France · SAILING

Sailing Trips in France: 15 Worth Clearing a Day For

25 tours  ·  from $27

The good sailing trips go weeks ahead and the best go first. Here are 15 to reserve early, what each includes and where they part company.

La Rochelle: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise - Seeing the Richelieu Tower from the water
2-Hour Experiences, Atlantic Coast Tours, Boat Tours in the Atlantic Coast, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews

La Rochelle: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

1.2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

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

Meet Kapalouest by La Rochelle’s historic harbor towers for a two-hour sunset sail on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. Cruise past the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then shut off the engine and let the sails carry you across the sea. Bring a picnic, ask the French-speaking crew about local history, and return through the old harbor after dark.

“pretty nice Guys, Professional and we Had a really welcoming good time. real sailing time without engines, would do again and thinking since that, how to get a own catamaran, real freedom. Not too crowded.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From La Rochelle: Sailing Cruise to Fort Boyard - Reaching Fort Boyard by sail
Atlantic Coast Tours, Boat Tours in the Atlantic Coast, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

From La Rochelle: Sailing Cruise to Fort Boyard

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 in La Rochelle. Cross the bay, pass Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then sail around Fort Boyard for photos. The four-hour trip includes water, safety equipment, and open-air trampoline seating, but you should bring food and other drinks.

“Sortie de bateau super agréable en famille avec enfants et petits enfants, un soleil c'est offert à nous tous le temps de notre balade de 4h, jusqu'au fort boyard superbe, je conseil cette balade en mer à tous et toute ,et merci au deux skippers.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris - The route past Paris’s great sights
Boat Tours in Paris, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dinner Experiences, Paris Tours, Sailing, Seine River Cruises, Tour Reviews, VIP

Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris

3.Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 604 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $126

Spend an evening aboard VIP Yacht de Paris, cruising past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and other landmarks. A live singer performs during a three-course dinner, with panoramic windows and rooftop viewing. Choose dinner with or without drinks, and plan extra time for boarding and the long pre-departure period.

“The view of the city is amazing while on the boat. the food wasn't good as I expected and the entertainment was kinda boring”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise - Getting from the Old Port to the catamaran
Boat Tours in the French Riviera, Cruises & Boat Tours, French Riviera Tours, Half-Day, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the French Riviera, Tour Reviews

Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise

4.Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 445 reviews · 3 hours · from $98

Take the 2:00 PM ferry from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite Island, then board a modern catamaran for a scenic cruise along the Bay of Cannes. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a paddleboard when the boat anchors. French and English crew, water, masks, and snorkels are included. Bring a towel and cash.

“Great boat, friendly crew, perfect short cruise. We enjoyed drinking beers on the back of the boat and a relaxing swim in a cute bay.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Marseille: Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip - A four-hour sail with room to participate
Boat Tours in Provence, Calanques Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Provence Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Provence, Tour Reviews

Marseille: Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

5.Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

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

Join a skipper aboard the white TEAM WINDS yacht for a four-hour sail from Marseille to the Frioul Islands. You can help raise the sails, steer, swim, and snorkel in a calanque. Skippers including Julien, Valentin, Leo, and Denis are praised for friendly instruction, while the group size is limited to eight people.

“Sailing through the afternoon with my friends was an experience I'll never forget! The wind in our hair, the sun on our skin, and the endless sea ahead of us - it was pure bliss! But what made it even more special was our amazing guide who not only showed us the ropes (literally!), but also shared fascinating local stories with us. Can't wait to come back for more adventures!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Marseille: Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine - Swimming and snorkeling in the Calanques
1-Day Tours, Boat Tours in Provence, Calanques Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Day Trips in Provence, Provence Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Provence, Tour Reviews, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Provence

Marseille: Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine

6.Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine

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

Sail from Marseille aboard the historic Le Don du Vent to a weather-dependent cove in the Calanques or along La Côte Bleue. Start with coffee and navettes, then swim, snorkel, and enjoy a generous vegetarian buffet with organic white wine and rosé. English and French-speaking crew are on hand throughout the seven-hour outing.

“A perfect day on the Mediterranean! We can’t recommend this excursion highly enough - beautiful scenery, swimming, and a delicious lunch aboard a grand sailboat with a gracious, knowledgeable crew. We’re so grateful we got to experience the beauty of Calanques!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle - The roof board and the simple joy of jumping in
Boat Tours in Provence, Calanques Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Kayak Tours in Provence, Provence Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Provence, Tour Reviews, Tours

Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle

7.Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 411 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $93

Meet Bleu Evasion at Marseille’s Vieux-Port for a 3 to 4-hour catamaran trip with English and French-speaking skippers. Cruise past Vallon des Auffes, Château d’If, and the Frioul Islands, then swim, snorkel, paddle, and jump from the roof board. Nico, Julie, Marie, and Alex are among the friendly guides who may lead the outing.

“Was fun! Was a little bit cold and windy so we didn’t go the paddle boarding but had fun anyways. The views are amazing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Côte d'Azur: Evening Catamaran Cruise with Aperitif - Leaving the marina and seeing the Côte d’Azur from offshore
Boat Tours in the French Riviera, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Evening Tours in the French Riviera, French Riviera Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the French Riviera, Tour Reviews

Côte d’Azur: Evening Catamaran Cruise with Aperitif

8.Côte d’Azur: Evening Catamaran Cruise with Aperitif

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 393 reviews · 2 hours · from $58Top rated

Spend two hours on a large catamaran near Saint-Tropez, Cavalaire, or Cogolin, watching the coast glow at sunset. Captain Vianney, Ryan, Clément, and other crew members may host the trip, with an aperitif, music, cushions, and a swimming stop. Bring your own meal or order the €18 lunchbox option from Cogolin 48 hours ahead.

“We had such a great time. The crew was exceptional and super fun. Gracias al casi-mexicano que nos hizo pasar una super trade :) Until next time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Marseille: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks - Swimming in a sheltered cove
Boat Tours in Provence, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Evening Tours in Provence, Provence Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Provence, Tour Reviews

Marseille: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks

9.Marseille: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 332 reviews · from $77

Join the Goélette Alliance at Marseille’s Old Port for an evening aboard a traditional wooden schooner. You’ll sail toward the Frioul Archipelago, swim near a sheltered cove, enjoy a fresh vegetarian buffet and one glass of Provençal rosé, then return beneath Marseille’s evening lights. Fabio is one of the guides.

“It was a fab evening. Beautiful scenery and welcoming crew. We moored up and swam then had a delicious meal. 10/10.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Côte d'Azur: Half-Day Coastline Catamaran Sailing Tour - The first minutes onboard: aperitif and open sea
Boat Tours in the French Riviera, Cruises & Boat Tours, French Riviera Tours, Half-Day, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the French Riviera, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

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

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

Spend three hours aboard a spacious catamaran off St. Tropez, with an aperitif soon after boarding and a stop for swimming, kayaking, and paddling. Crews such as Alex, Clement, Gael, Ryan, and Leia have earned praise for their friendly help. A lunch box costs €18 and must be ordered 48 hours ahead from Marines de Cogolin.

“Really fun trip with opportunities to swim and use the kayaks, conditions were a little choppy but the crew made the best of it and adjusted. Super friendly crew and a wonderful experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

La Grande Motte: Camargue Sunset Catamaran Tour with a Drink - A catamaran built for sitting back
Boat Tours in Provence, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Evening Tours in Provence, Provence Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Provence, Tour Reviews, Tours

La Grande Motte: Camargue Sunset Catamaran Tour with a Drink

11.La Grande Motte: Camargue Sunset Catamaran Tour with a Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 259 reviews · from $51

Set sail from Charles-de-Gaulle quay in La Grande Motte for a two-hour sunset catamaran cruise toward the Camargue. You will have a cocktail or soft drink, tapenade, and time on the sunbeds as the coast changes color. The French-speaking crew handles the sailing, fuel, and safety while you enjoy the evening on the water.

“We had a really nice time, the staff were friendly, but it's a shame we weren't told where we were going, the captain's communication was average. We'd still be happy to do it again”

Check availability →Read our full review

La Rochelle: Catamaran Cruise - When the engine stops and the sails open
Atlantic Coast Tours, Boat Tours in the Atlantic Coast, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

La Rochelle: Catamaran Cruise

12.Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 252 reviews · 2h 30m · from $40

Meet the Kapalouest crew by La Rochelle’s historic towers for a 150-minute French-language sail. Cruise past Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then pause offshore with the engine off and sails open. Bring your own food and drinks for an end-of-day apéritif, with crew members such as Marielle and Nathan sharing local stories.

“Très chouette, l’équipe très sympathique, j’avais juste imaginé la sortie plus sportive.”

Check availability →Read our full review

La Rochelle: Coastline Sailing Cruise - The channel reveals La Rochelle from a new angle
Atlantic Coast Tours, Boat Tours in the Atlantic Coast, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

La Rochelle: Coastline Sailing Cruise

13.Coastline Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 240 reviews · 2 hours · from $33Best value

Meet the Kapalouest crew by La Rochelle’s old harbor for a two-hour French-language cruise on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. You’ll pass the Richelieu Tower, Les Minimes marina, and the end of the world lighthouse, then sail quietly across the bay with the engines off.

“vent et soleil et bonne ambiance. tout ce qu'il fallait pour se sentir bien.😃”

Check availability →Read our full review

Marseille: Calanques National Park Sailing Cruise with Lunch - Château d’If and the Frioul archipelago
Boat Tours in Provence, Calanques Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, National Park Tours in Provence, National Parks, Provence Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Provence, Tour Reviews

Marseille: Calanques National Park Sailing Cruise with Lunch

14.Calanques National Park Sailing Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 228 reviews · from $126

Spend 10 AM to 5 PM aboard Goélette Alliance, a traditional wooden schooner built in 1949. From Marseille’s Old Port, you’ll pass Château d’If, Frioul, Les Goudes, and the Riou archipelago before swimming and snorkeling in sheltered Calanques coves. Expect coffee, fruit juice, rosé, a cold vegetarian buffet, and a multilingual crew.

“Well maintained sailing ship. Staff are competent and friendly. Ample time for swimming and snorkelling in the picturesque Calanques.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch - The sail toward the Lérins Islands
Boat Tours in the French Riviera, Cruises & Boat Tours, French Riviera Tours, Half-Day, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the French Riviera, Tour Reviews

Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

15.Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 214 reviews · 4 hours · from $135

Spend four hours sailing from Cannes to the Lérins Islands on a spacious catamaran. Swim and snorkel from the boat, use a kayak or paddleboard when weather allows, then enjoy a cold buffet and rosé. Your catamaran ticket includes the ferry from St. Marguerite Island back to Cannes.

“Nice and friendly staff. Great location. Loved it. 100% recommendable”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Sailing

★ 4.5Catamaran Lucile | Sunday brunchFrom $7646 reviews
★ 4.6Catamaran Lucile | La Grande Motte Guided tours of the portsFrom $2748 reviews
★ 4.8Catamaran half-day excursionFrom $8447 reviews
★ 5.0Catamaran cruise to the Lavezzi IslandsFrom $21243 reviews

Keep browsing

Cruises & Boat Tours153Seine River Cruises57Bateaux Mouches Cruises5Canoes & Kayaks7Shore Excursions11
Scroll to Top

Explore France

Pick a monument, a coastline or a cellar.

Paris monuments

Louvre TicketsEiffel TowerVersaillesMusee d’OrsaySainte Chapelle

On the water

Seine CruisesBateaux MouchesCalanque BoatsSailing DaysEvery Boat Trip

Wine and the table

Champagne CellarsWine TastingsCheese TastingsCooking ClassesMarket Mornings

Out of the city

D-Day BeachesMont Saint MichelGivernyChateau DaysBike Days