Sailing holidays in France with a local skipper

The best destinations to visit during your sailing holidays in France:

Whether you want to sail the French Riviera, Corsica, Normandy, Vendée, or Brittany - France offers many possibilities for sailing holidays. Its rich coastline makes it a beautiful playground for sailing. Your trip will vary greatly depending on where you choose to explore and for how long - whether for a weekend getaway, a week, or something longer - you can find the sailing holiday in France that is right for you.

Choosing where to go sailing in France depends on your experience and the type of experience you are looking for. The calm waters of the Mediterranean to the south are ideal for beginners or for all those who wish to relax and discover the charm and glamourous colourful villages of the Côte d'Azur seaside. The Hyères and Porquerolles Islands is suited to a sailing cruise to discover one of the most beautiful natural paradises of the Côte d'Azur. Imposing cliffs interspersed with creeks, turquoise waters, warm southern sun, the sweetness of the Mediterranean, and the charm of Provence come together to offer you a great holiday. For more experienced sailors, the Atlantic coastline of Brittany can be an attractive destination for those with a taste for adventure and for those looking for a challenge. Finally, head to the Atlantic coast, to discover the paradise of the sailors. Ile d'Oleron, Sables-d'Olonne, or La Rochelle - many skippers offer cruises and sailing courses to help you become a real sailor! All regions offer excellent sailing conditions and a wide range of historical sites, charming villages, and beautiful beaches. Whichever region you choose, you are sure to have a dream holiday in France.

Sailing holidays in Corsica

A must-visit destination in France during the summer season. Crystal clear waters, immense beaches of fine sand, small deserted coves, and granite cliffs populated by marine birds. Corsica offers a variety of seascapes unique to the Mediterranean. The island is full of natural sites recognized by UNESCO. During your sailing holiday enjoy the creeks of Piana, the Scandola Nature Reserve, and the famous Lavezzi Islands.

Sailing holidays in the Atlantic Coast

The Atlantic Coast extends to the west of France from the south of Brittany through the Vendée, Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Arcachon Basin and finally to the Basque coast. By boat, the Atlantic Coast offers absolutely breathtaking landscapes like the Arcachon basin, a lagoon in the Landes de Gascogne, Gironde, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean or the Dune of Pilat, the highest sand dunes in Europe. From the steep and rugged coastline of Brittany to the Basque coast rollers, to the soothing calm of the Landes and Vendée beaches, the Atlantic Ocean offers a diversity of atmospheres and landscapes for an exotic holiday.

Sailing holidays in Brittany

This French region, located in the north-west, combines both beautiful natural spaces, towns of character, beautiful beaches and historical monuments. But it is above all a playground famous among sailors and a perfect place to learn or improve navigation. Its miles of coastline consist of coves, long beaches, dunes, granite cliffs punctuated by lighthouses, typical harbors with granite houses and little fishing villages.

The 8 most beautiful French islands to discover in sailboat:

• Corsica: the island of beauty - made of sea and mountains.
• The island of Bréhat: an archipelago of colour. Nicknamed "the island of flowers", it is one of the Breton jewels that are absolutely worth a visit. In the mixed scents of hydrangeas, mimosas, eucalyptus, agapanthus and other geraniums, the island transport is either by foot or bike.
• The island of Porquerolles: the jewel of the Côte d'Azur. It's a magical place with many faces. Its paradisiacal beaches, picturesque village, and splendid landscapes make it an idyllic frame and magical place that needs to be visited when on a sailing holiday in the area.
• The island of Saint Nicolas: the great Glénan. The beaches are beautiful, the water is translucent and there is a fauna and flora unique to the dune environment.
• Belle-Ile-en-Mer: the aptly named. Here the jagged cliffs and quiet beaches are sure to impress.
• The island of Chausey: not far from Granville, Chausey is an island of nature. Extremely well preserved, this island is also famous for fishing.
• The island of Sainte-Marguerite: a little paradise just off the coast of Cannes. Here a historical heritage and a varied natural beauty awaits. In particular a forest of pines and eucalyptus.
• The island of Oléron: the luminous. Nature and heritage mingle on this second largest island in France, which is famous for its oysters.

All you need to know about your next cruise in France aboard a sailboat

The best time to cruise in France is from May to the end of September. This is the ideal time if you want temperatures to enjoy more mild temperatures. Summer is of course very popular and therefore typically more busy. However, even if there are more people, your skipper will take you to places far from mass tourism where you can enjoy unspoiled nature.

The advantage of France is that you can go for a weekend, a week, or more! There is something for every wish and every budget. You can find week-long trips from €450 and weekends from €170. However, prices will vary depending on the season.

Dependant on your point of departure, transport options are numerous, and France has many airports served by low budget airlines, as well as many bus and train routes to its coastlines!

Whether you are a family, a couple, a group of friends or a single traveller, France is an ideal destination for a sailing holiday. You will easily find a deserted cove where you can anchor and allow the kids to have fun on the beach or do some watersports. Parents and children alike can properly enjoy and make the most of a sailing holiday in France.

The best itinerary ideas for your next sailing cruise in France.

The French coast offers many possible itineraries. Here are our favorite routes:

• Corsica:: embark on a sailing holiday in Corsica, discovering treasures such as the Scandola reserve, the Lavezzi islands, the Maddalena archipelago, Bonifacio, and Calanques de Piana.
• The Gulf of Morbihan:: a journey to discover the most beautiful places on the southern coast of Brittany. This wild and jagged coast is full of wonders: quiet coves for swimming, sheltered marinas to enjoy a plate of seafood, and a perfectly ventilated area to navigate. And, you can not forget the many islands - this includes the islands of Quiberon Bay, the area of ​​Belle-Ile, the authentic Hoedic or the exotic Houat.
• The Channel Islands:: Jersey, Sark, Herm, Guernsey, and Alderney, are called the "Pearls of the Channel" for good reason. Sail through these green and charming British islands, that offer a real change of scenery.
• The French Riviera:: the French Riviera offers numerous sailing options. The coast is rich and varied and the many islands are there to be explored.