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Catamaran Charters on the French Riviera

A French Riviera catamaran charter is right for you if you want more space for the budget, a stable platform, easy swimming, and much lower fuel use than a similar-size motor yacht.

It is especially strong for families and relaxed groups who want Cannes, Antibes, the Lerins Islands, Cap Ferrat, beach days, long lunches, and comfortable time at anchor. If your plan is fast transfers every day, a motor yacht will usually fit better.

What to Know Before Booking a Catamaran Here

The French Riviera is not as catamaran-heavy as Greece, Croatia, or the Caribbean. The best luxury catamarans do charter here, but there are fewer of them, and the strongest options book early for July, August, and event weeks.

There are two very different catamaran experiences. Sailing catamarans are slower, but give you the pleasure of sailing and excellent fuel efficiency. Power catamarans can be much faster, with huge volume for the length and a layout that feels closer to a motor yacht.

There is also a new generation of superyacht-level power catamarans, including yachts such as THIS IS IT and SEAWOLF X. These are not basic charter cats; they are serious Med charter yachts with space, design, and amenities that compete in a different league.

Where Catamarans Work Best in the South of France

Cannes, Antibes, and the Lerins Islands: ideal for short cruising days, lunch at anchor, swimming, and using the yacht as a spacious private base.

Villefranche, Cap Ferrat, and Monaco: good for scenic anchorages and a softer Riviera pace, especially for families or groups who want more time onboard.

St Tropez and Pampelonne Beach: possible on the right itinerary, but plan the route carefully. A sailing catamaran is not the tool for aggressive point-to-point transfers; a power catamaran may work better if speed matters.

Superyacht-level power cats: a new generation of power catamarans, including standout yachts such as THIS IS IT and SEAWOLF X, is changing what a catamaran can mean in the Med. These yachts charter across the Mediterranean and beyond, so early booking is essential.

How Much Does a French Riviera Catamaran Charter Cost?

Crewed catamaran charters on the French Riviera often start around €30,000-€60,000 per week, with larger luxury catamarans and power catamarans commonly ranging from €70,000-€200,000+ per week. Superyacht-level power catamarans can sit well above that.

The weekly charter rate is only the base price. You should also budget for VAT, APA, food and drinks, dockage, delivery fees where relevant, and crew gratuity. APA is usually around 25-35% of the charter fee, and crew gratuity is commonly 10-15%.

Compared with a motor yacht in the same price range, a catamaran can offer extremely strong value: more volume, more deck space, and much better fuel consumption. For a fuller breakdown, see our French Riviera yacht charter cost guide.

How We Shortlist Catamarans

We do not recommend catamarans based only on cabin count or brochure photos. For South of France catamaran charters, we look closely at crew reputation, deck layout, shade, cabin comfort, tender access, water toys, swim platform setup, stability, speed, fuel efficiency, and how well the yacht fits your planned route.

Availability matters more here than in some destinations. The French Riviera has incredible catamarans, but it is not as catamaran-heavy as Greece, Croatia, or the Caribbean. The best luxury cats and power cats book quickly, especially for high summer.

Our Curated Catamaran Picks

8 Best Luxury Catamarans to Charter on the French Riviera

Power Catamaran Charters on the French Riviera

Is a catamaran worth it in the South of France?

Yes, if you want more space and stability for the budget, lower fuel consumption, and a yacht that works beautifully for swimming, outdoor dining, and relaxed short-hop Riviera itineraries. The best options book early because the French Riviera is still more motor yacht and superyacht dominated.

Where should a catamaran charter start?

Cannes and Antibes are practical starting points for many French Riviera catamaran charters. Nice, Monaco, and St Tropez can also work depending on the yacht, berth, delivery needs, and itinerary.

Can we visit Monaco, Cannes, and St Tropez by catamaran?

Yes, but the itinerary needs to be paced carefully. Sailing catamarans are slower than motor yachts, while newer power catamarans can perform much better. In both cases, fewer long transfers usually makes for a better charter week.

Should we choose a sailing catamaran or a power catamaran?

Choose a sailing catamaran if you want the pleasure of sailing, lower fuel use, and strong outdoor living space. Choose a power catamaran if you want more speed, more volume, and a layout closer to a motor yacht while keeping the stability and efficiency of two hulls.

What extra costs should we expect?

Expect VAT, APA, food and drinks, dockage, possible delivery fees, fuel, and crew gratuity on top of the weekly base rate. Fuel is usually much lower than on a comparable motor yacht, but it still depends on route, speed, and engine use.