The 7 Sailing Trips in France That Earn Their Price

1.2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 652 reviews · 2 hours · from $40Our pick

Join a French-speaking crew on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran for two hours from La Rochelle’s old harbor. Sail past the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, stop the engine offshore, raise the sails, and watch the sun set. Bring a picnic, camera, and warm layer.

“The boat trip itself was great, unfortunately it was very cloudy so the sunset was not as visible as we would have liked. Still a very enjoyable experience overall. The guides were accommodating to our English speaking and tried to communicate efficiently with us. Would definitely do this again, with the hope that the seasickness wouldn't strike again!”

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2.Sailing Cruise to Fort Boyard

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 623 reviews · 4 hours · from $53

Join a French-speaking captain and crew aboard a 16-meter sailing catamaran from La Rochelle. You’ll cross the bay, pass the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, sail around Fort Boyard, and return beneath the open sky. Bring food, expect four hours at sea, and plan for changing weather.

“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.”

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3.Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 453 reviews · 1 day · from $64

Join the Goélette Alliance at Marseille’s Old Port for an evening sail to the Frioul archipelago. Swim in a sheltered cove, eat a fresh vegetarian buffet, sip Provence rosé, and watch the sun set. Fabio is one guide praised for his kind, informative approach, while music and city lights round out the return.

“Incredible trip! Everything was great! The food and drinks were fantastic! Additionally, I had the opportunity to propose, and everything was excellent, with the scenery making it even better! Highly recommended.”

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4.Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 433 reviews · from $113

Join a small sailing group of up to eight people and sail from Marseille toward a Frioul calanque. Your English or French-speaking skipper teaches basic sailing, gives you a turn at the helm, and stops for swimming and snorkeling. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and cash.

“Absolutely fun! Excellent guide, allowing passengers to interact with sailboat if wanted. Guiding us through the area as we sailed. Beautiful area.”

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5.Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 411 reviews · 7 hours · from $159

Spend seven hours aboard Le Don du Vent, a historic sailing yacht, cruising from Marseille toward Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or La Côte Bleue. Swim, snorkel, enjoy a vegetarian buffet prepared onboard, and sip organic wine. English and French crew members, including Sam and Samir, keep the day relaxed and friendly.

“Excellent crew, very attentive and friendly especially with kids. Good food, plenty of coffee and wine. We get to swim lots in beautiful location. Our 3 1/2years old even get to swim too. The boat was beautiful and it was an amazing experience to be on it. We really recommend it.”

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6.Calanques Sailing Cruise with Lunch and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 354 reviews · 1 day · from $153

Spend 10 AM to 5 PM aboard Goélette Alliance, a traditional wooden schooner sailing from Marseille’s Old Port. You’ll pass Château d’If, Frioul, Les Goudes, and Riou, with two swimming stops, snorkel gear, a fresh vegetarian buffet, coffee, dessert, and a glass of rosé.

“What an excellent day! Due to a change on weather for the scheduled day, we were kindly offered and accommodated to board Bruine Beer a day before and it was the best thing we could do. Calanques is suche a beautiful place on earth, and having the opportunity of sail for almost 3hrs in total made that day super special and memorable. Kudos to the crew (Cap Fabio) who took care of everyone as if we were his long time friends, and provided an excellent meal, rose, and coffee service. Definitely recommend this activity!”

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7.Côte d’Azur: Half-Day Coastline Catamaran Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 266 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Spend three hours on a Côte d’Azur catamaran with an aperitif, coastal views, a swimming stop, kayaks, and paddles. Crews such as Alex, Clément, Ryan, and Gaël are praised for friendly service. An optional €18 lunch box is available from Marines de Cogolin with 48 hours’ notice.

“It was a nice boat trip and fun to swim and paddle on the stop in the middle of the trip. Free drinks and a fresh snack. And lots of space to relax.”

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