Luxury yachting on the French Riviera has never been more demanding. From yacht selection to Michelin-starred dining on board — the complete value chain of a premium yacht concierge.
Yachting · French Riviera · Season 2026
Luxury yachting on the French Riviera has never been more demanding. In 2026, UHNWI charterers and owners expect seamless service: from yacht selection to Michelin-starred dining on board, through to last-minute Monaco harbour permits. This guide covers the entire value chain of a yacht concierge on the Côte d'Azur.
1. The Luxury Yachting Market on the French Riviera: 2026 Overview
The Côte d'Azur remains the leading luxury yachting basin in the Mediterranean. According to the Fédération des Industries Nautiques (FIN), the PACA coastline accounts for 54% of superyacht movements in France, with three major hubs: Antibes (Port Vauban, Europe's largest marina with 1,642 berths including 19 for yachts over 100 m), Cannes (Port Pierre Canto and Vieux-Port) and Monaco (Port Hercule, 700 berths).
The Mediterranean luxury charter market is worth approximately €2.8 billion in 2026 (source: Superyacht Group). Demand is driven by Americans (strong dollar, +28% bookings vs 2024), Middle Eastern clients and European UHNWIs. The 40 to 80-metre yacht segment achieves an occupancy rate of 82% during peak season (June–September).
Key point: Antibes Port Vauban is Europe's largest marina with 1,642 berths. The occupancy rate for 40–80 m superyachts reaches 82% in peak season on the Riviera.
2. Premium Yacht Concierge Services
2.1 Before Embarkation
A premium yacht concierge handles the full preparation:
- Yacht selection: global portfolio analysis (Fleet, Burgess, Y.CO, Camper & Nicholsons), matching to client profile (number of cabins, water toys, stabilisers, helipad)
- Crew: recruitment or vetting of captain, chef (often Michelin-starred), stewardesses, engineer. STCW and ISM certification verification
- Provisioning: gourmet supply (Petrossian caviar, Krug champagne, local produce from Cannes' Marché Forville), bespoke wine cellar
- Itinerary: bespoke route planning accounting for weather, events (Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez) and onshore reservations
2.2 During Navigation
- Port coordination: Port Hercule (Monaco) berth reservations, Pampelonne anchorage requests, prefectural authorisations for onboard events
- Onboard dining: private chef, themed dinners, brunch at anchor. Possibility to have menus delivered from Michelin-starred restaurants (Cheval Blanc, La Vague d'Or)
- Activities: jet-ski, scuba diving, paddleboarding, seabob, helicopter excursions (Gorges du Verdon, Îles de Lérins), beach club reservations (Club 55, Nikki Beach)
- Security: close protection team if required, coordination with harbour masters and maritime security services
Key point: A 50 m superyacht charter in peak season on the Côte d'Azur costs between €200,000 and €400,000 per week, excluding running costs (fuel, port, provisioning). The concierge typically represents 8 to 12% of the total budget.
2.3 Signature French Riviera Itineraries
The classic itinerary for a premium one-week Riviera charter:
- Day 1–2: Monaco — Port Hercule, Casino, dinner at Alain Ducasse's Louis XV, evening at Jimmy'z
- Day 3: Cap-Ferrat — anchorage at Paloma Beach, visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
- Day 4–5: Cannes — Îles de Lérins (anchorage at Sainte-Marguerite), dinner at La Palme d'Or, shopping on rue d'Antibes
- Day 6–7: Saint-Tropez — anchorage at Pampelonne, lunch at Club 55, sunset at the Citadelle
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3. Budget and Costs of a Luxury Charter on the Côte d'Azur
Charter rates on the Côte d'Azur vary considerably depending on yacht size, season and level of service:
| Category |
Size |
Rate /week |
APA* |
| Motor yacht | 30–40 m | €80,000 – €150,000 | +30% |
| Superyacht | 40–60 m | €200,000 – €400,000 | +30% |
| Megayacht | 60–100+ m | €500,000 – €1,500,000 | +30% |
*APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance): advance paid at the start of the charter to cover fuel, port fees, food and activities.
Your 2026 Yachting Season Deserves Excellence
AC Private coordinates your entire nautical experience on the Riviera: yacht selection, crew, provisioning, bespoke itinerary and onboard services.
Plan My Yachting Season
4. Why Choose AC Private for Your Yacht Concierge
AC Private combines 15 years of local expertise on the Côte d'Azur with a network of leading nautical partners (Burgess, Camper & Nicholsons, Fraser Yachts). Our yacht concierge includes:
- A single bilingual point of contact (French/English) available 24/7 during your charter
- Privileged relationships with the harbour offices of Monaco, Antibes and Saint-Tropez
- An exclusive address book: Michelin-starred chefs available on board, VIP access to Riviera events, last-minute reservations at the most sought-after restaurants
- Full coordination with your teams (security, family office, personal assistants)
Sources: Fédération des Industries Nautiques (FIN) 2025, Superyacht Group Annual Report, Port Vauban Antibes, Monaco Marine.
