Top Questions About Chartering in the South of France
Top Questions About Chartering in the South of France
1. Where do most yacht charters start in the South of France?
Answer: Most charters begin in Nice, Cannes, Antibes, or Monaco, due to their proximity to international airports (especially Nice Côte d’Azur Airport) and well-equipped marinas like Port Lympia, Port Vauban, and Port Hercule. We’ll help you choose the most convenient port based on your travel plans and itinerary preferences.
2. What is the best time of year to charter a yacht in the French Riviera?
Answer: The best time is May through September, with peak season in July and August. For fewer crowds and warm weather, late May to early July or September offer ideal conditions.
3. How much does it cost to charter a yacht in the South of France?
Answer: Costs vary based on yacht size, season, and crew. On average:
- Smaller crewed yachts: €15,000–€25,000/week
- Luxury catamarans or motor yachts: €30,000–€100,000+/week
- Plus APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) of 25–40% and VAT (usually 20%)
We’ll work with your budget to find the best options for your desired travel experience.
4. What is the APA, and why do I have to pay it?
Answer: APA stands for Advanced Provisioning Allowance, typically 25–40% of the charter fee. It covers all your expenses. It covers fuel, food, drinks, dockage, and other expenses during the charter. Your captain will manage the budget and provide a detailed accounting. Any unused funds are refunded to you or you can apply it to crew gratuity.
5. Do I need a visa or special documentation?
Answer: If you’re a US, UK, or EU citizen, no visa is required for short stays under 90 days. You’ll need a valid passport. We recommend checking with your local consulate or embassy for up-to-date travel requirements. BUT you do need ETIAS (Starting in the near future): For visa-exempt travelers (e.g., US, UK, Canada), the European Union’s ETIAS (Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System) will be required ( it was to start in 2025, but as of August 2025 it is not in place) for entry into France and other Schengen countries. It’s not a visa but a pre-travel authorization, costing about €7. You’ll need to apply online before travel.
6. Can I choose my own itinerary?
Answer: Absolutely! All charters are customized based on your preferences. We’ll suggest highlights like Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, St. Tropez, and Îles de Lérins, but your itinerary is flexible based on your interests, weather, and marina availability. Charters are typically 8 days and 7 nights, but some may allow for shortened charters. Just know, shorter charters mean you may not see all the places you want to see by boat.
7. Are meals and drinks included?
Answer:
- On all-inclusive catamarans, yes—your chef will prepare custom meals, and drinks are typically included.
- On Mediterranean motor yachts, expenses, meals, drinks, and fuel are paid from your APA.
We’ll help plan menus and provisioning before your trip so everything is ready when you board. But you cannot expect to get Mexican food on your charter in Italy. Be prepared for local cuisine.
8. What should I pack for a French Riviera yacht charter?
Answer:
- Lightweight, resort-style clothing
- Swimwear, sunglasses, sunhat, and reef-safe sunscreen
- Soft-soled shoes for onboard
- A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
We’ll send you a detailed packing list before your trip to make prep easy.
9. Can we go to beach clubs like Club 55 or Nikki Beach?
Answer: Yes! These are popular stops during charters, especially around St. Tropez and Pampelonne Beach. We recommend advance reservations during high season, which your crew or broker (that’s us!) can arrange.
10. How do we get to the boat from the airport?
Answer: Most clients fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is 15–45 minutes from major marinas in Nice, Cannes, and Antibes. We can arrange private car service or helicopter transfers upon request.
11. Are there water toys or diving available on board?
Answer: Most yachts come with snorkel gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and sea scooters. Some offer jet skis, eFoils, or diving gear. Let us know what you’re looking for—we’ll match you with the right yacht.
12. How far do we sail each day?
Answer: Distances are generally short—often 1–3 hours between anchorages or ports. This makes the French Riviera ideal for a leisurely, scenic charter with plenty of time for swimming, exploring, and dining.
13. Can we do a one-way charter (e.g., Nice to St. Tropez)?
Answer: Yes, but one-way fees may apply for crew relocation or return logistics. Depending on availability, we can help you optimize your itinerary with or without extra fees.
14. Is tipping expected in the South of France?
Answer: Yes. Customary gratuity for the crew is 10–15% of the base charter fee, based on service and satisfaction. Tips are given to the Captain and distributed among all crew members.
Example: Charter fee is 35.000€, APA is 12.250€ and VAT is 7.000€ Total: 54.250€
Your gratuity would only be based on 35.000€, totaling 3.500€ – 5.250€
15. Why should I use a broker like Songs In The Sails Yacht Charters?
Answer: We’re your advocate from beginning to end—handling contracts, yacht selection, itinerary planning, provisioning, and support during your trip. Our insider knowledge and yacht relationships ensure you get a seamless, unforgettable vacation with full peace of mind.
Explore the world’s most breathtaking islands in style! Let Songs In The Sails Yacht Charters guide you on a private yacht adventure through the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Greece, and the Bahamas.—or let us customize your dream getaway anywhere you desire.
Contact Songs In The Sails Yacht Charters at 706-901-7525 or yachtcharters@songsinthesails.com to plan your dream yacht charter today.
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