Barcelona
Many Mediterranean cruises to the French Riviera start or end sailings in Spain. If you get the chance, do explore this Catalan gem, home to ancient streets and rich tapas.
French Riviera Small Ship Cruises
The French Riviera may just be the most chic beach destination in the world, complete with spectacular natural beauty (golden beaches, the blue Mediterranean Sea, neighboring snow-capped mountains) and an international luxury lifestyle.
Expect world-famous designer boutiques filled with the latest French and Italian ready to wear, vibrant beach clubs with bottle service and curtained daybeds, and elegant restaurants serving up plateau de fruits de mer on elegant ice-filled silver trays. Just don’t even think about going to bed early here, where nightlife is a big part of the draw. The exclusive nightclub scene draws a sophisticated crowd of revelers, who queue up at the velvet ropes each night. Here, the most dashing of the partygoers arrive by private yacht, of course, and pop Champagne bottles into the wee hours of the morning.
Speak to the Expert
The region has a combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and exclusive towns and beaches, with a small ship cruise providing the perfect way to experience it as if you are a celebrity. One of my favorite gems of the French Riviera is Èze, a medieval village perched high on a cliff, where visitors can stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, browse artisan shops, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Jardin Exotique.
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Muno
Cruise Specialist
The Best French Riviera Small Ship Cruises
Small ship cruises take you to this region’s elegant and sophisticated ports in small groups, so you can blend in among the sun worshippers and take your rightful place on the shore.
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When to go: Apr - Nov
Windstar CruisesBest of the Rivieras Cruise
Barcelona, Palamos, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Portofino, Portoferraio, Rome
7 NightsFrom £2,099 PPCruise the Mediterranean along the French and Italian Rivieras, taking in the spectacular views... -
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When to go: May - September
SeaDream Yacht ClubFrench Riviera Discovery Cruise
Nice, St. Tropez, Monte Carlo, Sanary-sur-Mer, Cassis, Roses, Tarragona, Barcelona
7 NightsFrom £4,168 PPExplore the glorious Mediterranean coast on a week-long cruise aboard a luxurious SeaDream yacht.... -
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When to go: April - October
Star ClippersHighlights of Corsica & French Riviera Cruise
Nice, Portofino, Propriano, Alghero, Calvi, Sanary-sur-Mer, St. Tropez, Nice
7 NightsFrom £1,815 PPThe French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, spans 550 miles of breathtaking coastline between Saint-Tropez...
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Why We Love French Riviera Small Ship Cruises
Muno
Cruise Specialist
Large ship cruises have their place, but we’ll make the case that the French Riviera isn’t it. Here, you’ll want to don a maxi dress or linen trousers with a button down and slip into your largest sun hat, most oversize sunglasses, and simplest handmade leather sandals, custom fit by a local cobbler. Neither Chanel nor Louis Vuitton are out of place in this escape for the rich and famous — not in St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice, or even in the smaller towns that serve as jumping off points for the unforgettable sights of Provence. Highlights include the Musée Matisse in Nice and the Musée Picasso in Antibes as well as the casino in Monte Carlo, but you’ll want to spend most of your time outside, stretched out under a striped umbrella on the shore, dining on a seaside terrace, or roaming the lavender fields in the countryside outside of Marseille.
Best places to visit on French Riviera Small Ship Cruises
Cassis
This Mediterranean fishing port is home to pebble-lined beaches and limestone cliffs plus hauls of the sea bream and monkfish that are cooked into a French fish stew called bouillabaisse.
Monte Carlo
Located in the principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo is one of the world’s wealthiest spots. Known as “the billionaire’s playground,” the streets are lined with opulent shops and race cars.
Nice
Throughout the years, artists have been drawn here for the light. Admire the way it hits the city from the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, and from the weekly antiques market.
Sanary-Sur-Mer
Sanary has a small town feel: The historic center is just behind the port, where more than a hundred fishing boats peddle their fresh catch on the quai each morning.
St. Tropez
This small town is one of the most sophisticated beach destinations in the Mediterranean. The old port neighborhood is a juxtaposition of working fishing boats and elegant little sidewalk cafes.
Tarragona
This Catalan port city in northeastern Spain is home to ancient ruins, including a medieval Old Town with pebble mosaic walkways as well as a second-century amphitheater that’s worth touring.
Best time for a French Riviera Small Ship Cruise
The peak season here coincides with the sunshine, as summer stretches from May to September in a series of memorable perfect golden-hued days. Lavender fields are in vivid bloom from June to August and sunflowers open their gorgeous yellow petals in June and July. Fields full of “Herbs de Provence” — thyme, rosemary, and sage — are also at their fragrant peak in summer. August and September are when grapes are harvested by the local vineyards. Just as the rosé is bottled, mills start the process of harvesting and pressing the region’s “liquid gold” — grassy, gorgeous olive oil.
Insider Tips
Monaco Grand Prix
The world’s most famous car race, the annual Monaco Grand Prix is held in late May/early June with drivers racing through Monte Carlo’s narrow, winding streets. For a bucket-list experience, book an exclusive behind-the-scenes look that includes watching the drivers prepare, stellar track views, yacht parties, and more.
Buying lavender soap at a French market
France is renowned for its lavender fields, with purple hues blanketing the Provence countryside. There are many products made from the aromatic flowers, including soaps that capture the essence of the region. One of the must-buys at any French market, it makes for ideal gifts or to bring home for yourself.
Strolling the famous Promenade des Anglais
Translating to “English Walk,” the world-famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice stretches approximately 4.3 miles. Ideal for a stroll with picturesque views of swaying palms and the endless blue of the Mediterranean Sea, along the way enjoy street food, busker performances, and occasional events like the Nice Carnival.
Menton Lemon Festival
Held in Menton from around mid-February through early March, the Menton Lemon Festival, or Fête du Citron, celebrates the citrus fruits grown in the region. It features parades with floats made from citrus fruits, craft fairs, and more. After the festivities, some 140 tons of fruit used in the floats are sold.
Visiting the 'perched' town of St Paul de Vence
The medieval walled village of St. Paul de Vence enjoys a hilltop perch for awe-inspiring coastal views from nearly every vantage point. While exploring the pedestrianized cobbled streets you’ll find two perfumeries and numerous art galleries, including the Maeght Foundation with one of the world’s most significant private modern art collections.
Hit the exclusive beach of Pampelonne
Tucked into a beautiful bay, Pampelonne is the most famous beach in Saint Tropez. Stretching over three miles, it hosts the most exclusive and famous beach clubs, dozens of superyachts, and A-list celebrities. Indulge in a luxury experience, or toss down a beach towel in the free, public area.
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