Itemized weekly budget (6 people, bareboat catamaran)
France's Mediterranean coast — the Riviera and Corsica — carries premium marina costs that push the total above cheaper grounds like Greece or Turkey. The sample reflects a high-season Riviera week.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran charter (44–46ft) | $7,000 | High season; monohulls from ~$3,500/wk |
| Provisioning & dining | $2,100 | ~$50 pp/day — Riviera prices run high |
| Marina fees | $1,050 | €80–250/night — the big Riviera cost driver |
| Fuel | $260 | Moderate — short coastal hops |
| End cleaning & extras | $200 | Standard end-of-charter charge |
| Total | ≈ $10,600 | ≈ $1,770 per person |
The marina factor
Marina fees are what make the French Riviera expensive. A night in a glamorous port like Saint-Tropez, Antibes or Monaco in peak season can cost several times what you'd pay in Greece. Corsica is gentler on the wallet, with more anchoring and lower-priced ports. There's no national cruising tax, but marine-reserve fees apply in spots like the Lavezzi Islands and Port-Cros.
Where to save
Anchor more, berth less — the Riviera and Corsica both have beautiful anchorages where you pay nothing. Favour Corsica over the glamour ports if budget matters. And sail the shoulder months of May–June or September, when both charter rates and marina fees drop from their July–August peak. Our cost calculator lets you model marina-heavy vs anchor-heavy trips.