Berths for sale, berths for rent

How long does it take to secure a berth on the French Riviera?

Buying a yacht may be complicated, but finding a prime berth on the French Riviera, between Monaco and Saint-Tropez, is even more difficult. 

Unlike in Italy, there are few new marinas in France and yacht owners highly desire such spaces in these prime areas. 

Yacht berth rental: the long haul process

Applicants should expect a 5-to-10-year waiting period for a 50 foot yacht; therefore, we primarily focus on berth sales.

Port Gallice in Juan-les-Pins is a highly sought-after marina, located just minutes from the Lérins Islands
Port Gallice in Juan-les-Pins is a highly sought-after marina, located just minutes from the Lérins Islands.

Buying a berth for your yacht

Acquiring a marina berth requires navigating complex lease regulations (‘amodiation’ in French), understanding regional best practices, and managing various administrative procedures.

We are available to provide guidance.

Leveraging our extensive local network and partnerships, Awesome Yacht excels at securing berths under optimal conditions in premier locations such as:

  • Cap d’Ail,
  • Antibes Port Vauban,
  • Port Gallice in Juan-les-Pins,
  • Mandelieu-la-Napoule,
  • Mandelieu la Rague
  • and Saint-Raphaël Santa Lucia.

What is an "amodiation"?

An amodiation is a long-term lease for a yacht berth, typical in the Mediterranean. It’sa paid lease, not ownership, providing rights to use something for a specific time.

Users for a chunk, often with annual fees, for the right to occupy a specific berth within a port.

How long are yacht berth agreements (amodiation) in France?

It is hard to give a precise “average duration” for berth “amodiation” in France. Every port in France, no matter small local port or large commercial port, has its own rules and regulations concerning berth allocation. 

Lease agreements on berths have long been negotiated at ports, they can be for decades at berths in ports (the duration of which will be strongly dependent on the port location (Mediterranean versus Atlantic coast) and on other types of agreements).

Termination date of the concession agreement (ie amodiation) at the primary ports of the French Riviera:

  • December 2031: Antibes port Vauban
  • December 2029: Mandelieu la Napoule
  • Cap d’Ail: December 2026
  • Saint Laurent du Var: December 2025

What happen if I want to sell my berth under amodiation?

Amodiations are eligible marketable, transferring outstanding usage detail. Port authority approval is usually required, and fees may be charged, however. 

Lease agreements on berths have long been negotiated at ports, they can be for decades at berths in ports (the duration of which will be strongly dependent on the port location (Mediterranean versus Atlantic coast) and on other types of agreements).

The resale value will depend on how many years of the contract remain (each port have a different amodiation duration), where the boat is berthed, and general market conditions.

It’s a transfer of contractual rights, not land ownership, and requires deliberate legal scrutiny.

Contact us if you are lookig for a berth for sale.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for information purposes only and is not legal, tax or professional advice.

We will use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information is correct, complete and up to date but the law relating to boat purchases, VAT and customs matters in France and the EU is very complex and is also changeable. You are strongly advised to seek specific legal and tax advice from a suitably qualified professional (such as a lawyer, solicitor or maritime tax expert) before making any purchase decisions or entering into a transaction. We accept no liability for any reliance placed on this information.

You are strongly advised to seek specific legal and tax advice from a suitably qualified professional (such as a lawyer, solicitor or maritime tax expert) before making any purchase decisions or entering into a transaction. We accept no liability for any reliance placed on this information.