The 6 Sailing Trips in France That Earn Their Price

1.La Rochelle: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

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

Meet Kapalouest by La Rochelle’s old harbor for a two-hour sunset sail on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. Cruise past the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then stop the engine offshore and let the sails carry you into sunset. Bring a picnic, dress warmly, and expect French-language hosting with some English help when possible.

“Hello everyone Thank you so much for this incredible journey. I felt safe, relaxed and valued thanks to the crew and for all their thoughtfulness. The trip was beyond words - I can't use fantastic, fabulous or brilliant - I need better words that describe this experience. I always wanted to ride on a catermaran, especially at the front. But I never got the nerve. But thanks to the professionalism of the crew and craft, I absolutely had a most wonderful ride which I will never forget. Thank you so much, Best wishes to everyone Virginia McAllister-Evans”

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2.From La Rochelle: Sailing Cruise to Fort Boyard

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

Board Kapalouest’s 16-meter sailing catamaran in La Rochelle for a four-hour cruise to Fort Boyard. You’ll cross the bay, pass the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes harbor, sail around the fort, and return beneath the open sky. The French-speaking captain and crew provide water, safety equipment, and local conversation. Bring your own picnic.

“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.Marseille: 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 aboard a traditional wooden schooner. You’ll cruise toward the Frioul archipelago, swim in a sheltered cove, eat a fresh vegetarian buffet, sip Provençal rosé, and return beneath the city lights. English, French, and Italian are spoken onboard.

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

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4.Marseille: Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

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

Sail from Marseille’s Mucem dock to a Frioul Islands calanque with a state-qualified skipper and up to seven other participants. You can help raise sails, steer, swim, and snorkel for about an hour, or simply enjoy the coast. Skippers such as Julien, Valentin, and Leo are praised for friendly, hands-on instruction.

“This was by far the highlight of our trip! Julian was the best! He not only took great care of us during a windy day (which made this mom nervous!) but he did it with compassion and humor! The kids were able to help raise the sails and drive the boat, plus have fun swimming and snorkeling in the cove. Bring cash in case the ice cream boat is out in the cove! Julian was full of knowledge about the Marseille area and answered all of our questions about the islands and buildings that surrounded us. Also gave great local recommendations which we will need to come back and try…”

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5.Marseille: Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine

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

Set sail from Marseille aboard Le Don du Vent, a historic yacht, for a full day along the Calanques or Côte Bleue. Expect welcome coffee, local navettes, swimming and snorkeling stops, a generous buffet, and organic white wine and rosé. The route changes with weather, and the trip is about enjoying the sea rather than visiting every cove.

“Excellent day on the boat. The crew was extremely professional, kind, and funny! Delicious food and wine, great swimming and views. Nice balance of shade and sun on the boat, with comfy bean bags for lounging. We cut the engine and sailed when the wind cooperated, which was really special. It’s a spectacular and historic boat, too. Overall, super!”

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6.Marseille: 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 into the Calanques. You’ll see Château d’If, Frioul, Les Goudes, Maïre, and Riou, with swimming stops, snorkeling gear, a fresh vegetarian buffet, coffee, and rosé. Sailing depends on wind, so expect some motoring too.

“Wonderful day aboard a sailboat. The crew was the best: helpful and kind. As always, the employees make the excursion excellent ! Snorkeling in the Mediterranean is bliss. The food aboard was awesome and I have not been so relaxed in a Long time.”

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