France · SAILING
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 sailing trips that earn their price, each with the traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
2-hour sunset sailing in La Rochelle on a 16m maxi-catamaran. Wind power, tower views, and easy onboard comfort for $40.
“This is the cruise to go on! Everything was perfect. I would recommend the sunset cruise while in La Rochelle!”
4-hour sailing catamaran from La Rochelle to Fort Boyard. Sail past islands, grab photos, picnic onboard, and ride back on trampolines.
“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.”
Cruise the Seine at night with a live singer and optional 3-course dinner, catching Eiffel Tower sparkle and other Paris sights from the water.
“Great dining and entertainment. Service was excellent as staff were always available for drinks and food. Our captain was able to navigate our vessel close to the Eiffel Tower at approximately 9 pm to ensure we had the best view of the light show. Would recommend you start early as the location is not clearly marked and ride share services cannot bring you to the docks.”
Marseille sunset sailing on a traditional wooden schooner, Frioul cove swim, vegetarian buffet dinner, and Provence rosé for $64.
“Everything was perfect. The boat, the crew, the weather and the hospitality. Could not fault it!!!”
A 3-hour catamaran cruise from Cannes with a ferry ride to Ste Marguerite, sun-deck time, and swimming plus snorkel gear.
“Good but other day I chose smaller boat it was way better with Celia and Eric”
Sail from Marseille to the Calanques on Le Don du Vent with chef buffet lunch, organic wine, and snorkel stops.
“The most wonderful day. Crew were so lovey, lots of insights into the area and the food and wine was gorgeous. A must do activity in marseille.”
Half-day Marseille catamaran for Frioul calanques, with snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, a roof jump, and GoPro plus drinks.
“It was very good experience and the tour guide was very friendly. The swimming stop was beautiful and the sunset was very good as well.”
A 2-hour Côte d'Azur sunset catamaran cruise with an apéritif, time to swim, and easy coastal views near Saint-Tropez.
“We absolutely enjoyed this experience! Despite if so-so weather (string wind, some clouds and risk of rain) and the maximum capacity in terms of passengers; we had most warm welcome on this beautiful, spacious and very clean boat. It did not feel overcrowded at all, the drinks and apéro was very decent. We followed the advice and got some more snacks with us, along with warmer change clothes and we did not regret. The scenery was outstanding : we passed through mega yacht a and stoped at the most charming little corner of Saint Tropez for an evening dip. Very much recommended”
Sail Marseille’s Calanques National Park on a wooden schooner with snorkeling stops, vegetarian lunch, and rosé, plus classic sea views.
“This was my favourite day of my trip to the South of France. The boat was beautiful and spacious, the lounge and seating areas on board were very comfortable. I was so glad I booked with this boat over the others I’d been considering for similar trips. We don’t get to sail because it wasn’t windy enough, but I would still choose this sailboat again for how beautiful and comfortable it was. There was plenty of food and rosé to go around at lunch. The crew was lovely and there was equal attention for the French speaking guests and the English speaking. I thought about doing this exact same tour…”
Half-day catamaran sailing on the Côte d'Azur with an aperitif, a swimming anchoring stop, and kayak or paddle time near St Tropez.
“We had a perfect trip with an amazing katamaran, views were perfect. Our captain and team were perfect.”
Sail La Rochelle on a 16 meter maxi-catamaran. Bring your apéritif, enjoy coastline views, and chat with the crew for local stories.
“Très chouette, l’équipe très sympathique, j’avais juste imaginé la sortie plus sportive.”
A 2-hour sailing cruise from La Rochelle’s old harbor, gliding past bay landmarks on a 16-meter catamaran with wind, stories, and quiet water.
“vent et soleil et bonne ambiance. tout ce qu'il fallait pour se sentir bien.😃”
Sunset cruise from Nice on a Made-in-France maxi catamaran with Villefranche Bay anchorage, apéro and included drinks, 2 hours.
“Booked this last minute and loved every second of it! The boat is large and clean. The crew were super friendly and funny.”
Catamaran cruise from La Grande Motte through Bay of Aigues-Mortes. Relax on deck, roof, nets, with July-Aug swimming included.
“voglio lodare il capitano super professionale, bella esperienza da fare.”
Half-day catamaran cruise from Cannes to Îles de Lérins, with swim stops, snorkeling gear, and a cold buffet lunch plus rosé.
“A really chill and cozy trip, with food and drinks/water. Personalet I was missing a second stop, I thougt only one stop was not enough”
Pick a kind of day and see what France does best.
