Monaco and the South of France have long attracted megayachts. While they’re perennial summer-charter destinations, the best action is arguably in springtime, during the famed Monaco Grand Prix. This May marks the 70th anniversary of the race, which takes place just steps away from Port Hercule. This makes for an unmatched viewing experience directly from a megayacht’s aft deck.
The following itinerary, from Burgess’ charter department, is just one of a few that can be arranged aboard Icon (above), a member of Burgess’ charter fleet. The 205-foot (60.5-meter) Icon was launched in 2010 by Icon Yachts and has accommodations for 12 in four double staterooms and two twin cabins. Her rate for Monaco Grand Prix week is €450,000 (about $588,100) plus expenses.
Day 1: Monday, May 21, Nice to Cannes (16nm)
From Nice airport, it’s just a short drive to the yacht, which will be waiting to welcome everyone in the port. Welcome drinks and lunch shall be served as you make way for Cannes. It’s a town rich in history and culture, where poets, writers, celebrities, and the jet-set alike have enjoyed the promenade that stretches along the sandy beach, the sumptuous hotels, and the excellent shopping in the rue d’Antibes. If you’d prefer a calm afternoon, spend it by the azure waters surrounding the Lérins Islands, just a couple of kilometres away. It’s a perfect place for the yacht to anchor for a while where you can enjoy a swim.
In the evening, the yacht can head to the festival town of Cannes, with its mix of glamour and old-world charm.
Restaurants and nightclub suggestions:
Day 2: Tuesday, May 22, Cannes to Villefranche-sur-Mer (16nm)
Enjoy a relaxing morning as you cruise along the coastline to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Here the yacht can anchor in the pretty horseshoe bay. You can tender in to see the town, full of life and color and excellent restaurants. Villefranche feels as though it’s trapped in time, with fishermen still bringing in their catch every morning, market stalls being set up in the square, and plenty of little boutiques to discover in among the narrow, cobbled streets. The bay itself is stunning, with a beach stretching along towards St Jean Cap Ferrat, playground to millionaires and their beautiful villas which overlook the turquoise-blue waters. It’s magical…
Restaurant suggestion:
Day 3: Wednesday, May 23, Villefranche-sur-Mer to Monaco (6nm)
Cruise mid-morning to the mythical Principality of Monaco, tucked in between the Alps and the azure sea. A visit to the Palace and cathedral might be of interest.
Berths are of a premium for this world-class event, and those yachts lucky enough to have a berth within Port Hercules are required to present themselves by Wednesday, at the latest.
Enjoy an afternoon shopping in the exclusive boutiques around Casino Square, before sampling the cuisine of some of Monaco’s finest gourmet restaurants.
Restaurant suggestions:
Day 4: Thursday, May 24, Monaco
This year, Monaco will be celebrating 70 years since the first Grand Prix took to the streets of the Principality. Today, it is widely considered to be the most important and prestigious automobile race in the world. No other event can match its visceral appeal. On Thursday, the Formula One racing commences with two free practice sessions. The track closes to general road traffic at 07h00 and reopens at 19h00. Watch from your yacht’s upper deck or track-side, from one of the best places in the tribunes which your Burgess broker can book for you.
This evening, allow the yacht’s first-class chef to regale you, before donning your dancing shoes for some nightlife at the famous hotspots.
More restaurant and nightclub suggestions:
Day 5: Friday, May 25, Monaco
While there is no Formula One racing today, the first qualifying session of the Mobil 1 Supercup will take place, followed by the first GP 2 race. Seize this lay day to look behind the scenes. Special passes can be booked by your broker to the usually off-limits area of the pit lanes.
Spend an evening exploring a little further afield—perhaps the authentic, medieval village of Eze, just 10 km from Monaco. Perched high over the sea, the Chèvre d’Or (Chateau & Relais) offers an exceptional dining experience. The more adventurous may wish to take a helicopter flight late afternoon over the Cote d’Azur, before landing in St Paul de Vence, another medieval town renowned for its village of artists and the Fondation Maeght, Renoir museum, and the Chateau Grimaldi.
Here we recommend dining in the two-star Michel restaurant of the picturesque Chateau St Martin (Relais et Chateau), set in magnificent Provencal gardens.
Restaurants:
Day 6: Saturday, May 26, Monaco
Tension and excitement mount, with the final Formula One practice session today, followed by Free Practice Qualifiers at 14h00.
For those seeking a quieter start to the day, a morning’s pampering at one of the Principality’s outstanding spas might be just the ticket. Two of the best are ESPA at Metropole Hotel and Les Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo Spa.
This evening, Lucy Luck awaits you at Monaco’s legendary casino (below). A jewel of the Belle Epoque era, it is the absolute reference for all players. Its wide range of table games is the most prestigious and the most complete in Europe. The Salle des Ameriques offers Black Jack, Craps, and American roulette. The Salon Europe features 30/40, European and English Roulette, and Punto Banco. The private rooms feature European Roulette, Chemin de Fer, Black Jack, and Punto Banco. There are also “super private” rooms available on request, and slot machines are available in the Atrium.
Day 7: Sunday, May 27, Monaco
Ah, the big day at last! It shall kick off with champagne cocktails and the unmissable Formula One Driver’s parade at 12h30. The Monaco Grand Prix proper roars into action at 14h00 for 78 scintillating and often heart-stopping laps!
Tonight is the ultimate celebration with the uber-glamorous Amber Lounge end-of-race week-end party which has proven itself to be the preferred place to be for the majority of the Formula One drivers. Join in the stylish celebrations and embrace the eclectic atmosphere, as everyone parties until the sun rises. “There are parties, and then there are Amber Lounge parties!” says famed driver Lewis Hamilton. You may choose from several passes for this prestigious event, the most exclusive of which, the Methusalem, offers, as the name suggests, six liters of the finest champagne, one of the very best tables adjacent the dance floor, tended by a private hostess and a waiter, as well as a limousine transfer at the night’s end.
Day 8: Monday, May 28, Monaco
After a late brunch, the inevitable departure will take place for your return flight home.
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