivals to the lovely La Roseraie. If you choose to stay in Port Canto, the rose garden will be your starting point in discovering the beauty of Cannes.

Perched on the slopes of Mont Chevalier above the bay, the Le Suquet (Old Town) district represents the original fishing village. In a picturesque hillside setting, this area offers exceptional views as well as Old World charm.

At the heart of Le Suquet, the old church, Eglise du Suquet and the 11th century Tour du Mont Chevalier watchtower dominate the skyline, from where you will have the opportunity for a wonderful panoramic outlook onto the beach and the bay all the way out to the Lérins Islands.

If you choose to visit Cannes in May, keep an eye for celebrities around the Palais des Festivals. Of all the things to do on the French Riviera, the Festival de Cannes is the most exciting. This prestigious red-carpet event is definitely one of the biggest moments of the year in Cannes. The Festival de Cannes was established to rival the Venice Film Festival, and since its first edition back in 1946, the festival has earned an international reputation for discovering, supporting and promoting excellent movies.

Accommodation when sailing to Cannes

Good accommodation can be found at: Hotel Splendid*** with starting price from 224 € / night or InterContinental Carlton Cannes***** from 580 € / night.

In the Old town and in the Cannes Port proximity, there are lots of places where you can have a cold drink, amazing Mediterranean food and enjoy the good life.

5. Cannes to Saint Laurent du Var – Leg 5

Sailing to Saint Laurent du Var

Returning the boat to Port of Saint Laurent du Var, will give you the opportunity to review from the sea the beautifull places you visited in this amazing sailing week on Cote d’Azur. Only 12 nautical miles on your way back, so enjoy breakfast in Cannes and maybe visit Sainte-Marguerite Island, if you didn’t had the opportunity.

Sightseeing in Saint Laurent du Var

By the sea and at the gates of the Middle Country, Saint-Laurent-du-Var is a resort that radiates the heart of the French Riviera. If you still have some time to explore Saint Laurent du Var, then you should head to the Old Town, and the first stop should be the City Hall, an exceptional building dated from the times of Napoleon Bonaparte.

If you just want to go for a walk, then from the marina head East to Cap 3000 shopping centre, probably the biggest mall on the French Riviera. Along the way, you can find amazing restaurants and cafes, to relax and enjoy a cold drink.

If you are interested in art, you can visit the Renoir Museum, which was the artist’s home until he died in 1919, where you can visit his drawing room, bedroom and the atelier with his easel and brushes.

Accommodation when sailing to Saint Laurent du Var

Good accommodation can be found at: Best Western Hotel Journel*** with starting price from 125 € / night or Ibis Styles Nice Cap 3000*** from 133 € / night.

Capetanos sailing and general recommendations

For an amazing sailing adventure on Cote d’Azur, we recommend to plan in advance, consult the charts, weather conditions and choose the most suitable time and boat, according to your sailing skills.

We hope that information in this article will contribute to your decision for your next holiday in France, one of the top destinations in the Mediterranean Sea and the summer playground of rich and famous. You will be stunned by the pure beauty of nature, the amazing coastal towns and the rich history these places can offer.

Sailing bugdet calculator / rent boat calculator Cote d’Azur

These calculations are performed for one-week charter on a 45 feet sailboat in mid-august and crew of 9. The total may differ depending on many factors like boat amenities and construction year, mooring fees, dinner out, etc.

1-week total	9.150 €
4 cabins sailboat	3.700 €
Skipper (optional)	1.800 €
Food	600 €
Water	50 €
Diesel	100 €
Moorings	600 €
Food out	2.300 €