The French Riviera: Taking ‘Al Fresco’ to the Extreme

The French Riviera is famous for its glistening turquoise water, golden beaches, Mediterranean culture and views that you just wouldn’t find elsewhere. The Cote d’Azur is the perfect composition of sun, sea and serenity, with the picturesque scenes of sailboats gently bobbing along; the rows of sunbeds nestled into the invitingly dazzling coastlines; high end shops and artisan districts that seem to clash yet complement each other so beautifully, resulting in a burst of colourful culture secreted within the bejewelled exterior of the French Riviera. You would think the Cote d’Azur was expertly tailored to suit those who seek a holiday for the luxuries, the materials, the sunbathing and the relaxation.

Monaco, in all its twinkling glory!

However, there is a side to the French Riviera that has only recently started to make an appearance; the Cote d’Azur has a surprisingly vast amount of adrenaline fuelled activities, such as wakeboarding, windsurfing, SCUBA as well as freediving. The serene imagery of the tranquil, bronzing vacations can be completely left behind in the foaming, turbulent wake of a water-skier being dragged along effortlessly by a high-speed RIB. The hustle and bustle of the thousands of holidaymakers, flocking to the allure of the sun-kissed shoreline can speed past in just the blink of an eye, the sounds and scenes of the Azure Coast drowned out by the tigress purr of a SeaDoo jet ski.

Glisse-Evasion, Nice: Wakeboarding

Whilst it may be easy to stumble into the belief that the Cote d’Azur is reserved for those seeking the sun and the sundries, the thrust and excitement of your first parachuting experience, with the wind in your hair and the land in your distant memories, is sure to rip those woollen sunglasses right off your eyes.

Blue Addiction: Freediving

Here are a couple of ideas, hand-plucked from the plethora of water sports that the French Riviera has to offer, ranging from toe dabbling along the coastline to jumping right in at the deep end like a true daredevil.

Glisse EvasionFor the Adrenaline Junkie in all of us.

Glisse-Evasion is a Nice-based water activities company with a wide range of experiences on offer, ranging from Banana Boats, Parachuting and Paddleboarding.

Located just along the Promenade des Anglais, by Blue Beach, Glisse-Evasion is not hard to find, so don’t be afraid to pop along and plan an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!

Blue AddictionFor the more exotic Daredevil.

Blue Addiction provides a freediving experience- that is essentially SCUBA diving but without the air. Don’t worry, you are in safe, professional hands!

Blue Addiction is situated in La Londe-les-Maures, in between Marseille and St. Tropez. It is run by a team of professionals with some very impressive credentials behind them.

However, Freediving isn’t just an extreme activity; in Malaysia and Indonesia Bajau Fishermen freedive amongst the corals to make a living, with nothing but a lungful of air and a spear, they dive down to depths of 20 metres to seek out reef fish. Some may spend as long as 5 minutes underwater!

So, if you’re on the search for a holiday packed full of adventures, adrenaline and long lasting memories, look no further than the French Riviera. From luxury to energy; sun to salt spray; it’s safe to say that a French Riviera Yacht Charter with Boatbookings offers something for everyone!

The Future Mediterranean Metropolis of Yachting

Centred around innovative technology and preservation, the rejuvenation of the Port Vauban in Antibes aims to deliver security for both customers and local business while being ecologically responsible and respectful of cultural heritage. Rich in historical architecture and culture, linking the area’s heritage to this futuristic port project will also be key in the integration of town and marina.

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Have You Missed the Boat?

You have been busy with work and life in general and have not given a thought to how you are going to spend your precious summer holiday. The weather has warmed up and suddenly a Mediterranean sailing holiday seems like just what you need to get away from it all! Although it is true that June is a little bit late to book your bareboat yacht charter for the summer,  there are some great deals and some destinations that will be easier than others to find the right boat. All is not lost….

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A Day in the Life of an Intern, Part VII

This blog continues the ‘day in the life’ series, as an intern at Boatbookings. Without a doubt one of the best days so far was Friday 27th May when I accompanied Charter Broker Ben on a broker sailing day around Cap D’Antibes.

Sailing in the south of France

We started our day in Port Gallice in Juan les Pins, where we were picked up by the tenders. 2 minutes out of the port we came across the 8 stunning sailing yachts which were anchored off the coast for the day. Ben and I headed straight for WALLY ONE, the original Wally sailing yacht built in 1980. Continue reading

Kristen Stewart completes photo call for ‘Personal Shopper’, ahead of red carpet tonight!

Tonight the Film Festival excitement continues in Cannes with the world premiere of Olivier Assayas’ latest offering ‘Personal Shopper’, a French suspense drama featuring actress Kristen Stewart. This is Stewart’s second appearance in the festival so far, having starred in Woody Allen’s ‘Café Society’ on the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival.

Stewart plays the lead in this mysterious ghost story which takes place in the fashion underworld of Paris. As the real life face of Chanel and Balenciaga, two prestigious French fashion houses, Stewart slips easily in to the world of high-fashion.

Little is known about the ‘Personal Shopper’ storyline but it has been met with mixed reviews, it was even booed at a press showing on Monday! However, critics have praised Stewart’s performance in this interesting fashion piece.

The full cast are expected at the red carpet premiere tonight, along with various other stars who have flocked to the South of France for this exciting ‘International Festival du Film’. Cannes is the hottest destination along the riviera at the moment, whether you want to stay at the Eden Roc Hotel or charter a Superyacht – live like a movie start and soak up the infectious atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival.