Boat & yacht rental on the French Riviera

From Cannes, the Lérins Islands — Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat — are a short crossing away, and to the west the red rocks of the Esterel hide quiet coves. From Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, boats round Cap d'Antibes; from Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, the sheltered bay of Villefranche and the coves of Cap Ferrat. From Saint-Tropez, the classic day out is Pampelonne beach and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and from Monaco the coast east towards Cap Martin and Menton.

Licence-free boats have small engines and suit short, easy trips close to the shore. RIBs are fast and nimble — the usual choice for reaching islands and coves. Motorboats are the all-round option for a family day at sea, while motor yachts are mostly rented with a skipper for groups and occasions. Sailboats and catamarans are for sailing; a catamaran is stable and roomy, which makes it popular for longer days and for groups.

In France, driving a boat with an engine over 6 hp requires a boating licence (the permis côtier covers coastal waters); without one, choose a licence-free boat or a skipper. Within 300 metres of the shore speed is limited to 5 knots, and beaches have marked swimming zones boats must keep out of. The sea is usually calmest in the morning — plan crossings early and check the forecast with the owner.