South of France Experts

[Truro Ex Pat]

Just looking at moving to SOFF for summer and was wondering what the best marinas would be.
Like Antibes but other options.
Wanted somewhere with a bit of life, restaurants and bars within walking distance got teenagers so looking for lively place.
Thanks

 

[Portofino]

I don,t think you can just choose in the CdA
Rent -you will end up at the whim of the law of supply / demand ,which intensifies the closer you are to the Airport .

I,ve seen grown men and women reduced to tears in the Capitenarie when the initial 2-3 weeks or months is over ( owners returning ) and there's nowt available .
You will end up where there is a berth -so will have to make do there

Buy - then yes take your pick .

What size boat ?

 

[mcanderson]

When you say for summer are you just looking for a berth for that period? We are on an annual rental berth and it took 4 years on a wait list. I think you need to come up with a plan. You will not get much choice and you will have to be flexible. One of the bigger yards might have space for you to stay on shore and then lifted in when you come down to use your yacht. No idea of the costs, but it's an idea. Google Monaco Marine. They might be able to help reduce your bank balance.

 

[EME]

Just looking at moving to SOFF for summer and was wondering what the best marinas would be.
Like Antibes but other options.
Wanted somewhere with a bit of life, restaurants and bars within walking distance got teenagers so looking for lively place.
Thanks

With youngsters who need nightlife then :-

Both Cannes ports
Antibes
St Trop
Nice ( little chance)
St Laurent du Var (for Nice fleshpots, and no other reason) .

would be my suggestions, but as Portofino says you're a bit late to get a 'seasonal' rental otherwise the whole world would do it ....... but never say never. Just try the capitaineries / berth specialists although you will pay a premium through the latter as they need to 'make it happen'.

 

[Nick_H]

You may have a choice of summer rental berths in some places west of St Tropez, but in Cote d'Azur the marina tends to choose you, rather than the other way around.

If you did want to be in Cd'A, then it's worth contacting the capitaineries in the places EME mentions, but your best chance is to find a local agent who may know of sub-lets available, and may be able to swing it with the port. You'll inevitably pay more than the normal rental, typically 1.5x.