French Riviera
The French Riviera including the Côte d'Azur is one of the most famous resort areas in the world and is the name given to the Mediterranean coastal area of France between Cassis and Menton.
This is a privileged and exclusive region with a fabulous climate, very beautiful landscapes and abundant diversity in its many towns, cities, ports and anchorages.
Perfect sailing conditions with generally calm seas provide a fantastic cruising area for the visiting charterer. France has developed a thriving yacht charter industry, with a wide range of charter options and is one of the premier nations in the world of sailing.
From the sophisticated clubs and casinos of Monaco, to the quaint ports of Ville Franche and St Jean Cap Ferrat. The area also boasts lovely tranquil anchorages with unassuming waterside seafood restaurants.
A few miles back from the shore is a less publicized side of the Riviera --- a world of romantic hill towns and worn-down stone stairs and cobbled byways lead through modest hamlets crowding around ancient chateaux’s. With so many charter options, such a beautiful destination, perfect sailing conditions and excellent facilities the French Riviera will exceed all your holiday expectations.
» Easily accessible (Direct flights from Europe)
» Varied and interesting sailing areas
» Combine with a city stay
» Sailing and sighseeing
Weather Conditions
Climate
General weather for the French Riviera
The glamour, class and fame of the Cote D’Azur is accompanied by a glorious typical Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters. The unique position that the French Riviera holds between the Mediterranean Sea and the French Alps creates a micro-climate that makes the area's weather so delightful.
Warm sunny days can be found all year round. The scorching hot summer days are broken up by the evening sea breezes which waft over the resort and provide a cool break from the heat and create an ideal atmosphere to enjoy what this alluring picturesque town has to offer. In the summer temperatures can reach highs of 30 ºC but generally sit in the mid twenties.
The famous "Mistral" wind does occur intermittently throughout the year, especially in the Var region (the western area) that is closer to the Rhone Valley where it originates. This can produce some exciting or hazardous sailing conditions. Water temperatures are in the 70's to low 80's in the summer, perfect for water sports of all kinds.
Average Conditions - French Riviera:
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
High Temperature ( C ) |
13 |
13 |
15 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
28 |
28 |
25 |
21 |
16 |
13 |
Low Temperature ( C ) |
4 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
13 |
16 |
18 |
18 |
16 |
13 |
9 |
6 |
Precipitation (mm) |
78 |
82 |
73 |
54 |
50 |
38 |
14 |
41 |
65 |
100 |
105 |
86 |
Average Sunshine Hours |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
12 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
Current Forecast:
| Day | Temp | Wind | Wave | Vis | Weather |
| Sat 14th |
14°C |
14 kts |
-3277.6 ft | 8 km |
|
| Sun 15th |
14°C |
10 kts |
-3277.6 ft | 5 km |
|
| Mon 16th |
16°C |
18 kts |
-3277.6 ft | 9 km |
|
| Tue 17th |
16°C |
20 kts |
-3277.6 ft | 10+ km |
|
| Wed 18th |
16°C |
20 kts |
-3277.6 ft | 10+ km |
|
General Information
Flights to France
The national airline is Air France (AF) (www.airfrance.com).
Flight Times:
From London to Paris is 1 hour, and from New York is 7 hours.
Departure Tax:
None.
Passport and visa:
Passports are required for nationals from Britain, Australia, Canada and the US. Other EU nationals need to check their requirments.
Visas:
Neither visas nor return tickets are required for nationals from Britain, Australia, Canada and the US, or other EU nationals.
Health:
If European visitors or any of their dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to France, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Full travel insurance is advised for all.
Money:
Currency:
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Language:
French is the official language. There are many regional dialects, but these are rapidly declining, with the exception of Basque, which is spoken as a first language by some people in the southwest, and Breton, which is spoken by some in Brittany. Many people speak at least some English.
Internet:
Public access is available at Internet cafés in most cities.
Mobile telephone:
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.
Telephone:
Card-only telephones are common, with pre-paid cards bought from post offices and tabacs; coin boxes are being phased out throughout the country. International calls are cheaper between Mon-Fri 1900-0800 and all day Sat-Sun. Calls can be received at all phone boxes showing the sign of a blue bell.
