Guide to the French Riviera Marinas
A guide to the main marinas of the French Riviera — Antibes, Cannes, Monaco, Golfe-Juan and Saint-Tropez — and how to reach each by chauffeur.
The French Riviera holds the densest run of yacht harbours anywhere — from the largest marina in Europe to a legendary village quay, all within an hour or two of Nice Airport. Each has its own character, size and pace. This guide runs through the main marinas of the coast and how a private chauffeur links them to the airport and to one another.
Antibes and Golfe-Juan
Antibes is the yachting capital. Its Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe, and its Quai des Milliardaires draws the very biggest superyachts, all beside the old town and Fort Carré. Just west, Golfe-Juan and its Port Camille Rayon offer sizeable berths in a calmer, more local bay.
Together they anchor the central coast, both around 25 minutes from Nice Airport.
- Port Vauban — the largest marina in Europe
- Quai des Milliardaires for the biggest yachts
- Golfe-Juan — a quieter, sheltered alternative
- Both about 25 minutes from the airport
Cannes and the west
Cannes puts yachts at the heart of the glamour: the Vieux Port below Le Suquet and Port Pierre Canto for larger craft, moments from the Croisette. Its September Yachting Festival is Europe's leading in-water show. Further west, the marinas of Mandelieu-La Napoule sit quieter beneath the red Esterel hills.
The Cannes ports are around 30 minutes from the airport, Mandelieu a little more.
- Cannes Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto
- Home of the Cannes Yachting Festival
- Mandelieu-La Napoule quieter to the west
- Around 30 minutes from Nice Airport
Monaco and the east
East of Nice, Monaco's Port Hercule is the coast's grand stage — deep water, the Grand Prix circuit and the September Yacht Show. Between Nice and Monaco lie the deep anchorage of Villefranche, where yachts lie at anchor and tender ashore, and the exclusive peninsula of Cap-Ferrat.
Monaco is around 30 to 40 minutes from the airport; Villefranche and Cap-Ferrat are closer still.
- Monaco Port Hercule — deep-water and events
- Villefranche — a deep natural anchorage
- Cap-Ferrat — the most exclusive peninsula
- All within easy reach to the east of Nice
Saint-Tropez
Furthest west, the old port of Saint-Tropez is yachting's most famous quay, where superyachts moor stern-to against the cafés. It is also the hardest to reach — around an hour and a half by road at the end of its peninsula, or by boat shuttle across the gulf.
It rewards the journey with a setting no other marina can match.
Reaching the marinas by chauffeur
Every marina on the coast is reachable from Nice Airport, and a private chauffeur is the smoothest link — met on arrival, luggage handled, delivered to the quay or tender. Prices follow the distance: from around €120 to Antibes, €150 to Cannes or Monaco, and €400 to Saint-Tropez.
The same driver ties the marinas to one another and to days ashore, whichever port your yacht calls home.
- Antibes and Golfe-Juan — from €120–130
- Cannes and Monaco — from €150
- Saint-Tropez — from €400
- One chauffeur for airport, quays and days ashore
Frequently asked questions
Which is the largest marina on the French Riviera?
Port Vauban in Antibes — the largest marina in Europe, whose Quai des Milliardaires hosts the biggest superyachts on the coast.
Which marina is closest to Nice Airport?
The eastern anchorages of Villefranche and Cap-Ferrat are closest, around 20 to 25 minutes, with Antibes and Golfe-Juan close behind.
How do I reach the Riviera marinas?
Every marina is reachable from Nice Airport by private chauffeur, from around €120 to Antibes up to €400 for Saint-Tropez.
Which marina is best for a superyacht?
Antibes Port Vauban and Monaco Port Hercule take the largest yachts, with deep water and prime positions, while Saint-Tropez offers the setting.
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Antibes Port Vauban Yacht Transfer
A private transfer to Port Vauban in Antibes — the largest marina in Europe and its famous Billionaires' Quay.
Monaco Port Hercule Yacht Transfer
A private transfer to Port Hercule in Monaco — the deep-water superyacht harbour and the heart of the Grand Prix.
Cannes Vieux Port Yacht Transfer
A private transfer to the Vieux Port of Cannes, beneath the Croisette and the Palais des Festivals.