amfAR Gala Cannes

A Tailored Riviera Base for Gala Guests

Who Should Charter a Yacht for the amfAR Gala?

Many guests choose to charter a yacht for the amfAR Gala as it offers a private, fully serviced base throughout their time on the French Riviera. Whether travelling as a couple, with friends, as a family or while entertaining clients, everything is tailored around their schedule, with a dedicated crew taking care of every detail.

It is also a popular choice for corporate hosts entertaining clients and business associates, offering a discreet setting for meetings, lunches, cocktail receptions and post-event celebrations. For those travelling from overseas, a yacht provides the flexibility to experience destinations such as Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez without changing hotels, creating a seamless Riviera itinerary tailored entirely around their interests. For guests extending their stay, a yacht also offers the freedom to explore the region at their own pace before or after the amfAR Gala.

Your Private Retreat During Cannes Film Festival Week

Why Charter a Yacht for the amfAR Gala

During Cannes Film Festival week, the French Riviera operates at full capacity. Luxury hotels are often booked months in advance, roads between Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez become increasingly busy, and finding genuine privacy can be challenging. A superyacht offers an alternative that combines luxury accommodation, private transport and personalised service in one exclusive setting, allowing guests to leave the crowds behind and return to the privacy of their yacht after the evening's celebrations at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

For many guests, however, the appeal goes far beyond convenience. Rather than adapting your plans to a hotel's location or timetable, your itinerary, dining menus, onboard entertainment, water toys, wellness experiences and shore excursions are all tailored to your preferences before you even step on board, with a professional crew anticipating every detail throughout your stay.

As with any action-packed week, plans can change quickly. As Y.CO Charter Specialist Ariane Cerdan explains, "Our clients value having the freedom to change plans at a moment's notice. Whether it's extending lunch on board, arranging a last-minute dinner reservation or spending the afternoon at anchor away from the crowds, a yacht gives them complete flexibility throughout the week."

A Floating Venue for Entertaining and Celebration

More Than A Place To Stay

Many guests booking an amfAR Gala yacht charter use their yacht as both a luxury residence and a private venue throughout festival week. From private lunches and cocktail receptions to business meetings and post-event celebrations, a superyacht provides an exclusive setting for every occasion throughout festival week. Whether attending as a couple, entertaining clients or hosting family and friends, a yacht allows the gala to become part of a wider Riviera experience rather than a single evening event.

Ariane explains, "Many clients spend as much time entertaining on board as they do attending events ashore. The yacht becomes a private base where they can host guests, meet with friends or simply escape the pace of the festival before heading back into the action."

Discover the French Riviera Beyond Gala Night

Beyond the Gala

While the amfAR Gala may be the highlight of the week, it is only one part of the French Riviera experience. Many guests extend their charter to explore the coastline, combining world-class events with the region's beaches, villages and culinary experiences.

Beyond gala night, a yacht provides access to the very best of the French Riviera. Spend the afternoon at a beach club in Cannes, enjoy boutique shopping in Monaco, explore the hilltop villages of Èze and Gourdon, or cruise towards Saint-Tropez for lunch overlooking the harbour. With a flexible itinerary and dedicated crew, each day can be tailored around your interests.

To make the most of the season, it's worth planning well in advance. Early booking provides access to the best yachts, preferred marina berths and the most sought-after restaurants, beach clubs and experiences. Guests extending their stay often combine the amfAR Gala with a wider French Riviera yacht charter, creating an itinerary that takes in Cannes, Monaco, Cap d'Antibes and St Tropez.

When to Start Planning Your Cannes Yacht Charter

Planning Your amfAR Gala Charter

As one of the busiest weeks of the Mediterranean charter season, it's advisable to begin planning your yacht charter six to twelve months in advance. The most sought-after yachts, preferred marina berths and peak dates are often reserved well before the season begins, particularly for larger yachts or those looking to secure a berth close to Cannes or Antibes.

Most guests choose a one-week yacht charter. A seven-day itinerary not only complements Cannes Film Festival week but also allows time to explore Monaco, St Tropez and Cap Ferrat, making the amfAR Gala the centrepiece of a wider French Riviera itinerary.

With the Riviera moving into the start of summer, guests can enjoy the coastline, restaurants and beach clubs at a more relaxed pace before the busiest months arrive. Planning early also provides the widest choice of yachts, preferred berths and bespoke experiences during one of the busiest weeks of the Mediterranean season.

Escape the Crowds, Not the Action

Where to Berth for the amfAR Gala

Choosing where to berth your yacht is an important part of planning an amfAR Gala yacht charter. Many guests favour Port de Cannes and Port Canto, which offer a prime base for enjoying the Riviera atmosphere while remaining within easy reach of Cap d'Antibes. Larger yachts are often drawn to Port Vauban, one of the Mediterranean's most prestigious marinas and the gateway to the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, host of the amfAR Gala.

Some guests choose to extend the experience with a stay in Monaco's Port Hercule, pairing the glamour of the Principality with one of the Riviera's most anticipated evenings. On gala night, guests typically arrive at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc by private chauffeur, tender or helicopter, ensuring a seamless journey to the event.

"Choosing the right berth is about more than proximity. It's about finding the location that best complements your yacht, itinerary and plans for the week."
- Ariane Cerdan