We had a great experience chartering with Nautica Escapes (
Nautica Escapes) in 2013. The marina is walking distance from Nice
airport, at Port St Laurent du Var (
Port Saint Laurent Du Var | Bienvenue à Port Saint Laurent du Var), which makes for a very romantic image of stepping off the plane and onto the
boat. The
Beneteau Oceanis 37 was well maintained and nicely outfitted.
Of all the charter companies in the area, what set Nautica Escapes apart was personal attention from the owner Michel. In my first
email, I had asked for itinerary recommendations, and he was the only charter owner to reply with a detailed answer to my specific questions -- and to recommend the best idea of the summer: time the charter to coincide with one of the Cannes firework festival shows. The personal touch was apparent on arrival, too. Michel has put together a lovely little black book of sailing tips for the area, which we depended on during our charter.
Nautica Escapes is best for experienced bareboat sailors, as they don't maintain a staffed local office to assist with rescues and
repairs. We had a small issue which we were very happy to sort out with the local chandler ourselves and tell Michel about afterwards.
I've been meaning to come back and post this recommendation for months now, and your question knocked me out of my complacency. We'll be back in Nice to sail again with them this summer; tell Michel I sent you. Have a great time!