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We recently contacted Alex from Bespoke Yacht Charters to share his top tips for crew who may have some spare time to explore this up and coming Mediterranean charter season. From where to see the best sunsets, to his favourite local cuisine, and beaches in the French Riviera. Let’s find out what to do in the French Riviera:
Wining and dining
Alex: I am a huge fan of Mirazur in Menton. Simply stunning food in a spectacular location on the border between France and Italy. Not to mention the views over the old town of Menton are magnificent!. And, the restaurant is regularly voted as being one of the best in the world.
I also love Blue Bay at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel in Monaco. Chef Marcel Ravin is a true pioneer, using only the freshest local ingredients in very inventive and creative ways. The atmosphere is very relaxed but the food truly amazing. It’s much more chilled out than the other Michelin starred restaurants in Monaco, like Alain Ducasse and Robuchon – Although, they are great too!
There are also some excellent restaurants in Nice. Special mention would go to Jan, near the Port, run by South African Chef Jan Hendrik, who used to work on charter yachts! He now has his own Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France, which is a real achievement! If you get the chance to visit the old town of Nice, you’ve got to try out La Petite Maison. The atmosphere is always very lively and full of celebrities…
The best sunset
The south of France perhaps lacks the amazing sunsets one gets in the Balearics and Corsica but there are still some lovely places to be as a long summer day comes to an end.
I love being on a yacht anchored in the bay of Juan Les Pins as the sun sets over Cannes and the Esterel mountains. It’s a beautiful place to be and a very popular superyacht anchorage, very popular with owners that also have villas on the Cap d’Antibes.
I also highly recommend watching the sunset of the city of Nice, either from the Colline du Chateau above the old town, or even better from Mont Boron, the hillside between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. There’s something magical about sunsets over a city.
Local cuisine
Alex: I think simplicity is key! Anything with plenty of garlic, olive oil and fresh local ingredients. There’s nothing better than simply grilled fish for lunch. I also love stuffed Courgette Flowers!
Best Beaches
Alex: I love Paloma Beach in Cap Ferrat and Plage Mala in Cap d’Ail but perhaps the best beach would be Plage de la Nartelle in Sainte-Maxime. It’s very similar to its’ more famous neighbour Pampelonne in St Tropez, great beach clubs, beautiful sand and you can walk out 2-300 meters without going out of your depth. There’s also a company offering every possible type of water-sports that will come out to your yacht.
Natural wonders and local sights
The Island of Porquerolles, west of St Tropez has to be seen. White sands, turquoise water, and spectacular scenery! It’s like St Barths has come to the Mediterranean!
We hope you enjoy your time in the French Riviera!
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