Charter a boat with SamBoat and enjoy the experience on your own terms. The South of France is a dream destination for anyone who loves the sea. With crystal-clear waters, glamorous towns, and hidden coves, it offers numerous possibilities for an ideal holiday. Deciding which vessel suits your group can make all the difference to your trip. At SamBoat, we make it easy to find the right boat for your plans, whether you want a stable family trip or a fast and luxurious cruise along the coast.
How to choose a boat to sail the French Riviera
When planning your getaway, weather and location play a significant role in your choice of vessel. The Mediterranean offers beautiful sunny days, but local weather patterns demand respect.
Mistral, thermals & seasonal winds
The famous Mistral wind can blow strongly from the northwest, particularly along the western parts of the coast. If you plan to sail during the windy season, a heavier monohull often handles the waves with greater ease, providing a more comfortable passage. In contrast, lighter summer thermals are well-suited for a relaxing cruise on a catamaran. Always check the forecast before leaving the harbour, and listen to your skipper if you have hired one.
Key charter bases: Toulon, Cannes, Nice & Hyères
Where you start your journey also impacts your choice of charter. You can easily find a boat rental in the French Riviera from various prominent marinas. For instance, hiring a vessel in Toulon gives you quick access to the beautiful Porquerolles islands. A boat rental in Cannes places you right in the heart of luxury, well-suited for sleek motor yachts. If you prefer a mix of culture and pebble beaches, starting your trip with a boat rental in Nice is a fantastic option. Finally, a boat rental in Hyeres offers incredible access to protected national park waters and stunning anchorages.
Catamarans: pros & cons for the French Riviera
When browsing our catalogue, you will notice two main types of sailing vessels. Choosing between them depends on your group size, your holiday budget, and how you prefer to spend your days at sea. Some groups prioritise lounging and swimming, while others want the thrill of trimming the sails. Let us break down the specific advantages and potential drawbacks of each option so you can book your holiday with complete confidence.
- Exceptional stability: Catamarans do not heel over like traditional sailing boats, making them highly suitable for guests who might suffer from seasickness or prefer a level deck while enjoying lunch.
- Spacious living areas: You benefit from large trampolines for sunbathing, a wide saloon for evening dinners, and comfortable private cabins allowing the whole family to spread out.
- Shallow draught: You can drop anchor very close to the sandy beaches in beautiful spots along the coast, allowing you to swim straight to the shore.
- Higher marina fees: Due to their beam, finding a berth in a busy harbour during peak season can be challenging and more expensive.
- Reduced upwind performance: They do not point as close to the wind as traditional sailing boats, which might require using the engines more frequently on your passage.
Monohull sailing boats: pros & cons
For those who genuinely love the classic feeling of the wind in the sails, traditional sailing vessels offer an authentic maritime experience that is hard to beat. Many sailors believe this is the truest way to navigate the sea.
- Exciting performance: Few things compare to the feeling of slicing through the waves and actively helming a monohull upwind to your next destination.
- Easier marina mooring: Their narrower beam makes it much easier to secure a berth in a packed port during the busy summer months, saving you time and stress.
- Classic aesthetic: They offer beautiful, traditional lines that look stunning against the Mediterranean backdrop.
- Less living space: The interior and deck areas are notably smaller compared to a multihull of the exact same length.
- Heeling underway: The boat leans when sailing, which requires guests to hold on and might not be ideal for very young children or nervous passengers.
Motor yachts: the Riviera lifestyle choice
If your goal is to see as many coastal towns as possible in a short amount of time, motorboats are the way to go. They offer speed, luxury, and the highly glamorous experience associated with the region.
- Greater speed: You can easily hop from Monaco to St. Tropez in a single day, making the most of your sightseeing opportunities.
- Luxury amenities: Many larger motor vessels come with air conditioning, fun water toys, and spacious lounging decks for optimal relaxation.
- Higher fuel consumption: You will need to factor in fuel costs, which can increase the overall trip budget significantly compared to sailing.
Our final boat recommendation for the French Riviera
With SamBoat, you can compare boats, read reviews and book in just a few clicks. Deciding on the ideal vessel really comes down to what kind of holiday you envision for your friends or family.
- For large families or groups of friends: A catamaran provides the space and stability needed for a relaxing week on the water without feeling crowded.
- For sailing purists and romantic couples: A monohull offers a classic experience, authentic sailing performance, and easier access to small, busy marinas.
- For thrill-seekers and luxury lovers: A motor yacht delivers the speed and prestige suited for high-end restaurant hopping along the coast.
Before making your final choice, we highly suggest looking into a detailed Hyeres itinerary to set sail on the French Riviera for 7 days. This guide will give you a great idea of the nautical distances you will cover. If you are short on holiday time, you can also explore the French Riviera one day in the wonderful Hyeres to get a quick taste of the magic this coastline has to offer.
Understanding your options helps you plan the ideal trip. Here is a quick overview of the most popular vessels available for your Mediterranean adventure.
| Boat type | Licence needed? | Ideal for | Typical group size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran | Yes (or hire a skipper) | Family holidays | 6-12 guests |
| Monohull sailing boat | Yes (or hire a skipper) | Authentic sailing | 4-8 guests |
| Motor yacht | Yes (or hire a skipper) | Luxury day trips | 4-10 guests |
| RIB | Yes | Beach hopping | 2-8 guests |
| Houseboat | No | Canal cruising | 2-6 guests |
FAQ section
What is the best type of boat for the French Riviera?
The ideal vessel depends entirely on your holiday goals. A catamaran is excellent for group comfort, a monohull is great for traditional sailing, and a motorboat is a fantastic choice for fast coastal hops.
Is a catamaran or monohull better for the South of France?
A multihull offers more living space and stability at anchor, making it great for families. A traditional sailing boat provides better upwind performance and is easier to moor in busy marinas during peak season.
How strong is the Mistral and does it affect boat choice?
The wind can blow quite strongly from the northwest, particularly in winter and spring. It can make sea conditions challenging, so choosing a heavier vessel or staying in port might be necessary on very windy days.
Do you need a licence to sail in France?
To operate a motorised vessel with more than six horsepower, you must have a valid boating permit. If you do not have one, you can easily charter a vessel with a professional skipper to guide you.
