Sailing in France – Discover the Atlantic coast, the Cote d'Azur or Inland Waters

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Boats for rent in: France

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France

With varied coastlines boasting everything from celtic fishing villages to St Tropez glamour, canal and river networks winding through countryside vineyards, and beautiful lakes perfect for water sports, France by boat is an unforgettable experience.

Explore France

Bordered by the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea, France has a vast and varied coastline with rugged cliff faces, sandy beaches, and everything between. In the north-west, Brittany is the perfect charter destination for those who want to combine celtic charm with superb yachting opportunities. Charter from La Trinité sur Mer, a harbour town famous for its oyster production and pleasure boating. In Easter, one of Europe’s largest regattas is held in Quiberon Bay here, and all year round the town offers top-class facilities for boating. The surrounding area also offers plenty to entertain—just 3 km from the port is Carnac, a megalithic site of thousands of standing stones. Here, you can explore the mound of San Michel, an ancient burial site with artefacts dating back to 3500 BC. On the south coast, the French Riviera provides a dream destination for pleasure seekers. Hyeres is a yachter’s haven with over 30 km of sandy beaches and upmarket marinas at every turn. Windsurfing enthusiasts can visit L’Almanarre, which is considered to be the best beach on the coast for the sport. The town itself slopes up a hill with tiny Medieval passageways and cobbled streets. Those who climb to the top are rewarded with spectacular views over the bay. 

The Loire Valley is an exceptional cultural landscape, of great beauty, comprised of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments - UNESCO

Boating in Hyères and the French Riviera

From Hyères, it’s also possible to take a trip to Iles d'Hyères, three unspoilt islands off the coast. The largest, Porquerolles, has rocky cliffs and botanic trails waiting to be explored, as well as unspoilt beaches. The waters around the island are extremely clear and make for great snorkelling, though be sure to return to the village for a traditional local aperitif. The nearby Port Cros is a protected national park and home to a vast array of marine life where it’s possible to dive, getting up close with octopi  and moral eels. Also on the French Riviera, Marseilles has a thriving port and numerous marinas that are extremely popular with yachters. As France’s second largest city and the European Capital of Culture 2013, Marseilles has an excellent arts scene. There is a famous opera house and many theatres, as well as La Friche cultural complex, home to many international artists in residence.

 

Find France everywhere - the Loir Valley to the Caribbean

There are also plenty of boating opportunities inland. In the Burgundy and Loire valleys, canals and rivers wind through wine country. These areas are ideal to explore by houseboat on a peaceful holiday that combines charming vineyards, historic villages, and plenty of opportunities for delicious tastings. In the Alps, Lake Bourget is extremely popular with sailors due to the surrounding micro-climate. With water temperatures of 20–25º and a huge variety of fish sheltered in the lake, visitors flock during the summer to enjoy scuba diving, sailing, and wind-surfing. France also owns territory in the tropical waters of the Caribbean. In the Lesser Antilles, it's possible to charter a yacht from Pointe a Pitre on the island of Guadeloupe or from Le Marin on the island of Mantique.

Sailing in the waters off Le Marin was truly breathtaking - from snorkelling to sandy private beaches, we couldn't imagine a better way to go.

Moorings, Marinas and Harbours in France 

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  • Anse de Sablons (St. Malo) 
  • Port de La Trinité sur Mer (La Trinité sur Mer) 
  • Port de Plaisance (Arzal)
  • Port Vauban (Antibes)
  • Port Pile (Bormes les Mimosas)
  • Les Marines de Cogolin (Cogolin)
  • Port de Hyéres (Hyéres)
  • Vieux Port (Marseilles)
  • Port Pin Rolland (Saint Mandrier sur Mer)
  • Marina Macinaggio ( Macinaggio)
  • Port de Ajaccio (Ajaccio)

Sailing Routes France

Grab your snorkels, sun hats and friends to get ready for the boat trip of a lifetime in France. Yachtico.com has provided 3 sailing itineraries for locations throughout France to help give you ideas on where to go on your next sailing holiday:

How to get there - Airports in France

  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Paris Orly Airport
  • Dinard-Pleurtuit-Saint-Malo Airport
  • Nice Airport
  • Marseille Airport
  • Toulon-Hyères Airport
  • Nantes Airport
  • Ajaccio Airport
  • Bordeaux Airport
  • Montpellier Airport
  • La Rochelle Airport
  • Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport
  • Carcassonne Airport
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Climate & Weather in France

The climate in France varies between the different regions, from the snowy mountains to the dry heat of the Mediterranean. However, in general the country enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. During summer in Marseille, temperatures regularly reach over 30º and the beaches of the Riviera pack out with eager sun-seekers. In the north, Brittany enjoys slightly cooler days, tempered by the fresh sea breezes. Spring and autumn are cooler and rain can be expected, particularly in the north. In winter, snow and frost are possible, particularly when cold winds are blowing in from the east.

Sailing France