The 9 Sailing Trips in France We Would Book Again

1.2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

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

Join Kapalouest’s two-hour French-language sunset cruise aboard a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. You’ll leave from the old harbor, pass the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then sail under open canvas while the sun drops over the sea. Bring a picnic, warm layers, and a camera.

“This is the most fabulous cruise, we so enjoyed the experience, the staff are amazing and so helpful and make everything about this outing just perfect. This is a wonderful boat trip to take, it’s a great experience and gives you unequalled views of La Rochelle and the glorious sunset over the sea. I cannot recommend it more highly.”

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2.Sailing Cruise to Fort Boyard

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

You’ll sail from La Rochelle’s old harbor aboard a 16-meter catamaran, cross the bay, pass the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then circle Fort Boyard. A French-speaking captain and crew handle the boat while you enjoy the sea, bring a picnic, and take photos from the deck or trampolines.

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

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

Board at Port de la Rapée for an evening Seine cruise with panoramic views of Paris monuments, a live singer, and an optional three-course dinner. The boat returns to the same dock. Choose carefully between dinner-only and drink-inclusive plans, and allow extra time for boarding.

“Great experience, nice ship, comfortable seats, friendly staff, well maintained. Good drink selection. I would love to go again!”

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4.Half-Day Catamaran Cruise

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

Leave Cannes at 2 PM, take a 15-minute ferry to Sainte-Marguerite Island, then board a modern catamaran for a relaxed afternoon on the Mediterranean. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a paddleboard before returning to Cannes at 5:15 PM. Bring a towel and cash for the onboard bar.

“This was absolutely perfect! The scenery was amazing, there was plenty of equipment for everyone, and they even had snacks at the end. I would do this again and again.”

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5.Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

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

Join a skipper-led sail from Marseille’s Mucem dock to the Frioul Islands. In a group of up to eight, you can help raise the sails, steer, swim, and snorkel in a calanque before returning. Skippers such as Valentin, Julian, and Leo are praised for patient instruction and local insight.

“What a wonderful afternoon! We arrived as strangers and left feeling like a team. Our fearless leader and boat captain was also head of the company, and his ernest enthusiasm was contagious. We each helped sail the boat and got to see the beautiful countryside from the water. The spot where we swam was protected and a little chilly but exceptional. I highly recommended this experience”

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6.Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine

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

Spend seven hours aboard Le Don du Vent 1947, a historic sailing yacht leaving from Marseille City Hall. The French and English-speaking crew, including Sam and Samir, serve coffee, navettes, a vegetarian buffet, organic wine, and rosé. Swim and snorkel at coves chosen according to weather.

“My boyfriend and I had an incredible time. There was plenty of food and drinks served, the crew was very sweet and constantly asked if we needed anything like more water. The stops were great as well. Solid day!”

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7.Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle

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

From Marseille’s Vieux-Port, sail with a friendly English and French speaking crew toward Vallon des Auffes, Château d’If, and the Frioul Islands. You get swim stops, snorkels, paddle boards, soft drinks, light snacks, and a GoPro, with guides such as Nico, Julie, and Marie sharing local stories.

“We had an amazing time on the afternoon tour around the Frioul archipelago. The catamaran was spacious and comfortable and the two stops to swim and paddle in the calanques were great fun. Our Captain Nico (Nicotine) was friendly, funny and informative, giving us a glimpse into the history of the area. There are some drinks provided but I would recommend bringing some with as well as snacks.”

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8.Catamaran Cruise

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

Meet Kapalouest by La Rochelle’s historic towers for a 150-minute French-language cruise on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. You’ll pass the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then stop the engine, open the sails, and relax at sea. Bring your own food and drinks for an apéritif.

“L’équipe était très accueillante. Ballade agréable et détendue, agrémentée de quelques anecdotes locales et historiques. Merci!”

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9.Coastline Sailing Cruise

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

Join a French-speaking crew aboard a 16-meter maxi-catamaran for a calm two-hour cruise from La Rochelle’s old harbor. You’ll pass the Richelieu Tower, Les Minimes, and the End of the World lighthouse, then sail under canvas across the bay.

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

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