Why Charter a Yacht in Nice?
Nice occupies a privileged position at the heart of the French Riviera, framed by the dramatic arc of the Baie des Anges and backed by the foothills of the Alps. As the largest city on the Côte d'Azur and home to the region's international airport, Nice is the most convenient embarkation point for a luxury yacht charter on the Riviera. From here, the entire coastline — from Monaco in the east to Saint-Tropez in the west — is accessible within a single day's sailing.
The WOY is based in Nice, operating from Port de Nice on the Quai Amiral Infernet. Our home port advantage means we know every anchorage, every marina and every seasonal nuance of chartering from Nice better than anyone. When you book a charter with us, you benefit from genuine local expertise, not generic recommendations.
Nice's Ports and Marinas
Port de Nice, also known as the Lympia port, is the city's main commercial and pleasure harbour, conveniently located in the Riquier district a short distance from the Old Town. It accommodates a wide range of vessels and is easily reached from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in under 15 minutes by car. For larger yachts, the nearby Port de Villefranche- sur-Mer, just 6 nautical miles to the east, offers deep water berths within one of the most beautiful natural bays on the Riviera. Port Gallice in Juan-les-Pins and the marinas of Antibes are also comfortably within day-trip range to the west.
Best Time to Charter from Nice
Nice enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it viable for yacht charters from March through November. The prime season runs from May to September, with July and August offering the warmest sea temperatures — typically 24–26°C — and the longest days. June and September are increasingly popular with experienced charterers: the weather is excellent, the anchorages are less crowded and the overall atmosphere is more relaxed. Spring charters in April and May offer spectacular light, fresh breezes ideal for sailing enthusiasts, and access to almond-blossom-covered hillsides just inland.
What to See and Do
Nice blends a rich cultural heritage with the relaxed hedonism of the Riviera in a way few cities manage. The Old Town — the Vieux-Nice — is a labyrinth of Baroque churches, colourful facades and lively markets, most famously the Cours Saleya flower and food market. The Promenade des Anglais stretches for seven kilometres along the seafront, lined with grand Belle Époque hotels. Art lovers will not want to miss the Musée Matisse or the Musée National Marc Chagall. From the water, the Colline du Château — the rocky promontory above the old port — provides a dramatic backdrop and a panoramic viewpoint accessible by a short walk or lift from the port.
For days at anchor, the Rade de Villefranche offers calm, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while the sheltered bay of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, just beyond Cap Ferrat, provides a tranquil spot for a long lunch on board.
Nearby Destinations and Cruising Routes
From Nice, the quintessential French Riviera itinerary heads east along the Corniche: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu, Eze-sur-Mer and Monaco, with the Italian border beyond. Heading west, the route passes through Antibes — one of the great yachting capitals of the Mediterranean — Golfe-Juan, Cannes and the beautiful Iles de Lérins, then on to Saint-Tropez and the Var coast. For longer programmes, the islands of Corsica and Sardinia are a natural extension, with crossing times of around 6–8 hours from Nice depending on conditions and vessel speed.
The WOY — Your Nice-Based Charter Experts
As the only yacht charter and brokerage company based directly in Nice, The WOY offers a level of local service and personal attention that larger international operators cannot match. Our team lives and works on the Riviera year-round. We know which anchorages are sheltered when the Mistral blows, which restaurants in the Old Town will accommodate a crew of twelve at short notice, and which water toys providers on the coast offer the best equipment for families. This on-the-ground knowledge is what makes a WOY charter genuinely different.
From a simple day charter departing Nice to a multi-week Mediterranean voyage, we handle every aspect of your programme with the same care and professionalism. Our handpicked fleet includes motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans ranging from elegant day boats to 50-metre superyachts, all maintained to the highest standards and crewed by experienced professionals.