Hiring a boat in France is an excellent way to tour various regions, sights and hidden treasures in the Mediterranean Sea. As one of the most diverse and largest countries in Western Europe, France boasts of many coastal lines, all open for exploration and discovery. The three major areas you can cruise through are the French Riviera, the Gulf of Lion, and the areas surrounding the Island of Corsica, all offering their own unique natural beauty. France offers an abundant set of marinas, ports and anchorages where you can dock your boat or find the ideal catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht or speedboat of your choice. You can directly contact the owners for the ideal boat or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without if you own a license, and enjoy a one-day or two-day cruise along the French Riviera. With the option to hire a motor boat you can reach further destinations in South of France in a shorter amount of time. You also have the opportunity to book and hire a catamaran to throw a party, sunset cruise or even wedding events. A luxury motor yacht is a great choice if you want to combine Cote d’Azur with the island of Corsica or the Italian Riviera. Finally, you can hire a sailboat in Northern France where you can explore Brittany, making crossings to the English channel for the most exhilarating experiences.
The frontier between northern and southern Europe is straddled by France and is the only nation known to be part of the two regions. The huge number of navigable rivers including the Rhine and Maine have helped provide the country with a surplus of arable land, making it one of the leading agricultural nations around the globe. The capital of France, Paris, sits at the center and has a convenient and relatively easy to traverse terrain with its multiple rivers, attractions and iconic sights and this has continuously brought millions of visitors worldwide. With the option to hire a canal boat for a wonderful sightseeing tour in the inner bays, inlets and rivers, or by enjoying a yacht charter along the French Riviera, you will have an experience like no other. When you are ready to begin your cruise in France, you have an entire exciting trip ahead of you. Whether you want to sunbathe in St Tropez, walk through the cobblestone streets of Antibes Island, or discover the beauty Corsica holds, there are lots of plans to make up your entire trip. Summer is the best period to take a rental boat, particularly between June and August because they are the peak period for sailing through France and the best way to avoid the bigger crowds. Regardless, you can charter a yacht and head off on your trip earlier and spend time enjoying the quiet environment in France as you go.
If sailing in France sounds pleasing to you, take your chance to rent a luxury motorboat along the French Riviera and Corsica Island, favorite sites for yacht exploration. Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) is the Mediterranean coastline along France's southeastern corner. As one of the first established resorts in the area, French Riviera boasts of classy restaurants, scanty beaches, and bays. Antibes, Saint Tropez, Nice, and Cannes are the most popular resorts in Côte d'Azur. Modern-day or luxury yachting began on Côte d'Azur in the 19th century when European royals located the beautiful Riviera while sailing through the coasts. They would drop their anchors off the coves of Cap d' Antibes and Cap Ferrat and engage in regattas (rowing races) at Cannes.
The French Riviera is a beauty to behold, especially in the summer when its vineyards come alive. Spanning from the southeastern commune of Theoule-Sur-Mer Italy's borders, you can find a spot for every activity in mind, including restaurants with deluxe cuisine and vibrant nightlife scenes. It is no understatement to say that the French Rivera exposes you to most of life's best pleasures, even if you are only receiving the Mediterranean breeze as you sail. If your sailing schedule permits, make out lots of time to explore the shores and see many attractive sights because you would hate to sail away knowing that you are leaving behind an experience of a lifetime.
Exploring the French Riviera, you will come across top resorts including Cannes, Saint Tropez and Monaco. Cannes attracts tons of tourists in the summer, especially because of the Cannes Film Festival which accredits and previews new films and is regarded as one of the biggest media events worldwide. With lots of classic boutiques, world-class restaurants, and exceptionally beautiful beaches across the shore, there's a lot to see and engage. Other festivals to experience in Cannes are the Palais des Festivals and the belle époque facades. One destination you must not miss when touring France is St Tropez. It is one of the most glamorous areas in the French Riviera. Saint Tropez has picture-perfect beaches for sunbathing, streets tarred in cobblestone, and deluxe restaurants. Whether you visit at a time of festivities or in more quiet times, you can enjoy your relaxation or partying however you want it. Monaco is an independent location, but the city-state can easily blend in with your yacht charter trip. Because it is close to other coastal areas, you can cruise to Monaco during your visit to France and enjoy the city's hill rise and glamorous charms.
Based on Popularity, the French Riviera tops the charts when it comes to yachting but you also have the opportunity to discover Northern France. Without missing any important detail, location or sight, you can begin your cruise in the north of France at the coastal cities of Dunkirk or Brest. Heading westward, you will discover Cherbourg and the ports of Saint-Malo, a favorite destination for many sailors because of its attractiveness. Going forward, you will discover the English Channel Islands as well as the Chausey archipelago. Experience the beautiful tidal nature of the English Channel, often void of activities in the summer. Beyond the English Channel, however, Northern Brittany has one of the most violent tides and storms. Although sailing in Brittany is challenging for some, experts will find the tides an exciting endeavor.
Brittany is a coast of adventures for sailors who have time to explore the beautiful coast, rich vegetation, and towns straight from the middle ages. Take a break from your sailing and explore the mansions, captivating megaliths, and beautiful cathedrals. You can also learn about the maritime and Celtic roots of Brittany. The locals at Brittany will welcome you with their refreshing Muscadet wine. You will want to make this delightful drink a part of the exciting summer nights you spend on your yacht charter. A stop at the Atlantic coast opens up a wide array of beaches that captures the hearts of tourists. On the coast, you can make stops at Saint-Jean-de-Luz, La Rochelle, Biarritz, or Arcachon. These places are on the map of every lover and explorer of France for many reasons.
When you sail through La Rochelle, ensure that you make time to explore Île de Ré Island. The small island is renowned for impressive villages, attractive sandy beaches, fun bike rides, and colorful streets. Also, explore the ancient walled City of Saint-Martin-de-Re, which is at the Island's main port. The City is a UNESCO protected site, and you can sit on the bell tower to get an impressive view of the surrounding locations. Île d'Oleron sits nearby, in its magnitude, second only to Corsica Island, which is the largest. On this Island, you can explore the fishing villages, beautiful beaches, vineyards, and forests. You should also watch out for the fishing boats when they return to the Island or spend time visiting the oyster ports. Moving on with your sail, explore the oval-shaped fortification of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Fort Boyard. You can also cast your anchor at the Port of Rochefort where you can admire the image of the french Hermione that transported General Lafayette to America. If you are in search of a calm and remote area away from the noise, you can cruise to Île-d'Aix with your sailboat, and relax away from the sound of people and cars. Walk the coastal parts, savor the natural beaches, and discover the hidden bays where you can spend some alone time. Between the Mediterranean Sea and Rhone delta lies the region of Camargue. Located Southward of Arles, the region houses protected flora and fauna, including white horses, cattle and flamingos. Lavender flourishes here, among reeds and other seaside attractions. Your boating vacation can be crafted to your liking, the diverse coastline means you have plenty of things to do, you can even combine your trips from Cannes to Naples or the French Riviera with the North of Spain for an ultimate Meditterranan yachting experience that can last as many days as you wish.
Below we have the top marinas and airports for your boating holiday in France:
Port Camargue Marina: Has a berthing capacity of 4,600 vessels in the South of France that offers services and accommodation to all types of yachts.
Port de Cassis Marina: Situated east of Marseille and offers easy access to the Spanish coast. Has a capacity of 400 berths for yachts that go up to 25m in length.
Vieux Port de Cannes: Located right in the city centre, offers great starting trips to the French Riviera. Has a capacity of 650 berths for yachts that can go up to even 65m.
Port Pierre Canto, Cannes: Has a capacity of 600 berths that go up to 70m in length. A luxury marina that offers a wide range of facilities and services.
Cannes-Mandelieu Airport: Roughly 15 minutes away from Port de Cannes, great access to the French Riviera.
Port of Saint Tropez: Offers a capacity of 734 berths and has top quality services recognized as one of the most famous marinas in the world.
Port Cogolin, Saint Tropez: 3km from the Port of St. Tropez and has an impressive berthing capacity of 1600 yachts that range from 8-12m but can also accommodate 50m yachts. Offers top facilities and services.
Fontvieille Harbor, Monaco: A charming harbor with 275 moorings with a maximum length of 30m. Most berths are reserved annually, your other option is the Monaco Yacht Club which has a fully equipped and high quality marina.
Nice Port: Has a berthing capacity of up to 520 vessels accommodating both ships and private yachts. Constantly under surveillance with top qualities and services, a great gateway to the French Riviera.
Port de Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Nice: Situated in Villefranche Sur Mer in Côte d’Azur between Nice and Monaco. Occupies 562 berths for yachts up to 28m in length. Water supply and electricity, free WI-FI and surveillance is covered by professional staff.
Nice Airport: the largest airport of the French Riviera bringing and handling the most tourists. Connects 100 destinations in 32 countries and is roughly 15 minutes from the Port of Nice (8km distance).
Port Vauban Antibes Marina: Located between Monaco and St. Tropez. One of the largest luxury marinas in Europe that can accommodate up to 1650 vessels.
Port de Bonifacio, Corsica: Has a total of 450 berths and is nearby the Italian island of Sardinia. Great for yacht trips with France and Italy, either as a starting point or stopover. Close to many amenities including restaurants, bars and hotels.
Port La Rochelle: A leading harbour of the French Atlantic Coast with an impressive 4,600 berths. Professional staff and services to even welcome superyachts.
La Rochelle Airport: an international airport Only 6min away from Port La Rochelle
Port des Sablons, Saint Malo: With a capacity of about 1,200 berths, great water and electricity supplies.
Dinard Airport: roughly 25 minutes away to Saint Malo
Port de Plaisance de Brest, Brittany: Offers accommodations to vessels that go up to 60m at a depth of 7m. Offers all kinds of facilities and services including WIFI, water, electricity and bars.
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