AQUILA yacht charter French Riviera | 86m Superyacht
· 6 min read
For those considering an AQUILA yacht charter French Riviera, this 85.6m rebuilt superyacht offers rare volume, serene interiors, and effortless Riviera cruising. Designed for multi-day voyages, AQUILA is a statement platform for privacy, celebration, and measured exploration.
Yacht overview
Rebuilt in 2016 by Pendennis, AQUILA pairs imposing scale with a calming, contemporary aesthetic ideal for extended Mediterranean seasons. At approximately 86 metres (85.6m LOA), she is engineered for smooth, quiet passages between Saint‑Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and Monaco. Broad, open decks and multi‑level guest areas balance discretion with convivial space, while a refined beach‑club concept places the water at the heart of each day. The main salon is arranged for long indoor comfort with uninterrupted sea views; dining terraces encourage al‑fresco service from breakfast to late‑night cocktails. Technical upgrades enhance stability and autonomy for slow, unhurried coastal cruising—precisely the rhythm a discerning AQUILA yacht charter French Riviera demands. Whether hosting family time offshore Pampelonne or arriving by tender for dinner in Monaco, AQUILA delivers a grand yet tranquil way to experience the coastline.
Yacht specifications
AQUILA’s dimensions and staffing are calibrated for comfort, privacy, and reliability over a full Riviera season. Her wide beam translates to generous interior volume and expansive deck real estate; the yacht’s vertical circulation is supported by an elevator serving all decks. Seven guest cabins, including a master suite with a private balcony, are designed for extended stays and mixed‑generation groups. Robust engineering and upgraded stabilisation support safe, stable passages and quiet nights at anchor. With a professional crew of 28, onboard operations—from hotel service to toys and tender logistics—run with precision befitting a superyacht of this class. Below are the essential particulars for planning.
Key figures
- Length: 85.6 metres
- Guests: up to 12 sleeping
- Cabins: 7 staterooms
- Crew: 28
- Year rebuilt/refitted: 2016 (Pendennis)
- Elevator serving all decks
- Master suite with private balcony
Onboard experience
Interiors emphasise calm: pale tones, tactile finishes, and full‑height glazing that keeps the sea in view. The main salon and sky lounge are arranged for long, unhurried days—reading, cinema, afternoon tea—without losing the horizon. On the sun deck, a large jacuzzi, shaded lounges, and a well‑equipped Technogym fitness area create a natural all‑day circuit. The sea‑level beach club is the social core, streamlining water access for swimmers and guests using the full toy fleet. An elevator connects every deck for effortless movement, while the master’s private balcony is a discreet retreat for breakfast or a nightcap. High‑bandwidth Wi‑Fi, satellite communications, and modern AV systems keep work and entertainment seamless. For guests seeking a luxury yacht rental French Riviera with genuine indoor‑outdoor flow, AQUILA’s layout supports parallel activities—sunbathing, workouts, kids on the slide, quiet reading—without compromise.
Best destinations & anchorages from the French Riviera
AQUILA’s scale is best enjoyed at anchor off signature bays, with tenders providing swift shore access. Classic stops include Pampelonne (Ramatuelle) for lunch ashore and an afternoon swim; Cap Taillat for translucent shallows; La Garoupe off Cap d’Antibes for sunset; and the sheltered bowl of Villefranche‑sur‑Mer beneath Cap Ferrat. Off Cannes, the Îles de Lérins offer pine‑scented anchorages and clear water; a tender hop to La Guérite sets the tone for late lunches. Eastward, Eze‑sur‑Mer and Plage Mala reward with dramatic limestone backdrops before a Monaco evening. Distances remain civilized: Cannes–Lérins by tender is 15–20 minutes; Saint‑Tropez–Cannes is a half‑day coastal run depending on conditions and desired speed. Your captain will navigate local anchoring rules and protected zones to secure quiet water and streamlined tender routes for each shore engagement.
Beach clubs & shore highlights
The Riviera’s beach culture is a key part of an AQUILA charter. Off Pampelonne, Club 55, Nikki Beach, Les Palmiers, and Bagatelle are perennial choices; Loulou Ramatuelle and La Réserve à la Plage suit longer, languid lunches. Around Cannes, La Guérite on Sainte‑Marguerite pairs island calm with a lively afternoon scene. On Cap d’Antibes, Paloma Beach and the terraces near Hotel du Cap‑Eden‑Roc are classic photo stops (tender access by prior arrangement). To the east, Anjuna in Eze and La Mala (Cap d’Ail) deliver cliffside drama before a Monaco nightcap at the Casino or a late table in the Carré d’Or. Your crew manages tender drop‑offs, reservations, and timing so the day flows—swim, lunch, another swim, then back aboard as the lights come up along the bays.
Sample multi‑day itineraries from the French Riviera
AQUILA is optimised for multi‑day charters where the pace can settle and the coastline reveals itself bay by bay. Embark in Cannes or Monaco and tailor the sequence around events, restaurant bookings, and family routines. Typical flow: a quiet first night at anchor, active mid‑week toys and wellness, and a finale in port for a celebratory dinner. Cruising between Saint‑Tropez, Antibes, Cap Ferrat, and Monaco is straightforward, with tenders absorbing most shore logistics to keep the mothership at serene anchorages.
Suggested pacing
- 3 nights: Cannes embark – Îles de Lérins – Antibes/La Garoupe – Cap Ferrat sunset – Monaco dinner – Saint‑Tropez and Pampelonne – Disembark Cannes.
- 7 nights: Nice embark – Cap Ferrat – Monaco & Mala – Antibes – Cannes & Lérins – Saint‑Tropez & Cap Taillat – Return via Agay or Théoule – Disembark Monaco or Cannes.
Guest capacity, crew & service
AQUILA accommodates up to 12 guests across seven staterooms, served by a team of 28—more than two crew per guest. That ratio underpins discreet, anticipatory service on deck and ashore: tenders standing by, toys prepared, cabins refreshed, and dining paced to your day. The culinary program is tailored to preference sheets and Riviera provisioning, from sunrise fruit plates to late‑night petits fours. Deck and engineering teams manage safe operations and smooth passages; interior staff ensure a seamless hotel standard. For families, the layout supports privacy for parents, grandparents, and teens; for executive groups, quiet breakout zones complement the social decks. For a French Riviera yacht charter where service, safety, and rhythm align, AQUILA is calibrated to deliver without fuss.
Watersports & toys
Days at anchor come alive with a versatile toy collection and streamlined water access from the aft platform and beach club. The fleet includes twin tenders for quick shore runs and coastal exploration, two waverunners for adrenaline laps, and two SeaBobs for silent snorkel safaris. A jetsurf, paddleboards, waterskis, wakeboard, and a kneeboard cater to mixed ages and abilities. For floating fun, deploy the inflatable slide, trampoline, climbing wall, and an anti‑jellyfish pool. Snorkelling gear and towables round out the program so every guest can find their pace—adventure before lunch, a quiet swim at golden hour, or one last SeaBob session under the first stars.
- Two tenders
- Two waverunners
- Two SeaBobs
- Jetsurf
- Paddleboards
- Waterskis & wakeboard
- Kneeboard
- Inflatable slide & trampoline
- Climbing wall
- Anti‑jellyfish pool
- Towables & snorkelling gear
Fuel, APA and what’s included
For weekly charters, AQUILA operates on standard MYBA terms: charter fee plus APA (typically 30–35%) to cover fuel, provisioning, berthing, and incidental expenses, along with applicable French VAT. Communications upgrades, private transport, and specialist requests are arranged on approval and charged at cost. For a day charter French Riviera, note that fuel is excluded and billed to consumption; welcome champagne is not included but can be provisioned in advance. Your captain will optimise routes and speeds to suit the weather and your schedule, while the purser provides transparent APA reporting throughout the week. Berth reservations in Saint‑Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, or Monaco are arranged subject to availability, with tenders used to keep shore timings precise when the yacht remains at anchor.
Why choose AQUILA for the French Riviera
AQUILA brings the rare combination of volume, discretion, and operational polish that the Riviera rewards. Her architecture supports parallel experiences—quiet reading in shade, children on the slide, a gym session before dinner—without guests crossing over each other’s paths. Long‑range stability and thoughtful circulation keep days unhurried and nights restorative, even at peak season. If your brief calls for a confident, serene base for family, friends, or executive hosting across Saint‑Tropez to Monaco, AQUILA provides the platform.
- Wide beam generates generous volume across all decks
- Salon arranged for long indoor comfort with clear sea views
- Cabins designed for extended family or group charters
- Ideal for guests preferring slow, stable long‑range cruising
- Outdoor spaces arranged to accommodate multiple simultaneous activities
- Aft platform built for streamlined water access
Booking & next steps
Charter rates for AQUILA start from €945,000 per week, plus expenses, and vary with dates and itinerary. Our team will confirm current pricing, VAT, and availability, then hold preferred ports and restaurant tables to shape your week. To discuss an AQUILA charter and secure prime summer dates, explore the yacht details and speak with our brokers. We recommend early requests for Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix weeks, when berths and calendars move fast. Begin with AQUILA’s specification and calendar, then share your preferred dates and shoreside wish‑list—our office in Saint‑Tropez will take it from there for a refined, fully managed experience across the coast. An AQUILA yacht charter French Riviera begins with a conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What are AQUILA’s weekly charter rates on the French Riviera?
Current Mediterranean rates typically start from €945,000 per week, plus expenses (APA) and applicable French VAT. Rates vary by season and event weeks; please refer to AQUILA availability & pricing for the latest schedule and a tailored proposal.
Can AQUILA accommodate a day charter on the French Riviera?
Given her size, AQUILA is primarily offered for multi‑day programs. Select day charters may be considered when the yacht is positioned locally and scheduling permits. Fuel is excluded on day charters; welcome champagne is not included but can be arranged.
How many guests can AQUILA carry at sea and overnight?
AQUILA sleeps up to 12 guests in seven staterooms. In navigation, international regulations generally limit large yachts to 12 guests. Quayside event capacities are assessed case‑by‑case and require prior authorization.
When is the best season for a French Riviera yacht charter on AQUILA?
May through October is the prime window, with warm seas from late June to September. Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix weeks are high demand; early booking secures preferred berths and restaurant tables.
What is included and excluded from the charter fee?
The charter fee covers the yacht and crew. Excluded and charged via the APA are fuel, berthing, provisioning, communications upgrades, and shoreside services, plus applicable French VAT. For day charters, fuel and all F&B are extra by default.
Where can we embark or disembark?
Common embarkation points include Saint‑Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and Monaco, subject to berth availability. Your itinerary may combine anchorage nights with tender access to beach clubs and evening reservations ashore.
