Sail France for the ultimate in chic marinas and waterfronts, spectacular coastlines, captivating islands and the world’s finest wines and cuisine.
Take a look at our ideas for sailing in France in our blog Sail the finest French charter destinations, from west to south.
The best time to visit France is mid-spring to early-autumn, when the weather is warm and drier. In peak season, marinas in France will be busier so make sure you plan ahead or get in early.
The mistral winds blow in the south of France in the summer.
The scented isle of Corsica is a prime sailing ground and one of the best snorkelling spots in France. Explore its wild coast of rock stacks, underwater caves, fishing villages and hillside towns. Taste local dishes that pull from their French influences, including foie gras, delicious cheeses and seafood.
Sail the Scandola Nature Reserve’s reefs, the UNESCO Gulf of Porto, Cala di Palù’s stacks, the Gulf of Girolata, Calvi’s lively quays and Napoleon’s birthplace of Ajaccio. From here you can sail the Maddalena archipelago isles of Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria and the straits of Bonifacio. For more about Maddalena, read our blog Island hopping 7 day charter in Sardinia.
Treat yourself to some old school glamour and sophistication in the south of France and sail the French Riviera. The Côte d’Azur offers plenty of jet set people watching opportunities at marinas in Marseille and Nice, or you can explore the Golden Isles of Porquerolles off Toulon, or head to St Raphael.
A yacht charter in west France sailing Brittany’s pink granite coast and jade seas is a real treat for any sailor. Head along the Emerald coast from St Malo where you can walk the impressive fortifications. You can reach the Channel Islands from here, check out our blog Tips on planning a yacht charter around the Channel Islands in spring. Sail Bréhat’s archipelago, Quiberon Bay and the Gulf of Morbihan’s 42 islands and see puffins, historical sites and find some of the best seafood in France. Nearby are the Pays de Loire Islands off the coast of Vendée and La Rochelle.