France · SAILING

15 Sailing Trips in France to Build a Day Around

44 tours  ·  from $27 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 sailing trips justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

La Rochelle: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise - Sunset at Sea, With Room for a Picnic
2-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in La Rochelle

La Rochelle: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

1.2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

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

Meet the Kapalouest crew beside La Rochelle’s historic towers for a two-hour sunset sail on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. Cruise past the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then cut the engine and let the sails carry you across the water. Bring a picnic, ask the French-speaking crew about local history, and watch the old harbor glow 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.”

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From La Rochelle: Sailing Cruise to Fort Boyard - Crossing the bay under sail
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in La Rochelle

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 with a captain and French-speaking crew. Cross the bay, pass Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then circle Fort Boyard for photos before relaxing on the trampolines. Bring food and drinks, and expect a four-hour trip in changing weather.

“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 in the 12th arrondissement
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Experiences, Sailing, Seine River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Paris, 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 riverfront sights. You will have a three-course dinner, live singing, panoramic windows, and access to an upper deck. Choose carefully between dinner-only and drink-inclusive options.

“The views are spectacular. It is a leisurely cruise with lots of opportunities to take great photos. Our cruise was about 1/3 full so we had lots of room to move around. Service is good but be prepared for a long cocktail hour. Food is not served until you leave the dock about an hour after arrival. The food is tasty but small portions. If you don’t include the drink package, you will even be charged for water.”

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Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise - Meeting at Cannes Old Port
Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cannes

Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise

4.Half-Day Catamaran Cruise

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

Spend an afternoon sailing from Cannes aboard a modern catamaran with French and English crew. After a short ferry ride to Île Sainte-Marguerite, swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard from the boat, weather permitting. Water and masks are included, while food, towels, and cash for drinks are your responsibility.

“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 - Learning the ropes with the skipper
Calanques Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Marseille

Marseille: Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

5.Frioul Calanques Sailing Trip

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

Spend four hours sailing from Marseille toward the Frioul Islands with a state-qualified skipper. You can help raise sails, steer, swim, and snorkel in a sheltered cove, or simply enjoy the limestone coast. Boats carry up to eight people, with English and French instruction, snorkeling gear, and water included.

“Lovely experience. Beautiful scenery and everyone gets to participate in all parts of what it takes to sail a boat including driving. Brief hour long stop for snorkeling.”

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Marseille: Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine - The ride toward Sormiou, Morgiou, or Sugiton
1-Day Tours, Calanques Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Marseille, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Marseille

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

Join the historic sailing yacht Le Don du Vent at Marseille’s pier 2 for a seven-hour coastal outing. Cruise toward Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or La Côte Bleue, with time to swim and snorkel from the boat. The onboard chef serves a buffet with organic white wine and rosé, while French and English-speaking crew keep the day relaxed and well organized.

“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!”

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Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle - What the $93 price really buys you
Calanques Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Marseille

Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle

7.Calanques Catamaran Tour & Standup Paddle

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

Cruise Marseille Bay from the Vieux-Port aboard a comfortable shared catamaran with guides such as Nico, Julie, or Marie. You’ll see Vallon des Auffes, Château d’If, and the Frioul Islands, then stop to swim, snorkel, paddle, and jump from the rooftop board. Drinks, wetsuits, and equipment are provided.

“It was really memorable trip! Thanks to our lovely hosts! Merci beaucoup!”

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Côte d'Azur: Evening Catamaran Cruise with Aperitif - The Cove Stop for Swimming and Photos
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nice

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 relaxed hours sailing near Saint-Tropez and Cavalaire on a roomy catamaran with crew such as Ryan, Vianney, or Clement. Enjoy an aperitif, sunset views, music, and a stop for swimming. Bring your own meal or order the €18 lunchbox from Cogolin at least 48 hours ahead.

“3 of us booked on to the evening catamaran evening cruise for 24th June, and we had a great time! The catamaran was easy to find at the marina, the trip was enjoyable, and the staff onboard (Ryan and Veanney) were friendly and their French to English translation was really good. We paid extra for food, and we received tasty food (pot of pasta, ham salad wrap and a cookie) which was of good portion. There were plenty of drinks on board (soft drinks and an alcoholic punch) stored in a cool box. The staff played music through a speaker which helped create a vibey atmosphere. When we stopped by…”

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Marseille: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks - The Goélette Alliance and the trip toward Frioul
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Marseille

Marseille: Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks

9.Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks

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

Board the wooden Goélette Alliance beside Marseille Town Hall for a relaxed evening cruise toward the Frioul Archipelago. You’ll swim in a sheltered cove, enjoy a fresh vegetarian buffet with one glass of Provençal rosé, listen to music, and return under the Old Port lights. Fabio is among the friendly guides praised for helpful local advice.

“Great experience! Worth doing while you’re in Marseille.”

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Côte d'Azur: Half-Day Coastline Catamaran Sailing Tour - Kayaks, paddles, and time in the water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Nice

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 catamaran off the Côte d’Azur, sailing near Saint-Tropez before stopping to swim, kayak, and paddle. An aperitif is served after boarding, and crews such as Captain Alex, Clément, Ryan, and Gaël have helped make the outing friendly and easygoing. A €18 lunch box is optional from Marines de Cogolin.

“Fantastic catamaran sailing, not far, just outside of St. Tropez. Very friendly and helpful guides, nice fruit snack during the stop for swimming. All in all a great experience.”

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La Grande Motte: Camargue Sunset Catamaran Tour with a Drink - Boarding at Charles-de-Gaulle quay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Provence & Lavender Day Trips, Sailing, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Montpellier

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 cruise toward the Camargue. You’ll have a welcome cocktail or soft drink, tapenade, sunbeds, and views of the coast as daylight fades. The French-speaking crew handles the sailing, while optional cheese, charcuterie, or vegetarian boxes add a simple meal for two.

“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”

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La Rochelle: Catamaran Cruise - Sailing past the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in La Rochelle

La Rochelle: Catamaran Cruise

12.Catamaran Cruise

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

Meet Marielle, Nathan, or another French-speaking crew member by La Rochelle’s two historic towers. Sail past the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then stop the engine and open the sails offshore. Bring food and drinks for a relaxed apéritif at sea, with 150 minutes for coastline views and local stories.

“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 - The channel, towers, and first coastal views
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in La Rochelle

La Rochelle: Coastline Sailing Cruise

13.Coastline Sailing Cruise

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

Meet the French-speaking crew at La Rochelle’s old harbor for a two-hour cruise on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. After passing the harbor towers, Richelieu Tower, Les Minimes, and the End of the World lighthouse, the crew shuts off the engines and unfurls the sails. You can stretch out on the trampolines, enjoy the breeze, and ask about local sailing and history.

“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 - Passing Château d’If and the Frioul islands
Calanques Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, National Parks, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Marseille

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 Château d’If, Frioul, Riou, and the Calanques. You’ll get coffee, a cold vegetarian buffet, rosé, snorkel gear, and time to swim in sheltered coves. French, English, and Italian are spoken.

“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 - Sailing Toward the Lérins Islands
Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cannes

Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

15.Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

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

Board a large catamaran at Cannes Old Port for a four-hour sail toward the Lérins Islands. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard when conditions allow, then enjoy a cold buffet and rosé. The boat returns you via St. Marguerite Island and a ferry, so bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash for extra drinks.

“The boat was beautiful!! Surprisingly there were not a lot of people on the boat so that was nice. They provided light morning snacks once we got on the boat like water, orange juice and pastries. We stopped for swimming, kayaking and paddle out boarding for some time. Lunch was okay. If they are going to provide a cold lunch it might be best to have something like sandwiches with the sides they had. Instead it was cold chicken. They also provided fruit and pear/apple tart for dessert. Little did I know that I wasn’t going back on the same boat. We made a stop at St. Marguerite Island. Those…”

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New in Sailing

★ 5.0Private sailing excursion & Provencal picnicFrom $13844 reviews
★ 5.0Classic Yacht Sailing in Cannes47 reviews
★ 5.0Private Solar Catamaran Cruise in Antibes Juan les PinsFrom $8960 reviews
★ 5.0Private ride with sea bath in Solar CatamaranFrom $92452 reviews
★ 4.8Saint Tropez: Evening Catamaran Party with Welcome DrinkFrom $5354 reviews
★ 4.8Half-day sailboat trip to the Lerins IslandsFrom $17658 reviews
★ 4.2Dinner at Sea on a Maxi Catamaran – Villefranche, Cap FerratFrom $11629 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset catamaran cruise, buffet & drinksFrom $72121 reviews
★ 4.7Sailing Day Cruise with LunchFrom $17167 reviews
★ 4.8Calanques Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & WineFrom $19954 reviews
★ 4.4Frioul Archipelago Catamaran Cruise with LunchFrom $9049 reviews
★ 4.9Calanques Catamaran Cruise, Picnic, & SwimmingFrom $10141 reviews
★ 4.4Full-Day Catamaran Cruise Departing from CannesFrom $188120 reviews
★ 4.9Departure from BRUSC sunset on sailing catamaranFrom $8241 reviews
★ 4.5Catamaran day excursionFrom $12374 reviews

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