Category Archives: South of France

Information about the French Riviera

A Day in the Life of an Intern – Part XI

June 14th was a special day during my internship at Boatbookings. After spending a couple of hours in our office in Cannes, I headed to Antibes to meet Broker Ben, who had spent the morning meeting some of his clients for their embarkation. We headed to Port Vauban for a brokers’ day out on REHAB – one of our all-time favourite day charter yachts along the French Riviera. Broker days are organised by the owners of the yachts such that the Brokers can get to know the boat and its crew better.

We were greeted on board REHAB by the fantastic crew made up of Captain Chris and Stewardess Justine. Once the other brokers arrived and had settled in, we headed west, past the stunning Cap D’Antibes, towards Cannes and the beautiful Iles de Lérins. The islands are an incredibly popular destination thanks to the crystal-clear water, making them the perfect place to drop anchor, relax and swim. As it was still early in the season, we were able to experience the beauty of the islands without many other people there.

Broker Ben, always chatting to clients!

Once we had found the perfect spot to anchor, our lovely hosts had prepared a quiz for us. As brokers are of the competitive kind, it’s not like us to ever back down from a challenge, so we quickly got into our teams, boys vs. girls of course, and the game of 20 questions commenced. After a mix of technical questions about REHAB and other yachts, as well as general knowledge questions about the industry, the girls came out on top!

In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed relaxing on board this stunning Sunseeker yacht, whilst indulging in French crudité platters overflowing with local cheeses, baguettes and olives beautifully prepared by Justine. It was incredibly interesting meeting other people from the Industry and getting to know the faces behind the names. As the day came to an end, we cruised back towards Port Vauban past the stunning villas on the Cap d’Antibes.

Anna taking in the views from the bow.

This day was a fantastic way to get a taste of what Boatbookings’ clients experience, whilst also getting to know REHAB and it’s lovely crew as well as the other Brokers. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to talk to so many fascinating people – is there a better place to mingle than aboard a beautiful yacht?

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A Day in the Life of an Intern Part VIII

Whoever said the life of an intern was filled with those horrible jobs that nobody else wants to do? A sunny September’s day saw broker Ben and I heading off to the glamorous St Tropez for an amazing day at sea aboard the beautiful KIDI ONE.

Strolling through St Tropez, it’s not hard to see why so many return to this stunning town year after year. St Tropez is a beautiful little fishing village at first glance, however, through the windy cobbled streets, lined with charming terracotta buildings lies a vibrant shopping capital. Designer boutiques nestled into petite, classically French buildings with shuttered windows and golden walls. Eventually the narrow, windy streets open up to the port, a fascinating juxtaposition of beautiful, quaint buildings against immense, modern Super Yachts and bustling bars. St Tropez truly is a sleepy, fishing village that has been brought to life and doused in glamour and I was instantly enchanted.

Upon meeting our fellow travellers, a lively and welcoming group of brokers from other companies, I was gifted with a beautiful little bracelet to commemorate my day at sea in St Tropez! We were all split between 3 beautiful yachts NEGARA, OF VILLA ROMANA and ours, KIDI ONE. KIDI ONE glided toward us, effortlessly cutting through the water, a vision in sparkling white with royal blue detailing. KIDI ONE was beautiful, with the theme of turquoise running throughout the exterior, hints of blue in the salon and then glossy, cherry brown and crisp white with splashes of gold spreading elegance and class throughout the guest cabins and bathrooms, the photographs truly do not do it justice.

Ben and I sat on the sun pads on the bow of the yacht and the views were breath taking, stunning yachts, towering mountains flourishing with green and the sparkling sea, St Tropez is paradise. Finally, we came to a halt and anchored beside Plage de L’Escalet, the hillside teeming with lavish villas and the sea, an incredible shade of turquoise. Now it was time for water toys! My first choice, the humble paddleboard – easy! Or so I thought. My first attempt at standing up resulted in my first plunge into the icy cold water, the September Sea is beautiful and wonderfully energising. I powered through, yet round 2 was still unsuccessful and resulted in another soaking, perhaps paddleboarding is not for me. On to the big boy toys, the Sea Bob, whizzing across the surface of the sea was the most incredible feeling, though I didn’t dare dive beneath the surface, it was an amazing rush to skim across the surface of the water like a human jet ski, that’s a new one for the Christmas list!

The afternoon was spent munching on Foie Gras sandwiches, sipping wine and getting to know everyone in an incredible setting. Too much food and too much fun resulted in a quick power nap on the sundeck in the warm glow of the sun – bliss. After an amazing day in dazzling St Tropez we finally cruised back to dry land.

Being able to meet so many wonderful people and experience such an incredible yacht in the most enchanting place was truly surreal and an experience I will never forget! Boatbookings internships are definitely not your average internship, with so much responsibility making way for valuable experiences and, of course, it doesn’t hurt getting to charter for the day on a stunning luxury yacht!

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The French Riviera: Taking ‘Al Fresco’ to the Extreme

The French Riviera is famous for its glistening turquoise water, golden beaches, Mediterranean culture and views that you just wouldn’t find elsewhere. The Cote d’Azur is the perfect composition of sun, sea and serenity, with the picturesque scenes of sailboats gently bobbing along; the rows of sunbeds nestled into the invitingly dazzling coastlines; high end shops and artisan districts that seem to clash yet complement each other so beautifully, resulting in a burst of colourful culture secreted within the bejewelled exterior of the French Riviera. You would think the Cote d’Azur was expertly tailored to suit those who seek a holiday for the luxuries, the materials, the sunbathing and the relaxation.

Monaco, in all its twinkling glory!

However, there is a side to the French Riviera that has only recently started to make an appearance; the Cote d’Azur has a surprisingly vast amount of adrenaline fuelled activities, such as wakeboarding, windsurfing, SCUBA as well as freediving. The serene imagery of the tranquil, bronzing vacations can be completely left behind in the foaming, turbulent wake of a water-skier being dragged along effortlessly by a high-speed RIB. The hustle and bustle of the thousands of holidaymakers, flocking to the allure of the sun-kissed shoreline can speed past in just the blink of an eye, the sounds and scenes of the Azure Coast drowned out by the tigress purr of a SeaDoo jet ski.

Glisse-Evasion, Nice: Wakeboarding

Whilst it may be easy to stumble into the belief that the Cote d’Azur is reserved for those seeking the sun and the sundries, the thrust and excitement of your first parachuting experience, with the wind in your hair and the land in your distant memories, is sure to rip those woollen sunglasses right off your eyes.

Blue Addiction: Freediving

Here are a couple of ideas, hand-plucked from the plethora of water sports that the French Riviera has to offer, ranging from toe dabbling along the coastline to jumping right in at the deep end like a true daredevil.

Glisse Evasion– For the Adrenaline Junkie in all of us.

Glisse-Evasion is a Nice-based water activities company with a wide range of experiences on offer, ranging from Banana Boats, Parachuting and Paddleboarding.

Located just along the Promenade des Anglais, by Blue Beach, Glisse-Evasion is not hard to find, so don’t be afraid to pop along and plan an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!

Blue Addiction– For the more exotic Daredevil.

Blue Addiction provides a freediving experience- that is essentially SCUBA diving but without the air. Don’t worry, you are in safe, professional hands!

Blue Addiction is situated in La Londe-les-Maures, in between Marseille and St. Tropez. It is run by a team of professionals with some very impressive credentials behind them.

However, Freediving isn’t just an extreme activity; in Malaysia and Indonesia Bajau Fishermen freedive amongst the corals to make a living, with nothing but a lungful of air and a spear, they dive down to depths of 20 metres to seek out reef fish. Some may spend as long as 5 minutes underwater!

So, if you’re on the search for a holiday packed full of adventures, adrenaline and long lasting memories, look no further than the French Riviera. From luxury to energy; sun to salt spray; it’s safe to say that a French Riviera Yacht Charter with Boatbookings offers something for everyone!

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Fabulous French Riviera

Are you tuning into the new hit series that explores the rich Clios family tales across the French Riviera? This drama does the French Riviera justice, with its unrivalled drone shots of Monaco and panoramic angles of Nice.  Also, discover the new marvel from Rolls Royce, in the form of a high performance yacht, and which celebrities are gracing the French Riviera with their presence this summer!
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