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”
Board a large catamaran in Cannes’ Old Port for a four-hour sail toward the Lérins Islands. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard when conditions allow, then enjoy a cold buffet and rosé before taking the included ferry from Saint-Marguerite Island back to Cannes.
“Great experience! Much larger boat then we were expecting and it felt very high end. The lunch buffet was also very nice. The whole staff was extremely helpful and polite.”
Meet at Cannes’ Port Canto area for a relaxed catamaran cruise toward the Lérins Islands. Swim from the boat, use shared kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear, and add a lunch buffet if you wish. Half-day and full-day options are available, with some half-day trips requiring a ferry transfer.
“The whole experience was very good and worth the money… However the staff where you go to check in not very helpful when asked which boat and where we needed to go… Was just told to go over to where the boats where All 50 of them So not very good customer service”
Captain Brice and Ansel take your private group of up to six from Cannes into the Bay of Cannes and toward the Lérins Islands. Expect a 3.5-hour sail aboard the Dufour 382 Fripouille, with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, a SeaBob, snacks, drinks, and optional food upgrades.
“Everything was perfect , great experience . The captain and his co-captain are very easy going and funny, the boat is the perfect size for 2-4. The trip was lovely”
Board the maxi-catamaran Samba in Marseille’s Old Port for an eight-hour day through the Calanques. Sail or cruise by electric and thermal power, stop to swim and paddle, and enjoy a buffet, wine, soft drinks, and an aperitif. The route changes with the weather.
“Beautiful trip! The boat was gorgeous, gave enough time to swim, tan, enjoy the boar, eat lunch, and relax. The lunch was good and there was plenty of food. There was a lot of space for many people. Would absolutely recommend and do again!”
You’ll sail from Piantarella Beach, or Bonifacio in low season, to the Lavezzi Islands aboard a comfortable catamaran. The crew may visit Cavallo or Ratino, explain basic sailing, and stop for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding as the sun sets. François has been praised for his humor and clear explanations.
“Bonjour, la balade a été annulé par l’organisateur, en raison des conditions météorologiques nous proposant de décaler, étant notre dernier jour en corse je demande un remboursement. Et depuis samedi plus de nouvelles… pas très professionnel.”
Pick the boat, the hour on the water or the country.
