French Riviera Boat Itinerary: Nice to Monaco
Guide

French Riviera Boat Itinerary: Nice to Monaco

April 1, 202515 min readBoat Rental South France

The perfect day-by-day itinerary for exploring the Côte d'Azur by boat, from Nice to Monaco and beyond.

Morning: Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer

Depart from Port Lympia around 9 AM. As you leave Nice, look back for a stunning view of the city framed by the Alps. The first stop is Villefranche Bay, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and colorful waterfront — one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the Mediterranean.

  • Departure from Port Lympia at 9:00 AM
  • Scenic cruise past the Château de Nice and Mont Boron
  • First swimming stop in Villefranche Bay
  • Optional: anchor near the Citadel for photos

Late Morning: Cap Ferrat Peninsula

Cruise around the exclusive Cap Ferrat peninsula, home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world. The coastline features spectacular villas, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Paloma Beach on the eastern side is a popular swimming spot with exceptional snorkeling.

Midday: Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Lunch

Continue east to charming Beaulieu-sur-Mer with its elegant belle-époque waterfront. This is an excellent spot for a lunch stop — your skipper can recommend waterfront restaurants, or you can enjoy a catered lunch on board while anchored in the sheltered bay.

  • Waterfront restaurants in Beaulieu
  • Catered lunch on board option
  • Sheltered anchorage for relaxed dining
  • Excellent swimming and snorkeling nearby

Afternoon: Eze and Cap-d'Ail

After lunch, cruise past the dramatic coastline below the hilltop village of Eze, where cliffs plunge straight into the sea. The waters off Cap-d'Ail, just before Monaco, are known for their exceptional clarity and make an excellent afternoon swimming stop.

Evening: Monaco and Return

Arrive in Monaco by late afternoon and cruise into Port Hercules with the Casino and Hotel de Paris rising above. The return journey to Nice in the evening light is magical — the setting sun paints the cliffs gold and pink, and coastal town lights begin to twinkle. Arrive back at Port Lympia around 7 or 8 PM.

FAQ

By boat, Nice to Monaco takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on stops along the way.
Absolutely! Your skipper will anchor at the best swimming spots with crystal-clear water.
The Nice → Villefranche → Cap Ferrat → Monaco route is our most popular. It covers stunning coastline, hidden coves, and the glamour of Monte Carlo.

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French Riviera Boat Itinerary: Nice to Monaco