6 Best Anchorages Around the French Riviera

From tucked-away coves near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to the protected bays surrounding Porquerolles, the best anchorages around the French Riviera provide a unique atmosphere, with some that are perfect for long, lazy lunches, others for quiet overnight stays under the stars. For those exploring aboard a private yacht or chartered vessel, knowing where to anchor on the French Riviera can transform a simple cruise into an unforgettable experience.

In this guide, SuperYachtsMonaco shares expert insight into the French Riviera anchorages for yachts, highlighting the region’s most scenic, secure, and luxurious spots to drop anchor. Whether you’re planning a week-long itinerary or a short coastal escape, these are the places where the sea, the scenery, and the service align perfectly.

Why Finding the Right Anchorage Matters

Seamless Experiences Begin with the Right Anchorage

Choosing the right anchorage is about more than just convenience. It’s the foundation of a safe, relaxing, and luxurious time at sea. When anchoring a yacht along the French Riviera, conditions can vary dramatically from bay to bay. Factors such as seabed composition, wind exposure, and nearby vessel traffic all play a role in ensuring a smooth experience, whether you’re stopping for a few hours or settling in for the night.

Many of the protected bays along the French Riviera offer reliable holding and natural shelter, making them popular with both seasoned captains and first-time charter guests. These spots provide calm waters and peace of mind, so guests can focus on enjoying the moment, including paddleboarding near the cliffs of Cap Taillat or dining alfresco with the old town of Villefranche as a backdrop.

Anchoring with Purpose

The art of anchoring a yacht also carries a sense of responsibility. With increasing environmental awareness and stricter regulations in marine protected areas, it’s essential to anchor with care. Choosing the right location helps preserve seagrass beds and underwater habitats while maintaining harmony with local guidelines.

By working with experienced charter specialists like SuperYachtsMonaco, you gain access to insider knowledge of the region’s top-rated anchorages. Each location has been selected not just for beauty but for safety, comfort, and respect for the surrounding environment.

Where are the Best Anchorages around the French Riviera: Top Spots by Region

The French Riviera offers a wide variety of anchorages, from bustling bays near iconic towns to quiet coves surrounded by nature. Each stop has its own character. Some stops are ideal for day visits and beach access, while others offer shelter for peaceful overnight stays. Here are the finest French Riviera anchorages for yachts, selected for their scenery, accessibility, and overall experience.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Protected by steep hills and with a deep natural harbour, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most reliable anchorages on the coast. The bay is wide enough to accommodate multiple vessels, including larger yachts, and the town’s position allows for excellent shelter from most wind directions.

• Highlights: Medieval old town with waterfront bistros, proximity to Nice and Cap Ferrat, great holding.
• Best for: Overnight anchorage with easy access to shore via tender.
• Insider detail: The bay is also a favourite among captains for its accessibility during mistral winds, and it’s often used as a quiet anchoring alternative to Monaco during peak season.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

This exclusive peninsula is framed by a rugged coastline and dotted with private villas and gardens. Anchorages here offer a peaceful escape, with clear water ideal for paddleboarding and swimming. It’s also just a short tender ride to Paloma Beach, one of the Riviera’s most stylish lunch spots.

• Highlights: Green surroundings, protected coves, upmarket beach clubs.
• Best for: Anchoring mid-day for a relaxed meal or swim.
• Insider detail: Cap Ferrat offers a rare blend of natural seclusion and high-end charm, and the nearby walking paths provide stunning panoramic views for guests who go ashore.

Plage Mala, Cap d’Ail

Tucked beneath towering cliffs, this small bay is visually dramatic and popular for its vibrant beach club scene. The anchorage is exposed to easterly winds, so it’s best visited during calm conditions. Water clarity is excellent, and the atmosphere is perfect for a luxurious, sun-soaked lunch.

• Highlights: Turquoise water, cliffside views, barefoot-chic dining.
• Best for: Day visits when weather conditions are stable.
• Insider detail: Due to limited space and high demand, it’s common for captains to coordinate with beach clubs in advance to reserve tender drop-off points and arrange guest services

Îles de Lérins (Cannes)

The channel between Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat provides one of the calmest anchoring areas near Cannes. Surrounded by pine forests and clear waters, this spot offers a complete change of pace from the bustle of the mainland. The islands are steeped in history, and their peaceful charm is perfect for families or guests seeking quiet reflection.

• Highlights: Sheltered waters, historic monasteries, excellent swimming.
• Best for: Tranquil afternoons with nature and cultural interest.
• Insider detail: Anchoring is restricted in some areas due to marine protection laws, so updated charts and local knowledge are key. The views of Cannes from the anchorage at sunset are particularly special.

Pampelonne Beach, Saint-Tropez

Stretching for nearly five kilometres, Pampelonne is a hotspot for yachts throughout the summer. The sandy seabed provides good holding, and the anchorage is within easy reach of the area’s legendary beach clubs. Despite its popularity, the bay is large enough to offer some distance from neighbours.

• Highlights: Lively social scene, wide anchoring space, tender access to Club 55 and Loulou.
• Best for: High-season afternoons and social gatherings.
• Insider detail: It’s one of the few anchorages where guests can go from swimming in the sea to a champagne-fuelled lunch within minutes, and it’s ideal for entertaining or showing off the Riviera lifestyle.

Porquerolles & Port-Cros (Îles d’Hyères)

Further west, these islands are part of a protected national park, offering a pristine and more understated anchoring experience. The water here is exceptionally clear, and the surroundings are rich in biodiversity. With anchoring regulations in place to protect seagrass and marine habitats, it’s one of the most eco-conscious cruising areas on the Riviera.

• Highlights: Natural reserves, hiking trails, low foot traffic.
• Best for: Overnight stays in a quiet, unspoilt setting.
• Insider detail: Plage Notre-Dame on Porquerolles has been voted one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. The Bay of Port Man on Port-Cros is also favoured for its tranquillity and stargazing potential at night.

Expert Tips for Anchoring a Yacht Safely

When exploring the French Riviera, anchoring is a fundamental part of the yachting experience, but it requires forethought and care to ensure safety, comfort, and respect for the environment. The coastline may be beautiful, but its variety of seabeds, shifting winds, and marine protection zones mean that proper anchoring techniques are essential. Whether you’re on a private yacht or a chartered vessel, the following expert guidance will help you make the most of each anchorage.

Choose the Right Anchor and Scope for the Conditions

Not all anchorages are created equal. The seabed along the Riviera can vary from soft sand to seagrass, rock, or mud, each requiring a slightly different anchoring approach. Before lowering your yacht anchor, assess the seabed type using onboard navigation or local charts. A good rule of thumb is to allow five to seven times the water depth in chain to ensure proper holding, but this can change depending on weather and vessel size.

In crowded bays or shallower waters, setting a stern anchor or using a shoreline can provide added stability and prevent unwanted swing, particularly overnight. Ensure the windlass is well maintained and ready for use before arrival, especially in deeper locations such as Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Plan Ahead and Stay Aware of Surroundings

Arriving early at an anchorage gives you the best chance of choosing an optimal position, especially during the summer months when space fills quickly. Always take into account tidal range, depth variations, underwater hazards, and swing radius. Larger luxury superyachts should allow ample room for movement, and captains should remain mindful of swimmers, tenders, and nearby moorings.

Once anchored, monitor your vessel’s position using an anchor alarm or GPS plotter. Subtle drift may not be obvious until it becomes a problem. This is especially true if the wind picks up or shifts direction overnight.

Respect Environmental Protections and Local Regulations

Many of the region’s most desirable anchorages, particularly near the Îles d’Hyères, Cap Taillat, and the Îles de Lérins, fall within regulated marine zones. Anchoring over protected Posidonia seagrass is strictly prohibited in many areas, and fines can be issued for non-compliance.

To anchor responsibly, refer to official notices and updated navigation charts or consult with local authorities or your charter broker. Floating buoys and designated mooring fields are sometimes provided to protect the environment without compromising access. SuperYachtsMonaco keeps clients informed of these rules as part of our itinerary planning services.

Factor in Wind Conditions and Weather Forecasts

Even the most sheltered bays can become uncomfortable if wind conditions shift. Before settling in, always check the latest forecast. Pay particular attention to wind direction and strength over the next 24 hours. Sudden changes, especially the mistral or easterly winds, can make exposed anchorages like Plage Mala untenable.

For added peace of mind, many captains choose to set a secondary anchor or adjust the scope in anticipation of stronger winds. In less protected areas, repositioning to a safer bay, such as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or Port-Cros, is often the wisest choice.

By following these anchoring best practices, you protect not only your yacht and guests but also the pristine waters that make this coastline so appealing. With the guidance of SuperYachtsMonaco, every anchorage becomes a safe, scenic, and rewarding part of your Riviera voyage.

Monitor Weather and Wind Conditions

Even the most sheltered anchorages can become uncomfortable or unsafe when wind direction shifts. Before dropping anchor, check forecasts for wind speed and changes over the next 24 hours.

Some bays, such as Plage Mala, are known to be less protected in easterly winds, making timing essential.

• Suggestions before dropping the hook: Anchor early in the day to secure the best spot and avoid repositioning later due to changing conditions. For added peace of mind, set an anchor alarm on your navigation system to alert you if the vessel drifts.

By approaching each anchorage with preparation and care, you can enjoy the Riviera’s finest coastal spots with confidence. When working with experienced specialists like SuperYachtsMonaco, these logistical details are seamlessly taken care of, ensuring your focus stays on the experience itself.

Plan Your Cruise With SuperYachtsMonaco

Discovering the best anchorages along the French Riviera is just one part of an unforgettable yachting experience. With decades of combined expertise, SuperYachtsMonaco is your trusted partner in crafting exceptional Mediterranean itineraries, from secluded overnight stops to high-profile beach club anchorages.

Whether you’re planning a private escape, a family holiday, or entertaining guests aboard a charter, our team offers more than just local knowledge. We provide end-to-end support, ensuring that each anchorage aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and vessel requirements.

Our services include:

Recommending the most suitable French Riviera anchorages for yachts.

Whether you’re seeking calm waters for a quiet overnight stay or a vibrant location with direct access to a renowned beach club, we take into account your yacht’s size and draft along with your itinerary needs to suggest the best places to anchor. Our team monitors local conditions and high-season demand to ensure each stop enhances your time at sea.

Advising on safe anchoring practices in regulated or environmentally sensitive areas.

With many of the Riviera’s most beautiful bays falling within marine protected zones, anchoring responsibly is essential. We keep up to date with the latest regulations to help you avoid restricted areas and protect vital habitats like seagrass beds while still enjoying the freedom of open water. Our guidance ensures compliance and peace of mind.

Arranging private tender services, restaurant bookings, and VIP shore access from your anchorage.

From securing a table at Club 55 to organising smooth tender transfers to the dock at Paloma Beach, we manage every detail of your shore experience. Our strong local connections allow us to offer access to exclusive venues, fast-track booking options, and personalised service so your guests enjoy Riviera hospitality without the hassle.

Offering guidance for those exploring luxury superyachts, superyachts for sale, or megayachts for sale.

If your next step involves ownership, we provide personalised advice on purchasing and operating a yacht suited to your cruising ambitions. With a hand-picked portfolio of luxury superyachts and deep experience in brokerage and management, we help you move from charter to ownership with clarity and confidence.

From quiet anchorages near Cap d’Antibes to lively stops off Saint-Tropez, SuperYachtsMonaco ensures every moment is carefully considered, beautifully executed, and completely unforgettable.

Ready to Drop Anchor in Style?

The French Riviera offers a remarkable collection of anchorages, each with its own character, charm, and breathtaking backdrop. Whether you’re drawn to the calm waters of Villefranche, the glamour of Saint-Tropez, or the untouched beauty of Porquerolles, knowing where and how to anchor makes all the difference.

At SuperYachtsMonaco, we help you experience an array of unforgettable destinations as they’re meant to be seen. By sea, with complete peace of mind. From planning your itinerary to arranging exclusive shore access, our team ensures every anchorage becomes a highlight of your journey.

Contact us today to begin planning your Riviera escape, and let us guide you to the best anchorages the South of France has to offer. For more insights into yachting, whether you are buying or chartering or just other news, check out our blog