For some clients, a yacht is a way to enjoy the summer on the French Riviera with complete freedom and privacy. For others, it is a carefully considered asset that opens access to the Mediterranean, the prestigious ports of Monaco, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Antibes, as well as cruising routes to Corsica or Sardinia.
When choosing a yacht, clients increasingly look beyond size and price. The reputation of the shipyard, engineering quality, layout and onboard comfort are becoming just as important as seaworthiness, fuel consumption, charter potential and future liquidity. This is why established European brands remain highly attractive, from Italian shipyards known for design to British builders specialising in sporty motor yachts.
Azimut: Contemporary Italian Style and Versatility
Azimut remains one of the most recognisable brands in the motor yacht segment. The shipyard is appreciated for its contemporary design, bright interiors, comfortable leisure areas and wide model range, from compact yachts for day trips to large flybridge yachts designed for longer cruises.
For charter on the French Riviera, Azimut is often chosen by clients looking for comfort, good cruising performance and a practical layout for a family or a group of friends. These yachts are well suited to sea trips along the Côte d’Azur, routes to the Lérins Islands, Monaco, Cannes or Saint-Tropez.
Ferretti Yachts and Custom Line: Elegance, Comfort and Italian Engineering
Ferretti Yachts is one of the leading Italian brands for clients seeking a balanced combination of design, seakeeping ability and a high level of comfort. Ferretti yachts are well suited both to private use and premium charter: they offer spacious cabins, well-designed deck areas, stabilisation and a comfortable organisation of life on board.
In 2026, particular attention remains focused on yachts of around 30 to 35 metres. This is already a full luxury charter format, while still remaining flexible enough for itineraries along the French Riviera, Monaco, Corsica and Sardinia. Models such as the Ferretti Yachts 1000 or the Ferretti Custom Line Navetta 33 are interesting options both for private ownership and for charter use.
Sunseeker: British Character and Sporty Dynamics
Sunseeker is traditionally associated with dynamic design, powerful engines and a distinctive sporty silhouette. These yachts are often chosen by clients who value not only comfort and prestige, but also the pleasure of navigation, speed and a strong visual presence.
Sunseeker models are particularly well suited to the French Riviera. They work well for short passages between Nice, Cannes, Monaco and Saint-Tropez, as well as for longer Mediterranean routes. The Sunseeker Manhattan 68, for example, is a modern flybridge motor yacht with a spacious layout and the comfort required for family cruising.
Riva: A Classic of Italian Yachting
Riva is not simply a yacht brand, but one of the symbols of Italian style on the water. The brand is known for elegant lines, attention to detail, premium materials and a distinctive aesthetic that fits naturally with the atmosphere of the French Riviera.
Riva yachts are chosen by clients for whom the technical side is only part of the decision. The visual identity of the yacht is equally important. A Riva is often seen as an extension of a refined, confident and discreetly luxurious lifestyle. The Riva Corsaro 100 Flybridge is a strong example: a 29-metre yacht with 5 cabins and modern equipment.
Pershing: Speed, Design and Emotion
Pershing is the choice for those seeking a more sporty and emotional yachting experience. These yachts are known for their sleek profile, high performance, dynamic handling and contemporary Italian design. Pershing is often chosen by owners and charter clients who want not only to reach a destination, but also to enjoy the passage itself.
This type of yacht is particularly well suited to active Mediterranean itineraries: Cannes to Saint-Tropez, Monaco to Cap-Ferrat, Antibes to the Lérins Islands. The Pershing 6X is an example of a sporty model with expressive design and impressive performance.
Sanlorenzo: Individuality and Understated Luxury
Sanlorenzo occupies a special place among premium yacht brands. The shipyard is known for its architectural approach to space, individual customisation and a more understated, intelligent vision of luxury. It is a choice for clients who value quality, privacy and personalisation rather than ostentation.
On the brokerage market, Sanlorenzo yachts often attract interest thanks to the brand’s reputation and stable demand among knowledgeable yacht clients. For buyers considering entry into the premium motor yacht segment, the Sanlorenzo SL 82 on the French Riviera can be an interesting option.
Monte Carlo Yachts: A Modern Approach to Comfort and Design
Monte Carlo Yachts is a brand that combines contemporary aesthetics, technology and quality of life on board. These yachts are often chosen for comfortable holidays in the Mediterranean: spacious decks, bright interiors, stabilisation, water toys and a well-organised layout make them attractive for both family and corporate charter.
For charter on the French Riviera, Monte Carlo Yachts models are well suited to itineraries along the Côte d’Azur, Monaco and nearby Mediterranean destinations.
Which Yachts Are Clients Choosing in 2026?
In 2026, clients increasingly choose yachts not only by brand, but also according to how they plan to use them. For short day trips, speed, easy boarding and comfortable deck areas are essential. For a week-long charter, the number of cabins, stabilisation, crew, beach club, water toys and comfort at anchor become more important. For purchase, buyers also need to assess the yacht’s technical condition, maintenance history, brand liquidity, charter potential and suitability for the owner’s real needs.
On the French Riviera, the most sought-after yachts are those that make it easy to build flexible itineraries between Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, Saint-Tropez and the islands. This is why brands combining prestige, reliability, comfort and recognisable design remain especially popular: Azimut, Ferretti, Sunseeker, Riva, Pershing, Sanlorenzo, Monte Carlo Yachts and other leading European shipyards.
How to Choose a Yacht for Purchase or Charter
The best choice depends on the client’s objectives. For a charter of a few days or a week, it is important to define the itinerary, number of guests, preferred level of service, budget and type of experience in advance: a family cruise, a romantic escape, a business event or a holiday with friends.
For purchase, it is also necessary to evaluate the yacht’s technical condition, year of build, refit history, maintenance costs, home port, crew, insurance and potential income from charter. Brand reputation also plays an important role: established shipyards generally provide a clearer resale market, stable demand and greater trust from future buyers or charter clients.
Yacht ServiceAzur helps clients select yachts for charter and purchase on the French Riviera, in Monaco and throughout the Mediterranean. With strong knowledge of the local market, port infrastructure and the specific requirements of yacht operation on the Côte d’Azur, the team supports clients at every stage — from the initial selection to viewings, charter arrangements, purchase and ongoing assistance.
