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adventure · Villefranche

Self-Skippered Boat Hire: Explore Cap Ferrat by Sea

Take command of your own private motorboat and circumnavigate the legendary Cap Ferrat peninsula — discovering secret coves, the villas of royalty and rock stars, and the clearest water on the entire Côte d'Azur.

What to expect

After a brief on-dock briefing, you cast off from Villefranche's picturesque harbour into one of the deepest natural bays in the Mediterranean. Hug the coastline south toward Cap Ferrat, cutting the engine in a hidden cove for a swim in pellucid blue-green water before the sheer white limestone cliffs. Round the cap to spot the Belle Époque palaces of the ultra-wealthy, then cross to Beaulieu-sur-Mer for a café stop before looping back. Seabirds, sea bream flickering below the hull, and the scent of pine and salt — genuinely unforgettable.

Book it with
Location de Bateaux Villefranche (local boat hire, Villefranche port)
From EUR 120–180 per half-day (no licence required for boats under 6hp; skippered options from EUR 350)
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Good to know

No boating licence required for small electric or low-powered craft; larger speedboats require an EU boating certificate. Book the boat for the morning (08:30–13:00) to return comfortably before all-aboard. Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and a cooler bag with snacks. Boats depart directly from the old port, 5 minutes on foot from the tender landing.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Villefranche — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Oceania · Oceania Sirena
10 nights · calls at Villefranche
from $2,550
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Viking Ocean · Viking Star
7 nights · calls at Villefranche
from $2,699
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Viking Ocean · Viking Saturn
7 nights · calls at Villefranche
from $2,699
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Viking Ocean · Viking Neptune
7 nights · calls at Villefranche
from $2,799
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See all cruises to Villefranche →
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