Monaco and French Riviera Yacht Guide: Exploring the French Riviera, Discovering Antibes Port Vauban, Experience the Glamour

Monaco and French Riviera Yacht Guide

If you’re exploring Monaco yachts for sale, this guide is your gateway to the elegance and prestige of Mediterranean yachting. Designed for luxury travelers, investors, and enthusiasts, it covers the best of Monaco and the French Riviera from Antibes Port Vauban to the Cannes yacht season.

At a Glance

Decision	Quick Answer
Choosing Monaco	The global capital of yachting, offering everything from sleek motor yachts to custom-built superyachts.
French Riviera Marinas	Cruise through world-class destinations like Port Hercules and Cannes with top-tier amenities.
Discovering Antibes Port Vauban	Home to the exclusive Quai des Milliardaires and berths for yachts up to 170 meters.
Cannes Yacht Season	A luxurious celebration of design, innovation, and Mediterranean lifestyle.

Season Calendar

The Monaco and French Riviera yachting season runs from April to October, peaking during the Cannes Yacht Festival and Monaco Yacht Show. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and calm seas, this stretch offers ideal cruising conditions. For buyers, late spring and early autumn provide quieter marinas and more personalized access to viewings and sea trials.

Why Choose Monaco for Your Next Yacht Purchase

1. Global hub of luxury yachting 

2. Prestigious marinas and prime Mediterranean location

3. Tax advantages and investor-friendly regulations

4. Lifestyle defined by prestige and exclusivity 

5. Option to book viewing days and compare yacht models at nearby docks 

Exploring the French Riviera Marinas

Port Hercules, Monaco

Located in the heart of the Principality, Port Hercules is one of the most famous deep-water marinas in the world.  It provides premium berthing, cutting-edge facilities, and direct access to Monaco’s luxury lifestyle. 

Vieux Port de Cannes

Nestled beside the Palais des Festivals, Vieux Port de Cannes embodies the elegance of the Cannes yacht season. It’s a vibrant marina filled with luxury yachts during the Cannes Film Festival and Yachting Festival, offering breathtaking views of the old town and easy access to high-end shopping, dining and events along the French Riviera. 

Port de Saint-Tropez

A jewel of the French Riviera marinas, Port de Saint-Tropes blends old-world charm with modern luxury. Once a quaint fishing village, it’s now a glamorous hotshot where superyachts line the harbor alongside chic cafes and designer boutiques

Discovering Antibes Port Vauban

+ Antibes Port Vauban is one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic marinas, offering berths for yachts up to 170 meters 

+ Home to the exclusive “Quai des Milliardaires”, where some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts are moored. 

+ Ideally located between Monaco and Cannes, it combines world-class facilities with Riviera charm and convenience. 

+ Buyers often visit Antibes Port Vauban to inspect or sea trial vessels before completing their purchase through trusted Monaco yacht brokers.

Experience the Glamour of the Cannes Yacht Season

1. Runs from spring through late summer, coinciding with world-famous events like Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Yachting Festival. 

2. Transform the harbor into a showcase of luxury yachts, attracting global buyers, brokers, and celebrities. 

3. Offers a front-row seat to the latest yacht designs, innovations, and trends in the industry. 

4. Provides opportunities to network, charter, and explore Monaco yachts for sale firsthand.

5. Captures the essence of Mediterranean glamour and sophistication, making it a must-experience season for yachting enthusiasts. 

Cost and Timeline

+ Buying Duration: Typically 4–8 weeks from offer to close, depending on inspections and documentation. 

+ Price Range: From around €1 million for smaller motor yachts to €50 million+ for superyachts.

+ Ownership Costs: Plan for 10–15% annually of the yacht’s value for crew, maintenance, mooring, and insurance.

+ Pro Tip: Commission professional surveys, review maintenance logs, and secure tax or legal advice before finalizing a deal. 

Step-by-Step Buying Path in Monaco

1. Offer & Acceptance: Include contingencies for sea trial and survey.

2. Survey & Sea Trial: Schedule at major yards in Antibes or Monaco.

3. Financing & Insurance: Begin both before the survey to save time.

4. Adjustments: Review findings and negotiate credits or repairs.

5. Paperwork & Closing: Your broker coordinates title, escrow, and funds.

6. Handover: Take delivery and review documentation and systems.

What to do Next 

+ Browse current Monaco yacht listings on Yachtr

+ Talk to a verified local expert through Find a Broker

+ Compare yacht brands and models to match your preferences.

Frequently Asked questions

How long does it take to buy a yacht in Monaco or the French Riviera? 

The yacht-buying process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the yacht’s availability, inspections, and documentation. Custom-built or refitted yachts may take longer, especially if you’re commissioning specific designs or upgrades through Monaco yacht brokers. 

What does it cost to buy a yacht in Monaco? 

Prices for Monaco yachts for sale vary widely, starting around €1 million for smaller motor yachts and exceeding €50 million for luxury superyachts. Buyers should also budget for ongoing costs such as maintenance, crew, mooring fees, and insurance, which typically amount to 10-15% of the yacht’s value annually. 

What are common mistakes when buying a yacht? 

Common mistakes include skipping professional inspections, underestimating operating costs, and rushing the purchase without legal or tax advice. Buyers should also verify the yacht’s maintenance history and ownership documentation. Patterning with reputable brokers in Monaco or Antibes Port Vauban can help avoid costly oversights. 

How do I compare yacht options effectively? 

Start by defining your budget, lifestyle, and intended use – cruising, chartering, or entertaining. Compare yacht types, builders, and onboard amenities, and always schedule sea trials and marine surveys before finalizing a deal. Visiting events like Monaco Yacht Show or exploring listings across the French Riviera marinas offers valuable firsthand insight into quality and performance.