Sailing trips · FRANCE SAILING TRIPS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 france sailing trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before the lines come off.
Meet Kapalouest by La Rochelle’s old harbor for a two-hour sunset sail on a spacious 16-meter maxi-catamaran. You’ll pass the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, stop the engine offshore, and return through the historic towers after dark. The crew speaks French, with some English help available.
“What a great couple of hours. Weather was perfect, crew were great too. Thoroughly recommend this trip..”
Set sail from La Rochelle with a French-speaking captain and crew aboard a 16-meter catamaran. Cross the bay, pass the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes harbor, then circle Fort Boyard for photos. Bring food and drinks, and expect a relaxed cruise rather than a guided sightseeing tour.
“We had booked earlier trip at midday on previous day but this was deferred due to weather. Our trip left dock at 19.30. Conditions were choppy and seating on catamaran is meagre. Do not recall any info called out re islands we passed. Crew handled navigation with skill and good humour, keenness to say a little in English not huge though.”
Spend an evening on the Seine with a three-course dinner, panoramic views, and a live singer aboard the VIP Yacht de Paris. You’ll pass the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Louvre, and more, with dinner and drinks selected as booking options. Boarding is at Port de la Rapée.
“The view of the city is amazing while on the boat. the food wasn't good as I expected and the entertainment was kinda boring”
Spend four hours sailing from Piantarella with a skipper such as Patrick, François, or Silva. Visit the Lavezzi and Cavallo areas, stop twice to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard, and adjust the balance of sailing and water time to the day’s weather.
“It was a great experience. Our skipper was very friendly and passionate about teaching the basics of sailing to anyone interested. The lavezzi islands are amazing..”
Board the wooden schooner Goélette Alliance near Marseille’s town hall for an evening sail to the Frioul archipelago. Swim in a sheltered cove, enjoy a fresh vegetarian buffet and one glass of Provençal rosé, then return beneath the Old Port lights. Crew service is offered in English, French, and Italian.
“My partner and I absolutely loved this trip. The boat was gorgeous, the views were magical, and the guides were super friendly. The cove we stopped in for dinner was like something from a movie, and hid us wonderfully from the wind and choppier waves. The music choices were great and I’m a sucker for fairy lights. All in all, an amazing trip and I would highly recommend! My partner got sea sick and even he said he’d do it again in a heartbeat!”
Spend an afternoon sailing from Cannes toward the Lérins Islands or the Esterel coast. You will transfer by ferry, settle onto a modern catamaran, swim and snorkel from the boat, and use kayaks or paddleboards when weather allows. French and English support is available.
“Fun tour in Cannes. Enjoyed swimming in the French Riviera.”
Join a four-hour sailing trip from Marseille’s Mucem area to a Frioul calanque. Your skipper teaches basic sailing, invites you to steer and handle the ropes, then anchors for swimming and snorkeling before returning. Groups are limited to eight, with English and French guidance.
“It was so much fun, Eric was so positive and let us try to steer the boat. One of the best activities in Marseille!”
Spend seven hours aboard the historic Le Don du Vent, sailing from Marseille toward Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or La Côte Bleue. You’ll swim, snorkel, eat a fresh buffet, and sip organic wine while the crew, including Samir and Sam, keeps the day relaxed and friendly.
“Loved this boat day. The boat and staff are wonderful and everything is timed really well. Must do”
Cruise from Marseille’s Vieux-Port toward Vallon des Auffes, Château d’If, and the Frioul Islands. Your English or French speaking crew provides snorkels, paddleboards, soft drinks, snacks, and wetsuits when needed. Expect two swimming stops, local stories, and time to jump from the catamaran roof.
“beautiful view, everything was on time. we had 2 stops with the boat, got shnorkels and sap to enjoy the sea.”
Spend two relaxed hours sailing near Saint-Tropez and Cavalaire on a spacious catamaran. Swim from the boat, watch the sun sink behind the coast, and enjoy an aperitif served by the crew. You can bring your own meal or order a €18 lunchbox from Cogolin 48 hours ahead.
“Totally worth it! Limited options of complimentary drinks but they offered a small bite which was surprising and very pleasant. There was time to take a dive. Overall would recommend”
From Marseille’s Old Port, you’ll cruise aboard the traditional wooden schooner Goélette Alliance toward Château d’If, Frioul, Riou, and the Calanques. Expect two swim stops, snorkel gear, coffee, a fresh vegetarian buffet, dessert, and one glass of rosé. Sailing depends on the wind.
“Great cruise, wonderful views, nice people. The ship is comfortable, clean and luxurious!”
Spend three easygoing hours on a Côte d’Azur catamaran, sailing near St. Tropez before anchoring for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Crews such as Alex, Clement, Ryan, and Gael are known for friendly help. Bring a towel, sun protection, and cash; lunch is optional.
“Fun activity to combine relaxed sailing in front of St Tropez with swimming and SUP boarding”
Set sail from Charles-de-Gaulle quay in La Grande Motte for a two-hour Camargue sunset cruise. Relax on sunbeds, enjoy a welcome cocktail and tapenade, and watch the town glow after dark. The host speaks French, and an optional cheese or vegetarian box costs €15 for two.
“The boat ride was awesome, the team was super friendly and welcoming, and everyone was smiling We had a great time, we recommend it”
Meet across from La Rochelle’s historic towers for a 150-minute cruise aboard a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. You’ll pass the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then sail under open canvas while Marielle, Nathan, or another French-speaking crew member shares local stories. Bring your own food and drinks.
“Sortie au top ! Équipage très sympathique 😉! À faire et à refaire 😉!”
Join a French-speaking crew at La Rochelle’s old harbor for a two-hour sailing trip on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. You’ll pass the Richelieu Tower, Les Minimes marina, and the End of the World lighthouse, then stop the engines for a quiet stretch under sail.
“vent et soleil et bonne ambiance. tout ce qu'il fallait pour se sentir bien.😃”
Pick the boat, the hour on the water or the country.
