Are there many catamarans on the French Riviera?

Fewer than in Greece, Croatia, or the Caribbean. The best luxury catamarans do charter here, but there are not many, and the strongest options go early for July, August, and event weeks.

Sailing catamaran or power catamaran?

A sailing cat is slower but gives you the pleasure of sailing and excellent fuel efficiency. A power cat is much faster with huge volume for the length: see our power catamaran charters.

How much does a catamaran charter cost?

From about €30,000 to €60,000 per week, with larger luxury cats €70,000 to €200,000+, plus 20% VAT, a 30-40% APA, and gratuity. See our full cost guide.

Catamaran or motor yacht for the Riviera?

If you want fast transfers every day, a motor yacht fits better. If you want space, stability, and time at anchor, take the catamaran.

Early, because the fleet is small. June and September give the best weather-to-availability balance; July, August, and event weeks sell out first.

Charter inventory

Catamaran Charters on the French Riviera

454 Vessels
worldwide

37 Cruising
regions

26 Charter
brokers

A catamaran gives you more space for the budget than anything else on the Riviera: a stable platform, easy swimming off a wide transom, and much lower fuel use than a motor yacht of similar size.

It suits families and relaxed groups who want Cannes, Antibes, the Lerins Islands, and Cap Ferrat at a slower pace, with beach days, long lunches, and real time at anchor.

Why Charter a Catamaran on the French Riviera?

More space for the money: two hulls give you the volume of a much longer monohull
Stable and easy: flat at anchor, with a swim platform the whole group actually uses
Lower running costs: far less fuel than a comparable motor yacht, which shows in the APA
Two very different options: sailing cats for the pleasure of sailing, power cats for motor-yacht pace

Nadja Asmus Senior Charter Broker, Associate CYBA Member

How Much Does a French Riviera Catamaran Charter Cost?

Crewed catamarans on the French Riviera often start around €30,000 to €60,000 per week, with larger luxury catamarans and power cats commonly €70,000 to €200,000+. Superyacht-level power catamarans sit well above that. On top of the weekly rate, budget for:

VAT: 20% French charter tax
APA: 30-40% for fuel, food, drinks, and berths
Crew gratuity: 10-15%, based on service

See our full French Riviera charter costs guide →

Where to Go on a French Riviera Catamaran Charter

Cannes, Antibes, and the Lerins Islands: short cruising days, lunch at anchor, and the yacht as a spacious base
Villefranche, Cap Ferrat, and Monaco: scenic anchorages at a softer pace, good for families
St Tropez and Pampelonne: possible on the right itinerary, though it rewards planning the day around the crowds