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Planning a luxurious yacht trip along the Côte d'Azur? Be sure to include the charming nearby islands in your itinerary, offering a perfect blend of seclusion and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the top islands along the French Riviera that are worth visiting during your dream yacht cruise.
Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest island in the Lérins archipelago, is a serene paradise near Cannes that provides a tranquil escape from the bustling beaches of the French Riviera. With its crystal-clear waters and charming wild beaches surrounded by pine forests, it’s the perfect place to unwind. While mooring near this island, don’t miss the chance to dive around the underwater sculptures created by the British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Be sure to also visit the Maritime Museum and the Royal Fort, which famously once held in prison the mysterious “Man in the Iron Mask.”
Île Saint-Honorat, a smaller island located south of Île Sainte-Marguerite, is home to Cistercian monks who have lived in a monastery founded in the 5th century. A visit to the abbey is a must while cruising in the area. The monks produce wine, the renowned Lérina liqueur, honey, and lavender oil – all of which can be purchased at their shop, making for the perfect souvenir from your yacht journey along the Côte d'Azur. The island also features scenic spots for swimming, diving, leisurely walks, and picnicking amidst nature.
Near the Giens Peninsula lies a true hidden gem of the Côte d'Azur – Île de Porquerolles. The largest island in the Îles d'Hyères archipelago offers everything you could desire during a yacht cruise. Renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and well-preserved natural landscapes within the Port-Cros National Park, it’s a destination not to be missed. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover the Villa Carmignac art centre, a 4-star hotel, and classic luxury residences of southern France. Additionally, the 12-square-kilometre island, with its vineyards and olive groves, is home to several forts and their ruins. Each summer, Porquerolles hosts a local jazz festival, which could be a delightful way to spend an evening during your yacht cruise.
About 15 kilometres east of Île de Porquerolles lies the smaller Île du Levant, another gem in the Îles d'Hyères archipelago. While much of the island is under military control, the area open to visitors, known as Heliopolis—meaning "City of the Sun" in Greek—is a renowned naturist resort. This tranquil destination, enveloped by wild natural beauty, offers a serene escape with elegant hotels, luxurious villas, and refined restaurants. The island also features several picturesque coves, perfect for anchoring your yacht and enjoying a swim in the crystal-clear azure waters.
Before heading from the Giens Peninsula to Île de Porquerolles, consider a brief stop at Île du Grand Ribaud. This small, private island was purchased in the late 19th century by Professor Charles Richet, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 1913. Today, the island is managed by his descendants, with only a small section, featuring a lighthouse and a Napoleonic fort, under State ownership. The island’s rocky coastline lacks natural beaches, while its interior is home to holm oaks, mastic trees, strawberry trees, myrtle shrubs, and scattered olive and pine trees.
This lush green island, located just 1 km west of Île du Levant, is part of Europe’s first marine national park, the Port-Cros National Park. Its abundant vegetation is fed by natural springs, and the strict protection of its environment provides a haven for rare wildlife species, such as the Tyrrhenian painted frog and the European leaf-toed gecko. The island offers several picturesque beaches perfect for a stopover during your cruise. Around the marina in Port-Cros, you’ll find a charming promenade lined with a few restaurants, hotels, and luxury villas.
Nestled between Marseille and Toulon, the charming Île des Embiez is the centrepiece of an archipelago sharing its name. In 1958, the island was acquired by French entrepreneur Paul Ricard, who spent years transforming it into a recreational haven while carefully preserving its natural environment. Today, Île des Embiez features a well-equipped marina for yachts, several hotels and restaurants, a tennis court, and the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute. While visiting the island, be sure to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters that surround this picturesque retreat.
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