Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to the South of France
While many yacht charters may head straight for the shores of Monaco and the ritzy Riviera, there’s a whole host of chic charm waiting just south of Marseille. The Languedoc region running from the Spanish border to the more decadent South of France offers sublime ports of call rich with culture, exquisite dining, and scenes straight out of a fairytale. From the walls of Carcassonne to the Little Venice of Sete, the southern shores of France still hold that je ne sais quoi.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht to South of France
Impeccable Architecture
From the grandiose chateaus to the perfection of the Pont du Gard, you could sail the length and breadth of these shores and never tire of the majestic architecture. Everywhere you look in the South of France, there is something stunning to catch the eye, from Marseilles salt battered beauty to the golden walls of the castle town of Carcassonne a little inland, and the Spanish style palaces that cling to the border, every brick is laced with beauty.
French Food
Every port of call in France boasts beautiful food, but the Languedoc region seems to step it up a notch. This area is famed for its fabulous wine, a match made in heaven for the impeccable seafood sourced from these Mediterranean shores. Marseille is also the home of Bouillabaisse, a dreamy Provençal fish stew simmered with a rouille and best devoured with a chewy French baguette, salted butter, and a good bottle of something local.
Divine Diversity
Sprawling vineyards, blue and white beaches, contemporary cities, and charming stone villages – this end of France is delightfully diverse. No matter what kind of landscape you are longing for, you can find it down on the south coast. From the hazy spires of the Pyrenees mountains to the green valleys and rivers of the national parks, and the chic beaches that run right the way along from Spain, its no wonder this side of France left the likes of Picasso and Matisse absolutely smitten.
Where to Visit in South of France
Marseille
A mesmerizing mix of cultures, ancient seafaring tales, and a fascinating backdrop mark Marseille on the map as a must-see port of call. This is a French city that comes with swathes of personality and the bouillabaisse alone is worth dropping anchor for. It’s the edgiest city on the southern coast and boasts many great galleries, museums, and architectural wonders to keep you connected with its fabled past while strolling around. Head to the Old Vieux to dine and wine in an atmospheric setting and fall in love with the melting pot of afro and euro centric cultures.
Sete
The Little Venice of Languedoc is a vision of sweeping canals, colorful boats, old fishing quarters and incredible shellfish. Drop anchor and take a boat tour of the Canal du Midi or simply stroll along the waterfront and soak up all that enchanting history etched right into the architecture. Taste oysters and salted sardines so fresh they will make your heart skip a beat and raise a glass of something glorious at the beautiful beach clubs that occupy sugar whipped sands.
Perpignan
Once upon a time, Perpignan was part of the Kingdom of Mallorca, now it belongs to France and with its maze of alleys, splayed palms, and lofty peaks of the Pyrenees in the background, this Spanish styled city is a highlight of the Southern shores of France. Admire the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, sit in shaded bliss sipping something special in one of the many sprawling orchards and vineyards, and swim in the sea against a backdrop of a Royal Chateau in Collioure.
When to Charter a Yacht to South of France
The southern shores of France are warm and welcoming for much of the year, but the best time to visit for the buzz and the beach life is during the Mediterranean charter season. From May right through until September, you will adore the golden sunlight and soft waters that turns this destination into a series of postcard pretty scenes.