BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Nice and the Villefranche roadstead by boat: the Baie des Anges, differently

Renting a boat in Nice or Villefranche: the roadstead, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Réserve coves — route, moorings and observed prices.

By Clément Lacaille, editor of Boat-Comparator · updated 7 Aug 2026

From the Promenade, the Baie des Anges is a postcard. From the water, it becomes a playground: the roadstead of Villefranche, one of the deepest in the Mediterranean, and the lap of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat make the finest half-day on the Nice coast.

The route

From Nice's Port Lympia (rentals here): the cape of Nice and its coves (Coco Beach), then the Villefranche roadstead — a legendary anchorage, sheltered from almost every wind, deep clear water. Then round Cap-Ferrat: the Ephrussi villa above, the lighthouse, the Paloma and Passable coves. Return via the Fourmis bay at Beaulieu.

Moorings

The roadstead anchors in 8-15 metres (bring chain); Paloma Beach in 4-6 metres on sand. In July-August the roadstead also hosts cruise ships at anchor — guaranteed spectacle, space to negotiate. The 300-metre band is strictly enforced along the Promenade.

Which boat, what price

Short waters: a license-free boat covers the roadstead (€100-200), a RIB or motorboat (€250-500) closes the Nice-Monaco loop. The bases of Nice, Villefranche, Beaulieu and Saint-Laurent-du-Var share these waters — comparing them saves 15-25%.

The right window

Mornings are near-guaranteed glass; the thermal breeze fills in at noon. And from September to November the Nice coast serves its best light — with rental prices in free fall.

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