May, 23 2023 ( Updated May, 28 2024)
The stunning 806 km-long coastline of the French Riviera has attracted tourists for more than two centuries and with good reason. Its white-sand beaches, belle-epoque architecture, luxurious resorts, romantic medieval villages, and uniquely French cuisine provide the ultimate indulgent atmosphere, especially in summer. But with summer comes the high season, packed spots and jammed-up roads just about everywhere.
So, we found the perfect way around it for you!
From diving into crowd-free spots to admiring cities like Nice from a different perspective or just transporting yourself from one town to another, boat tours in the French Riviera not only let you avoid the crowd but also lead you to some of the most beautiful, charming places perfect for full day trips.
Read on and discover these French Riviera boat tours!
Cruises on the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea
Where culture, nature and history exist in complete harmony, the Lérins Islands are a heavenly escape from the otherwise crowded Riviera city of Cannes. The group of islands is made up of 4 separate ones, out of which the most visited and largest island is Saint Marguerite. The boat tours are just a few minutes long and they drop you off in the scenic atmosphere of the island with soothing shade and fragrance of pine and eucalyptus all over.
You can take your time and explore the beautiful island on foot following the distinctly marked trails leading to Fort Royal, the former prison of the mythical Man in the Iron Mask. The island is also great for relaxing on beaches (with no less than 18 on the island) and picnics, so don’t forget to pack some snacks and a bottle of wine to enjoy.
The serene Lérins Abbey on the island of Saint-Honorat, one of the Lérins Islands on the French Riviera
Home to the 19th C. abbey of the Cistercian monks and the second island of the group that is totally worth exploring is St. Honorat Island. On the island can soak up the tranquillity, try the local wine produced by the monks with indigenous grapes varieties and buy a bottle or two from the Cloister store!
Tip: Check out Lerins Island Ferry timings from Cannes for ease of access.
Hotspot of the A-listers, the hub of the trendiest clubs and home to some of the finest beaches in St. Tropez, Pampelonne Beach is hardly a secret. So be ready to find some of the most famous beach clubs like Club 55 and Nikki Beach, where you can spot celebs and enjoy glam vibes, as well as some tightly packed spots and routes. Of course, you can skip it all by taking a boat tour instead of snailing through the traffic, and one of our recommendations is to take the boat from Cannes or Nice!
Tip: If you want to enjoy some Mediterranean cuisine and ultimate relaxation, then Moorea Beach Club or the Cabane Bambou Beach Club are good options too!
Looking for holiday retreats in Cannes? Check out our latest selection!
Like the other towns and villages, the famous Port Grimaud, located just two nautical miles from the glitz of St. Tropez, also remains highly busy during summers. The uniquely beautiful town was conceived by the famous architect Francois Spoerry, and when it came to life just some 50 years ago, startled the world with its gorgeous colourful facades and meandering Venetian-style canals that you can easily explore on a motor boat! With its laid-back vibes and cafe-lined waterfront, Port Grimaud promises one of the most perfect day trips on the French Riviera.
Hidden from the eyes of the crowds, Baie des Milliardaires is easily reached through boat tours. You can book one of the personal catamarans with a route exploring Cap d’Antibes to end up at this turquoise jewel. However, if you want to opt for a gorgeous sunset cruise then there are many departing from Cannes, Juan Les Pins and Golfe Juan. There is yet another option to reach this beach if you are already staying in Antibes, that is by trekking down the avenue Mlle Beaumont!
Find the best holiday homes in Antibes for the ultimate French Riviera trip.
The mesmerising underwater Mediterranean Sea life
Not everything is about relaxation, glam and parties in the Provence. Just 3 kilometres from Ramatuelle (Saint Tropez), the Cap Camarat boat trips are perfect for adventure lovers and keen divers looking to explore the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, with hidden treasures of the past like The Wreck of the Rubis, a mine-laying WWII submarine. If you are a beginner Saint Raphaël is an ideal diving spot where you can discover Mediterranean marine life such as hermit crabs, seahorses and starfishes!
Tip: If you want to go for multiple activities on board with an option of the stand-up paddle, snorkelling and kayaking, then the private Catamaran cruise is the best option.
The iconic Promenade des Anglais in Nice, French Riviera
What you can get in Nice is not something you can get anywhere in the other French Riviera cities! From belle-epoque buildings to typical Niçoise cuisine, open-air flower markets, ultimate bars and the legendary Promenade des Anglais, the city has an inexhaustible charm. But if you want to look at it from a different perspective, then head to Port Lympia. The variety of boat tours that depart from the port will satiate all kinds of wanderlusts as you can hop onto one of the French Riviera Cruises or ferries to explore Villefranche Sur Mer, Monaco, Cap Ferrat, and St. Tropez effortlessly from Nice.
From rooftop terraces to cosy and centrally located studios overlooking the stunning squares of Nice, find your perfect holiday home!
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The golden sand Pampelonne beach in Ramatuelle near Saint-Tropez 
The vibrant hues of idyllic facades along the canals of the man-made town of Port Grimaud, France 
