France · SAILING

The 15 Sailing Trips in France We Would Book Again

44 tours  ·  from $27

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 sailing trips justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes.

La Rochelle: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise - The 16-meter catamaran gives you room to settle in
2-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, La Rochelle Tours, 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

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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From La Rochelle: Sailing Cruise to Fort Boyard - From the bay to the open sea
Brittany Tours, 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

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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Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Singer by VIP Yacht de Paris - Finding Port de la Rapée before sunset
Boat Tours in Paris, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, 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

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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Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise - What the catamaran is like once you board
Boat Tours in Nice, Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Nice & French Riviera Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise

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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Marseille: Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip - Sailing toward the Frioul Islands
Boat Tours in Marseille, Calanques Boat Trips, Cruises & Boat Tours, Marseille & Provence Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Marseille: Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

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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Marseille: Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine - Starting at Marseille City Hall
1-Day Tours, Boat Tours in Marseille, Calanques Boat Trips, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Marseille & Provence Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Wine Tours

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

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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Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle - How much value do you get for $93?
Boat Tours in Marseille, Calanques Boat Trips, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Kayaking Tours in Marseille, Marseille & Provence Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle

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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Côte d'Azur: Evening Catamaran Cruise with Aperitif - Boarding near Saint-Tropez or Cavalaire
Boat Tours in Nice, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Nice & French Riviera Tours, Sailing, 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 $58

Spend two hours sailing near Saint-Tropez or Cavalaire aboard a spacious Caseneuve Maxi Catamaran. Ryan, Vianney, Clement, Lea, or another crew member may guide the outing in English or French. Expect sunset views, an aperitif, music, and a swim stop when conditions allow.

“We had an incredible time on this catamaran trip in Saint-Tropez! The directions to find the boat were super clear and easy to follow, and the catamaran departed right on time. The captain and crew were all so kind, funny, and attentive—truly made the experience even more enjoyable. We brought our own pizza on board, which was such a fun and relaxed touch. There were paddle boards and kayaks available to use, although it was a bit too chilly the day we went to take full advantage. Still, we had a blast—especially dancing on the deck as the sun was setting. It was such a magical moment and definitely one…”

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Marseille: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks - A Wild Cove in the Frioul Archipelago
Boat Tours in Marseille, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Marseille & Provence Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Marseille: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks

9.Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks

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

Join Goélette Alliance aboard the wooden schooner Goélette Alliance for an evening from Marseille’s Old Port to the Frioul Archipelago. Swim in a sheltered cove, enjoy a fresh vegetarian buffet, Provençal rosé, music, and sunset views. Fabio may be among the friendly multilingual guides.

“The boat was lovely with plenty of space for everyone to find a nook for themselves. The location for the swimming as the sun went down was perfect. The food was excellent - it was mostly vegetarian so there were options for everyone to eat. I would highly recommend!”

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Côte d'Azur: Half-Day Coastline Catamaran Sailing Tour - The Mediterranean swimming stop
Boat Tours in Nice, Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Nice & French Riviera Tours, Sailing, 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 sailing near Saint-Tropez aboard a roomy catamaran with French and English crew. After an aperitif, the boat anchors for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Captains and crew such as Alex, Clément, Ryan, Gaël, and Leia have been praised for friendly service. Lunch is optional.

“Fun activity to combine relaxed sailing in front of St Tropez with swimming and SUP boarding”

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La Grande Motte: Camargue Sunset Catamaran Tour with a Drink - Watching the Camargue change color from the catamaran
Boat Tours in Marseille, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Marseille & Provence Tours, Sailing, 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 La Grande Motte’s Charles-de-Gaulle quay for a two-hour sunset catamaran cruise toward the Camargue. You’ll receive a cocktail or soft drink and tapenade, relax on sunbeds, and return after dark with the marina lit up. The host service is in French.

“We did this activity twice, both times very different and both great! The second time it was a bit stormy and this was also a great experience! Cozy atmosphere!”

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La Rochelle: Catamaran Cruise - Opening the sails out at sea
Cruises & Boat Tours, La Rochelle Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

La Rochelle: Catamaran Cruise

12.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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La Rochelle: Coastline Sailing Cruise - Passing Les Minimes and the End of the World Lighthouse
Cruises & Boat Tours, La Rochelle Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

La Rochelle: Coastline Sailing Cruise

13.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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Marseille: Calanques National Park Sailing Cruise with Lunch - Meeting at Marseille’s Old Port
Boat Tours in Marseille, Calanques Boat Trips, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Marseille & Provence Tours, National Parks, Sailing, 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 about seven hours aboard the 1949 wooden schooner Alliance, sailing from Marseille’s Old Port toward the Calanques, Riou, Château d’If, and Frioul. You’ll get coffee, rosé, a vegetarian buffet, snorkel gear, and swimming stops. The sails depend on the wind, but the boat itself is a major part of the appeal.

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

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Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch - The Lérins Islands and the swimming stop
Boat Tours in Nice, Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Lunch Experiences, Nice & French Riviera Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

15.Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

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

Board at Cannes Old Port for a four-hour catamaran cruise to the Lérins Islands. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard when conditions allow, then enjoy a cold buffet lunch and rosé before taking the included ferry from St. Marguerite Island back to Cannes.

“Such a great trip! Was the best thing we did all weekend! Would recommend getting there early to get a good spot on the boat.”

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