Secret South of France

Resting on the Côte d'Azur in between Cannes and Nice, the cobbled streets of Antibes offer Provençal scenes, dreamy beaches, and an artistic past. Venture to the old town to be welcomed by local markets, cafés, bistros, bars, and art galleries that draw light to its historic culture. After reveling in the quant town, a walk down the 16th century ramparts lead you back to Port Vauban, one of the largest marinas in Europe.

Shhh! Today we’ll reposition to the car-free island of St Honorat. It bobs in aquamarine seas between Cannes and the Cap d’Antibes, and is carpeted with grapevines. Your crew will tender you ashore to visit the winemakers - a silent order of Cistercian monks. With 1,600 years of practice, their product is commendable. After sampling the wines, stroll through the monastery’s gardens before swimming back to your charter yacht.

Today your crew will share St Tropez’s secret. When daytrippers depart after lunch, the port reverts to its 1950s self. A hippy-chic fishing village where A-listers can eat pizzas wearing Havaianas. And where yacht charter guests can play pétanque in flip-flops while drinking pastis. Your crew will pour a final nightcap. St Tropez by moonlight, crowned by its Citadelle, is a view you’ve earned.

This morning you will start your Y.CO luxury yacht charter by exploring a secret island. Porquerolles has Thai-style beaches and Bahamas-blue waters. For snorkels, treasure hunts or Y.CO beach olympics, there’s nowhere like it. One last surprise? Porquerolles hosts a vineyard owned by Chanel. Crew will arrange a tasting visit, followed by a mountain bike race around the perimeter.

Anchor off your yacht for charter on one of Cap Ferrat’s six beaches for lunch. However, the most memorable swim requires a mask and snorkel. The Vallée des Gorgones dive site is alive with scorpion fish and gorgonia fans. Your yacht has every accoutrement - wetsuits, GoPros, water torches, full face kids’ masks - to play Jacques Cousteau.

Y.CO can score a lunch table at La Chèvre d'Or. This two-star restaurant is perched on a 400m cliff. The view is much improved when you can see your own luxury yacht. Walk off those calories on the secret 2km path to Monaco. It passes petite coves enroute. Where your crew can meet you with the tender, iced smoothies or beach tennis gear.

Today you’ll discover Menton’s secret: total sunshine. France’s sunniest city hides seven sub-tropical gardens. Like Jardin Serre de la Madone, where you can play hide and seek around Chinese roses, bamboo forest and strawberry trees. One final surprise on your yacht charter itinerary? Hit Gorbio, a medieval village perched above Menton. It’s seldom been trodden by a pair of Tod’s.