The ultimate French Riviera yacht charter guide for culture lovers

Famous for its charming Provençal villages, superb beaches, crystal clear waters and gastronomy, the French Riviera is a delight for those who rent a yacht. While for many people the cultural aspect often comes second during a cruise, some places on the French Riviera are certainly worth a visit. Here are some of the highlights of the French Riviera for culture lovers. Talk to your yacht charter planner if you would like one of these places to be added to your south of France yacht rental itinerary.

Antibes

If Antibes is well known for its port, the largest in the Mediterranean, the city also has a true cultural attraction. Over the centuries, many artists, writers and painters have established Antibes as their source of inspiration and home. Among them, William Somerset Maugham, Nicolas de Stael, Claude Monet and the most famous of all, Pablo Picasso. Antibes' relaxed lifestyle, its Greek-Roman heritage and Provençal charm make it a unique seaside resort on the Riviera. So make sure to stop in Antibes during your yacht rental on the French Riviera!

Picasso Museum

In 1946, Pablo Picasso decided to set up his painting studio in Château Grimaldi, then owned by the city of Antibes. The artist created many artworks there. When he finally had to return to Paris, Picasso left some 23 paintings and many drawings at the Château. Subsequently, dozens of ceramics made in Vallauris were added to the collection. Château Grimaldi eventually became the Picasso Museum in 1966.

Cannes

The cultural life in Cannes is not limited to the cinema. In addition to the famous International Film Festival, numerous exhibitions punctuate the calendar and add to the permanent collections of the museums of the city of Cannes. It is also worth mentioning the historical monuments that magnify the Cannes landscape with great glory: Chapelle de la Trinité, Château Fort des îles de Lérins, Tour du Suquet, Villa Domergue...

Musée de la Castre

Located in the historic district of the city, the Musée de la Castre overlooks the bay of Cannes. It occupies one of the oldest buildings in Cannes, the castle of the monks of Lérins dating from the medieval period. The museum presents exceptional collections from all over the world: Tibet, the Pacific, Iran, the Mediterranean, Ancient Egypt... The Chapelle Sainte-Anne gathers a superb collection of musical instruments from over the world. Don't miss climbing the steps of the Square Tower to admire a magnificent 360° panorama.

Nice

Nice, the cultural capital of the French Riviera, a city of history and art, is full of treasures to discover. After Paris, Nice is the French city with the largest number of museums. Whether you are fond of sculpture, painting or antiques, take advantage of your yacht charter on the French Riviera to discover the collections of the city's museums. Particularly pleasant in summer with its promenade along the waterfront and the liveliness of its old town, Nice is an essential stopover for your yacht rental in the south of France.

Matisse Museum

The Matisse Museum is located on the hill of Cimiez, nestled in gardens that were once the painter's favourite place of promenade. Located in a 17th century villa with a contemporary extension, the Matisse Museum is home to almost all of the artist's sculptures as well as important collections of paintings and drawings. These reflect Henri Matisse's artistic career and his research in the field of colour and graphics. A room in the museum is also dedicated to his monumental work "La Piscine".

Chagall Museum

Marc Chagall lived on the French Riviera in the 1920s. The Chagall Museum was born from the artist's desire to bring together, in a unique exhibition venue, the largest collection of his works and in particular his work on the Bible. As a result, the museum includes the painter's works on the Old Testament themes as well as a number of secular paintings, gouaches, drawings and pastels. During your visit, do not miss the stained-glass windows of the concert hall and the mosaic of the water room.

The building housing the Massena Museum in Nice

Musée Masséna

The Musée Masséna, a true jewel of neo-classical architecture, evokes, through its collections, the art and history of the French Riviera from the time Nice became part of France to the Belle Epoque. The scenography combines graphic arts, furniture and various objects. In particular, you will be able to admire Napoleon's death mask and the tiara of Josephine de Beauharnais. The interior decorations of Villa Masséna are absolutely splendid and will leave you speechless.

SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

Located between Nice and Monaco, the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is nestled on a peninsula with green Mediterranean vegetation. Don't miss to stop over in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat when you rent a yacht on the French Riviera. The landscapes invite you to escape and relax, far from the major seaside resorts on the coast. In addition to the charming fishing village and the small pebble coves, you can discover the superb Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild during your south of France yacht rental.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a Renaissance-inspired palace and one of the most beautiful historical monuments on the French Riviera. Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild had the palace built on the top of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula between 1905 and 1912. There you will discover quite eclectic art collections: Sèvres porcelain, Beauvais tapestry, 17th century furniture... and you will be able to admire magnificent painted ceilings. The oriental notes will also show you the richness and exuberance of this place. Nine superb gardens complete the site, including a French garden, a Spanish garden, a Florentine garden, a rose garden and an exotic Japanese garden.

PORQUEROLLES

Porquerolles, a gorgeous island that is a delight for yacht charterers looking for peace and authenticity when renting a yacht on the French Riviera. Here, we play petanque in the village square, enjoy the ice cream from Coco Frio, sunbathe on wild paradisiac beaches and discover the island by bike. But that' s not all... Porquerolles is home to the Carmignac Foundation, a place of great beauty that will captivate art enthusiasts.

Carmignac Foundation

The Carmignac Foundation welcomes you for an exceptional artistic experience during your stopover in Porquerolles as part of your yacht rental in the south of France. Nestled in the middle of a unique Mediterranean vegetation, the Carmignac Foundation brings together nearly 300 works of contemporary art and a sculpture garden that winds its way through the vines. You will be able to admire paintings by famous artists such as Basquiat, Warhol or Lichtenstein. The main thrill of this cultural moment lies in the beauty of the place, between land and sea.

Feel free to share your interests with your yacht charter planner if you would like cultural visits to be included in your south of France yacht rental itinerary. We look forward to assisting you in the organisation of your next French Riviera yacht charter!

Photo credit : Mairie d'Antibes - Service Communication / Site officiel de la ville de Cannes / Musée Matisse / Musées nationaux des Alpes-Maritimes Musée Chagall / Ville de Nice / Fondation Carmignac