Top 13 Island Hopping Sailing Trips in France

1.Catamaran trip with snorkeling at the Lavezzi Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 471 reviews · 4 hours · from $88Our pick

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..”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Catamaran trip to the Lavezzi Islands at sunset with snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 138 reviews · 2h 30m · from $76

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Set sail for the Château d’If and the Frioul Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 138 reviews · 3 hours · from $69Best value

Join a Marseille-born guide for a three-hour boat trip from Mucem to Vallon des Auffes, Degaby Island, Château d’If, and Frioul. You’ll have 90 minutes to walk, eat, or swim, with masks and paddles provided. French and English guiding is available.

“Amazing tour with a friendly guide. Great opportunity to explore and swim - good use of the time available. Fun ride back to shore! Would recommend for anyone who prefers a relaxed, hassle free experience and smaller groups.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Lérins Islands Sailing Discovery, snorkeling and paddle SUP

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 110 reviews · 3h 30m · from $100

Sail from Antibes toward Île Sainte-Marguerite with a skipper such as Valentin or Joseph, hear the story of Fort Royal, then swim, snorkel, and use the paddleboard near the island. This 210-minute trip carries up to nine people and includes equipment, music, and onboard restrooms.

“We took a halfday-trip that was really great. Valentino is a friendly and good guide and we sailed to two spots which were perfect for snorkeling and to embarque the island. I would really recommend this trip, a true highlight for our entire family.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Sunset Sailing Cruise with aperitif at the Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 101 reviews · 3 hours · from $88

Join captain and guide Valentin for a three-hour sunset sail from Juan-les-Pins, limited to nine people. Cruise toward Sainte-Marguerite Island or Cap d’Antibes, swim and snorkel in clear water, share local snacks and wine, then watch the sky turn pink over the Côte d’Azur.

“This was an amazing experience that should not be missed if visiting Antibes! I saw this trip while planning things to do while still in New Zealand. My local friend who lives in Antibes was also impressed. we had an amazing sail, great local knowledge, perfect spot to anchor and swim with beautiful local wine and aperitif! we throughly enjoyed the small group and wonderful trip. our host was the best!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Glénan Archipelago Sailing Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 92 reviews · 7 hours · from $112

Spend seven hours sailing the Glénan Archipelago aboard a comfortable maxi catamaran, with one to three island stops depending on the option and conditions. Guides speak English and French, and crews such as Fred and Nicolas add a friendly touch. Bring a picnic, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and jacket.

“Journée très agréable,détendue et informelle. Un vrai plaisir!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Yacht catamaran trip to the Lavezzi Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 84 reviews · 8 hours · from $188

Sail with Nicolas and Bénédicte from Corsica toward Lavezzi or Cavallo Island, depending on the weather. This eight-hour outing includes a table-served meal, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, paddle use, and plenty of shade and sun space aboard a Bali 4.6 catamaran limited to 22 people.

“Journée incroyable avec Nicolas et Bénédicte. Activité très familiale. Au delà de nos attentes. C’était super !”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Half-day sailboat trip to the Lerins Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 58 reviews · 3h 30m · from $176

Join Celia and Eric for a 210-minute sailing trip from Cannes to the Lérins Islands. With six people or fewer, you get time to swim, paddle, snorkel, and enjoy a cheese and charcuterie platter with rosé, beer, and soft drinks at anchor.

“Fantastic trip. Super relaxing. We stopped and swam between the Lerin islands. Had aperitifs and charcuterie. The captains live on the boat and it is very lovely and well cared for. They were wonderful hosts and I would definitely book again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Frioul Archipelago Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 49 reviews · from $90

From the foot of Marseille’s Mucem, board the Feng Shui catamaran for a six-hour outing around the Frioul Archipelago. Expect open-deck views, a seasonal buffet, unlimited soft drinks, one beer or wine, music, and time to swim in a sheltered Mediterranean cove.

“Had a great day. We sailed for an hour to get to a quiet bay of crystal clear water. Once there we stopped for 4 hours to eat and swim, then set off back home. If you’re a fussy eater like myself, you should bring your own lunch. The buffet wasn’t to my taste but as I am more fussy than most. It contained beef, cheeses, salad and potatoes. The bar and drinks (especially unlimited soft drinks) were great. The staff were very friendly and chatty, the obviously love the job. The atmosphere was communal and positive. There was a range of families, couples and young adults.Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 9 hours · from $212Top rated

Join Sylvain and his crew for a relaxed nine-hour catamaran trip from Corsica to Carrataghju, Cavallo, the Lavezzi Islands, and Porto Novo. Expect morning coffee and canistrelli, a homemade aperitif, a full lunch, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboards, and plenty of time at anchor.

“superbe activité avec deux autres familles adorables et un commandant très agréable, très accueillant et surtout très adaptable. Repas au top. Merci mille fois.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Catamaran Cruise to the Sanguinaires Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 12 reviews · 1 day · from $135

Spend four hours on a small, comfortable catamaran in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with views toward the Sanguinaires Islands, a swim stop, and a fresh salad meal. The crew speaks English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Routes and meeting points can vary, so check the day’s plan before departure.

“bonjour, pas pu assister à cette croisière car plus d'une heure et demi pour se garer, demande de remboursement partiel fait par mail et aucune réponse ! très déçu de cela !”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Day trip with lunch on the Lérins Islands by catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12 reviews · 8 hours · from $175

Sail aboard the French-built Maxi Catamaran Mayba from Marina Baie des Anges to the Lérins Islands and Cap d’Antibes. Captain François and his crew provide an aperitif, buffet lunch, drinks, paddleboards, and two relaxed anchorages during this eight-hour Côte d’Azur outing.

“Mi è piaciuto: la location dell’ancoraggio, suggestiva e bellissima; il cibo buono; l’equipaggio professionale e disponibile. Cosa potrebbe essere migliorato: fornire informazioni più chiare riguardo a un parcheggio nelle vicinanze per soste di lunga durata.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Catamaran cruise to discover Frioul Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $302

Spend a full day aboard Azur Caraïbes’ Elba 45 catamaran, with views of Marseille, Château d’If, and the Frioul Islands. Enjoy a welcome coffee, cocktails, catered lunch, unlimited wine and soft drinks, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a sea scooter in a group of no more than 12.

Check availability →Read our full review