7-Day Yacht Charter Itinerary from Monaco: A Route Worth Sailing

A 7-Day Yacht Charter Itinerary from Monaco — What to Expect

Planning a 7-day yacht charter itinerary from Monaco gives you roughly 180 nautical miles of usable cruising across the western Riviera and back. That is enough to reach Saint-Tropez, linger in the Îles de Lérins, explore the capes east of Nice, and still return to Port Hercule at a civilised pace. This sample route is built from real passages our team plans regularly for motor yachts in the 24–40 metre range, with daily legs short enough to leave long afternoons at anchor. Adjust freely — the beauty of a private yacht hire is that the helm follows your mood.

Day 1 — Port Hercule to Cap d'Ail and Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Departure from Port Hercule is best timed before 10:00, when the harbour traffic thins. A short 1.5-nautical-mile run west brings you to the sheltered cove below Cap d'Ail, where the water clarity rivals anywhere on the Côte d'Azur. After a swim and a tender ride along the coastal path, continue 3 nautical miles to Beaulieu-sur-Mer. The anchorage off Baie des Fourmis sits in the lee of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, so swell is minimal even when a light mistral pushes through. Dinner ashore in Beaulieu's old port is a calm introduction to the week. Your crew can arrange a reservation while you settle in.

Day 2 — Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to Villefranche-sur-Mer

Circumnavigate the Cap Ferrat peninsula in the morning — roughly 4 nautical miles at a slow cruise. The eastern side offers two or three small bays suitable for a 30-metre yacht to anchor stern-to the rocks, with snorkelling over posidonia beds just below the surface. Round Pointe de Saint-Hospice and glide into the deep natural harbour of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This bay rarely disappoints: the depth drops to 15 metres close to shore, the holding is good sand over clay, and the old citadel frames every photograph. Spend the afternoon on the swim platform or take the tender to the pebble beach for lunch at one of the quayside restaurants.

Day 3 — Villefranche to Antibes

The passage to Port Vauban in Antibes covers roughly 12 nautical miles and takes under an hour at 18 knots. Antibes is a natural mid-week provisioning stop: the Marché Provençal supplies the galley with seasonal produce, and the old town rewards a late-afternoon stroll. If you prefer to stay on the water, anchor off the Îles de Lérins — Île Sainte-Marguerite sits just 2 nautical miles south of Cannes and offers eucalyptus-shaded trails and transparent shallows on the northern shore. Browse our [fleet in Monaco](#) to find motor yachts with stabilisers at anchor, a real advantage during overnight stops in more exposed positions like this.

Days 4–5 — Cannes and the Golfe de la Napoule

Two nights in the Cannes area lets you explore without rushing. Key anchorages include the bay just east of La Croisette, the quiet stretch off Mandelieu-la-Napoule, and the southern coast of Île Saint-Honorat, where monks still produce wine behind stone walls. A day charter around these waters typically covers 8–10 nautical miles, leaving ample time for water sports, lunch, and an evening ashore. See our [Monaco day-charter itinerary](#) for shorter Riviera routes that complement this week-long voyage.

What to Pack and Prepare for a Week-Long Riviera Yacht Rental

- Light layers for evening: Temperatures along the coast average 26 °C in July and August 2026, but a breeze off the water after sunset drops the feel by 4–5 degrees. - Reef-safe sunscreen: Several anchorages around the Îles de Lérins sit within marine-protection zones. Crew will remind guests, but packing the right products avoids awkward moments. - Passports for all guests: Although the route stays within France, your captain must keep a manifest. Non-EU nationals should carry documents at all times. - Tender shoes with non-marking soles: Rocky landings at Cap d'Ail and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat demand grip, and dark-soled shoes mark teak decks. - A flexible mindset: Wind shifts, harbour congestion during the Cannes Film Festival shoulder weeks, or a spontaneous invitation to a beach club in Saint-Tropez can reshape any day. The best charters adapt.

Days 6–7 — Return via Èze-sur-Mer and Monaco

The homeward leg retraces roughly 25 nautical miles. Stop at Èze-sur-Mer for a final swim beneath the medieval village perched 400 metres above, then cruise the last 5 nautical miles into Port Hercule. Arriving by midday on day 7 gives the crew time for a smooth disembarkation and lets you extend the trip with lunch at the port if the mood strikes. Browse our [Riviera charter guide](#) for variations that add Corsica or the Italian Ligurian coast to a 10-day extension.

Plan Your Luxury Yacht Charter from Monaco

Seven days, five or six anchorages, and barely 60 nautical miles of open-water passage — that is the arithmetic of a well-paced Riviera charter from Monaco. The route rewards slow mornings and spontaneous detours more than raw speed. Every summer, returning clients tell us the same thing: the best day was the one they had not planned. With the 2026 season taking shape and berth availability in Port Hercule tightening through July and August, early planning turns preference into confirmed dates and the right yacht waiting at the quay.