Wheels Up to the Riviera: Private Jets, F1, and the Seductive Pull of Cannes & Monaco

The South of France is glowing. Not with the soft golden light of a Côte d’Azur sunset but with the glare of camera flashes, the roar of supercars, and the shimmering promise of the most glamorous season of the year. For the next three weeks, the region becomes a magnet for jetsetters, film stars, royalty, and F1 elites alike.

First stop? Cannes! The iconic Festival de Cannes is back, and so are the private jets. Between May 13 and 25, Cannes Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) transforms into a veritable catwalk of sleek Gulfstreams and Challengers, descending like glittering chariots delivering A-listers and insiders alike. Whether you’re premiering a film or just premiering a new outfit, this is the week when being seen on De La Croisette is just as important as seeing.

Minutes down the coast, Monaco shifts into high gear for the Formula1 Grand Prix from May 23 to 25. The world’s most thrilling street circuit snakes through the heart of Monte Carlo, as superyachts stack like dominos in Port Hercule and champagne flows like strategy meetings in the paddock. Private jet traffic spikes again - this time bound for Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE) and then whisked by helicopter into the Principality, just in time for race day.

Jet. Set. Go.

If Cannes and Monaco are the main characters, private aviation is the ultimate supporting act. Flying private to the Riviera isn’t just convenient - it’s the statement. Whether you're booking a light jet for a quick hop from London, or an ultra long-range jet from NYC or the Middle East, this is the season to make an entrance.

Between May and June, searches spike for:
+ Private jet to Cannes Film Festival
+ Fly to Monaco Grand Prix
+ Helicopter transfer between Nice, Cannes, and Monaco
+ Private jet and Yacht Riviera

At NUBES, we’re sourcing aircraft for film executives, hospitality & fashion moguls, and spontaneous partygoers alike - each one chasing a different kind of high, but all agreeing on the one rule of Riviera season: arrival matters.

Where Fashion Meets Function

Beyond the jets, the airspace is shared with a parade of helicopters - zipping from Nice to Monaco in seven minutes flat. The tarmac isn’t the only place buzzing: from rooftop soirées in Cannes to sunrise-afterparties on yachts in Saint-Tropez, the entire coastline becomes a playground. Think of it as a 21km runway of decadence, with every coastal town offering its own seductive mix of tradition, taste, and a touch of scandal.

How to Get There (Like You Belong)

Whether you’re looking to secure a last-minute private jet charter to Cannes, planning an F1 Grand Prix group charter, or just need to experience flying into Monaco - NUBES handles the details so you don’t have to.

Summer starts here. The French Riviera is calling, and it doesn’t leave voicemails.