The sun has returned, the Film Festival is in full swing, Monaco Grand Prix stands are assembled and ready for the race this weekend – which means that the French Riviera is fully up and running for the high season! We thought we’d devote this post to what is new for 2009, in anticipation of your visit to St Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or anywhere in between.
First of all perhaps the major difference vs 2008 is that we now have a buyer’s market, which is great news for all of you charterers out there! While there have lately been signs that the business is returning back to normal levels, there is still the opportunity to get good deals if you book your yacht before the end of May. After that, many of the best yachts will be full, and the deals will evaporate. So if you are seriously considering a yacht of any size this summer in the Riviera, please let us know in the next couple of weeks. We’ve listed some of our best French Riviera Yacht Charter Deals here.
Event and Celebration Boats. In the past, we’ve had to turn away many groups that had more than 12 people because, due to Maritime Law and insurance reasons, there are very few yachts on the Riviera that are qualified to carry more then 12 people. The good news this summer is that we have several fantastic Event Catamarans that carry up to 56 people! They are reasonably priced, designed with groups in mind, and are happy to add catering, DJs, water sports, etc. So if you have a business meeting, birthday, wedding reception, stag party, team building event or any other reason to put a large number of people on a boat, we now have several great alternatives for you (we of course also offer motor yachts that carry up to 150 people if that’s what you’re looking for!). Click here to see one of our Event Catamarans.
More information about great new yachts for charter in our next post!
As mentioned in the first entry in the series, Club 55 is a classy beach club and restaurant that serves over 1000 meals a day in high season, although you’d hardly know it because the restaurant feels so intimate and relaxed. It is ground zero for celebrities in St Tropez, as well as well-heeled businessmen, politicians and models. If you’re planning on lunching at Club 55, you should know how it operates so that you know what to expect and are not disappointed.
The restaurant is shaded by tamarisk trees, which keeps it cool during the hot summer. The tables are simple white wood with chairs or benches for the larger parties. Blue table cloths. All very simple and laidback elegant. The menu follows suit – with many standard Provencal specialties such as baskets of fresh vegetables, plates of tiny shrimp, artichokes, steak tartar and an onion tart. The main courses are predominantly fresh fish, normally grilled, served on large platters with excellent fried potatoes. The restaurant lets the ingredients speak for themselves.
Leaving Cannes, you will continue along the coast on the Bay of Cannes toward the beautiful red rock outcroppings and cliffs in the distance. One of the first seaside towns you will come to is La Napoule. You will see the distinctive and quirky Castle of la Napoule – if you have time you can stop and see the museum and gardens if you wish. There’s a small beach near the castle as well. La Napoule also boasts a 3* Michelin restaurant called “the Oasis”, if you’re in the mood for a gourmet lunch.
You’ll continue past beautiful small port towns perched on the side of rocky cliffs, as you approach the Esterel Massif, an enormous and stunning rock formation. These rocks are famous for their rugged beauty as well as hiking and climbing. At the bottom of the cliffs are a number of beautiful swimming holes, with perfectly clear water that has a red tinge from reflecting the rocks above. We highly recommend a quick swim to refresh everyone on your way to St Tropez.
At the South side of the Golfe is the quaint and world famous old port town of St Tropez. You may want to stop for a coffee on the quai to watch the people and yachts go by. There are ramparts to discover, plenty of shopping (from designer brands to local crafts) and of course the beautiful old port itself, where Mangustas mix with classic sailing and motor yachts. You could easily while away the entire day here, and many do, however the main beach attraction is still around the corner.
Our most requested charter worldwide is a day charter from either Cannes or Antibes to Club 55 on Pampelonne Beach, St Tropez. In fact, many people who come to the South of France view a charter to Club 55 as the most special day of their holiday or business trip. In the next couple of blog entries, we will attempt to give you the inside scoop on the fun and events of a day trip to St Tropez.
Club 55 has evolved into a classy, but very laid back, beach restaurant that serves 1000 lunches a day during high season. Seen from the water, you’d hardly know what the fuss is all about – just some white beach umbrellas and a pier, much like many others on the beach. But as you walk into the actual restaurant, under the canopy of leaves, it’s clear that the entire place is immaculately taken care of, has a subtle buzz, and that everything about it is class. We’ll return to this later, but we’ll discuss the charter first, as that’s how you get to the club!
Next cruise the Bay of Cannes to see the famous Croisette and the 5 star hotels including the Martinez and Carlton. At the western end of the bay you will see the Palais des Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival is held, and the quaint old port of Cannes. If you want to snap a picture of yourselves walking the red carpet, your skipper can arrange for you to stop off the boat for a quick tour. There are lots of designer shops here, so beware of being sidetracked, you have a lot to do still today!