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Power Catamaran Charters on the French Riviera

A power catamaran charter on the French Riviera is for clients who like the space and stability of a catamaran, but do not want the slower pace of a sailing cat.

This is the sweet spot: more volume than many monohull motor yachts in the same price range, better fuel efficiency, strong deck space, and enough speed for a proper Riviera itinerary when the yacht is chosen well.

What Makes a Power Catamaran Different?

A power catamaran has two hulls like a sailing catamaran, but it is built around engine power rather than sails. That means more speed, more predictable routing, and a charter style closer to a motor yacht.

The big advantage is space. Because of the beam, power cats often feel much larger than their length suggests, with wide salons, big aft decks, strong foredeck areas, and easy swim-platform access. For families and groups who want comfort without jumping straight into full superyacht pricing, they can be excellent value.

What to Know Before Booking One Here

The French Riviera is still dominated by motor yachts and superyachts, so the power-catamaran fleet is smaller. The strongest options book early, especially for July, August, Monaco, Cannes, and peak Mediterranean weeks.

Not all power cats are the same. Some are practical, comfortable family charter yachts. Others are part of a newer superyacht-level movement, with yachts such as THIS IS IT and SEAWOLF X showing how far the category has moved in design, volume, and onboard amenities.

If you want the speed and polish of a motor yacht but care strongly about space, stability, and fuel efficiency, a power catamaran is worth looking at early in the shortlist process.

Where Power Catamarans Work Best on the Riviera

Cannes, Antibes, and the Lerins Islands: ideal for short transfers, swimming, lunch at anchor, and making the most of the yacht’s deck space.

Cap Ferrat, Villefranche, and Monaco: strong for scenic cruising, stable days at anchor, and a comfortable base near the eastern Riviera.

St Tropez and Pampelonne Beach: very possible on the right power catamaran, especially if speed and range are part of the yacht’s actual performance profile.

Longer Med routes: possible on larger power cats, but delivery, cruising speed, fuel use, and itinerary design should be checked carefully before promising too much.

How Much Does a French Riviera Power Catamaran Charter Cost?

Crewed power catamaran charters on the French Riviera often start around €40,000-€80,000 per week, with larger luxury power catamarans commonly ranging from €90,000-€250,000+ per week. The most advanced superyacht-level power cats can go higher.

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

Fuel use is usually much better than a comparable monohull motor yacht, but it still depends on speed, route, hull design, and how much distance you cover. For a fuller breakdown, see our French Riviera yacht charter cost guide.

How We Shortlist Power Catamarans

We look closely at real cruising speed, fuel efficiency, crew reputation, tender setup, deck layout, shade, cabin comfort, stabilizing effect, swim-platform access, water toys, and whether the yacht’s range fits your intended route.

The best power catamaran is not simply the fastest one. It is the yacht that gives your group the right balance of space, comfort, performance, and Riviera practicality.

Our Curated Power Catamaran Picks

8 Best Luxury Catamarans to Charter on the French Riviera

Is a power catamaran worth it on the French Riviera?

Yes, if you want more space and stability than many monohull motor yachts, but still need enough speed for a Riviera itinerary. The best power cats are especially strong for families, groups, and clients who care about comfort and fuel efficiency.

Are power catamarans faster than sailing catamarans?

Usually, yes. Power catamarans are designed around engine performance, so they can cover Riviera distances more easily than most sailing cats. Actual speed still depends on the yacht, sea state, fuel plan, and route.

Are power catamarans cheaper to run than motor yachts?

Often, yes. A well-designed power catamaran can use less fuel than a comparable monohull motor yacht, especially at sensible cruising speeds. It is still a powered yacht, so fuel should be planned carefully.

Do power catamarans feel like superyachts?

Some do. Newer large power catamarans such as THIS IS IT and SEAWOLF X show how far the category has moved, with serious volume, design, amenities, and Med charter appeal. Smaller power cats are usually more practical and family-focused.

When should we book a power catamaran?

Early. The French Riviera has fewer strong power catamaran options than motor yachts, and the best ones can move around the Med. For July, August, Monaco, Cannes, or specific yachts, start as early as possible.