France is indisputably among the most desirable destinations for a motor yacht charter worldwide.
Its rich history, stunning coastline and world-famous cuisine combine to guarantee a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether cruising along the French Riviera, exploring the waters of Corsica or sailing off Britanny, there are endless reasons why France is such a special place to visit on a motor yacht.
Whether you seek luxury and glamour or tranquillity and natural beauty, France has it all, and it is no wonder that it remains a top destination for those seeking a genuinely unforgettable yachting adventure.
France boasts some of the most beautiful coastal areas in the Mediterranean, including the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), Brittany and Corsica, each with their own very different atmosphere.
From traditional French bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, France offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, not to mention the extensive wine regions where you can discover exceptional vintages to pair with your onboard meals.
France's central location in Europe makes it an ideal starting point for exploring neighbouring countries. If you're lucky enough to have time, cruise to nearby destinations such as Italy, Spain, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands.
Iconic ports like Cannes, St-Tropez and Monaco are world-renowned playgrounds for the rich and famous. Docking at these chic marinas puts you in the heart of the social scene, with high-end shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Whether you prefer the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, the rugged beauty of Corsica's wild coastline, or the island-hopping opportunities in the national parks of the Cote D'Azur, France offers something for every taste and preference.
The Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera is pleasant for yachting much of the year, with warm temperatures and sunny skies from spring through to autumn.
There's no better way to attend glamorous events like the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix or Monaco Yacht Show than on a boat.
France is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. While cruising along the French coast, you can explore historic towns, medieval fortresses, ancient ruins and charming fishing villages.
The rugged limestone cliffs and hidden coves of the Calanques National Park near Marseille offer incredible natural beauty to discover on a motor yacht.
Discover the beautiful islands of the Cote d'Azur, including Ile Sainte-Marguerite and Ile Saint-Honorat off the coast of Cannes, and the Iles d'Hyères (Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Ile du Levant).
Explore the charming towns of Ajaccio, Bonifacio, and Porto-Vecchio and discover the island's stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages.
Quaint fishing villages like Cassis, Bandol, and Villefranche-sur-Mer are delightful places to stroll, shop, and soak up the local culture.
Explore charming towns like Saint-Malo, Dinard, and Quiberon, known for their historic architecture, maritime heritage, delicious seafood and dramatic cliffs
Visit the Picasso Museum, explore its old town, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Visit this iconic French Riviera town known for glamorous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and excellent food.
Explore the glamorous coastal towns and cities along the Côte d'Azur, such as Cannes, Nice, Monaco, and St. Tropez. Stop to swim, dine, and take in the stunning Mediterranean scenery - perhaps with a chilled glass of Provençal Rosé.
The season in France runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors. April to June and September to October are much quieter, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a more peaceful experience.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 7.4°C (45°F) | 3.4°C (38°F) | 2.3mm |  S |
| FEB | 10.0°C (50°F) | 1.7°C (35°F) | 0.2mm | SSE |
| MAR | 12.7°C (55°F) | 4.8°C (41°F) | 2.3mm | SSW |
| APR | 14.6°C (58°F) | 5.2°C (41°F) | 1.4mm | SSE |
| MAY | 20.0°C (68°F) | 9.1°C (48°F) | 1.3mm | ESE |
| JUN | 27.0°C (81°F) | 13.6°C (56°F) | 2.3mm | SSE |
| JUL | 25.7°C (78°F) | 14.1°C (57°F) | 1.9mm | SW |
| AUG | 24.8°C (77°F) | 14.6°C (58°F) | 3.0mm | SW |
| SEP | 26.5°C (80°F) | 14.2°C (57°F) | 2.9mm | S |
| OCT | 19.8°C (68°F) | 9.6°C (49°F) | 2.7mm | S |
| NOV | 11.4°C (53°F) | 5.8°C (43°F) | 3.3mm | SW |
| DEC | 9.2°C (48°F) | 4.8°C (41°F) | 2.3mm | SW |
The official language of France is French, and English is widely spoken.
The official currency of France is the Euro (€).
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For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from France is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from France offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore France and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around France and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from France come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
France is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream motor yacht via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, stands as a pioneer in yacht chartering, boasting world-renowned expertise cultivated over generations.
Another superb region for motor yacht charters in France is the island of Corsica, located to the north of Sardinia. It offers rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. Exploring the secluded anchorages and picturesque bays that dot the coastline is a captivating experience, as is Corsican cuisine which is influenced by both French and Italian flavours. It's also only a short sail to Sardinia if you feel like extending your stay.
France's culinary prowess is world-famous. As well as the Michelin starred hotspots of the Cote d'Azur you'll find excellent cuisine which is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients and regional specialties.
Sail along the coast, discovering charming towns from Monaco to Saint-Tropez and make full use of the beach clubs along with excellent dining opportunities.
Each stop on your motor yacht charter offers a new opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of French food. From casual beachside cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants, the French Riviera and beyond provide an unforgettable culinary journey.
A French motor yacht charter offers a perfect mix of glamorous cities, quaint villages, natural wonders, and food heaven. From the star-studded French Riviera to the rugged beauty of Corsica, each destination provides unique experiences that showcase the best of coastal France.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
When chartering a motor yacht from France, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in France, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, September and October are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.
Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.