France is indisputably among the most desirable destinations for a sailing holiday charter worldwide.
Its rich history, stunning coastline and world-famous cuisine combine to guarantee a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether cruising along the French Riviera, exploring the waters of Corsica or sailing off Britanny, there are endless reasons why France is such a special place to visit on a sailing holiday.
Whether you seek luxury and glamour or tranquillity and natural beauty, France has it all, and it is no wonder that it remains a top destination for those seeking a genuinely unforgettable yachting adventure.
France boasts some of the most beautiful coastal areas in the Mediterranean, including the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), Brittany and Corsica, each with their own very different atmosphere.
From traditional French bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, France offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, not to mention the extensive wine regions where you can discover exceptional vintages to pair with your onboard meals.
France's central location in Europe makes it an ideal starting point for exploring neighbouring countries. If you're lucky enough to have time, cruise to nearby destinations such as Italy, Spain, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands.
Iconic ports like Cannes, St-Tropez and Monaco are world-renowned playgrounds for the rich and famous. Docking at these chic marinas puts you in the heart of the social scene, with high-end shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Whether you prefer the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, the rugged beauty of Corsica's wild coastline, or the island-hopping opportunities in the national parks of the Cote D'Azur, France offers something for every taste and preference.
The Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera is pleasant for yachting much of the year, with warm temperatures and sunny skies from spring through to autumn.
There's no better way to attend glamorous events like the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix or Monaco Yacht Show than on a boat.
France is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. While cruising along the French coast, you can explore historic towns, medieval fortresses, ancient ruins and charming fishing villages.
The rugged limestone cliffs and hidden coves of the Calanques National Park near Marseille offer incredible natural beauty to discover on a sailing holiday.
Discover the beautiful islands of the Cote d'Azur, including Ile Sainte-Marguerite and Ile Saint-Honorat off the coast of Cannes, and the Iles d'Hyères (Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Ile du Levant).
Explore the charming towns of Ajaccio, Bonifacio, and Porto-Vecchio and discover the island's stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages.
Quaint fishing villages like Cassis, Bandol, and Villefranche-sur-Mer are delightful places to stroll, shop, and soak up the local culture.
Explore charming towns like Saint-Malo, Dinard, and Quiberon, known for their historic architecture, maritime heritage, delicious seafood and dramatic cliffs
Visit the Picasso Museum, explore its old town, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Visit this iconic French Riviera town known for glamorous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and excellent food.
Explore the glamorous coastal towns and cities along the Côte d'Azur, such as Cannes, Nice, Monaco, and St. Tropez. Stop to swim, dine, and take in the stunning Mediterranean scenery - perhaps with a chilled glass of Provençal Rosé.
The season in France runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors. April to June and September to October are much quieter, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a more peaceful experience.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 7.4°C (45°F) | 3.4°C (38°F) | 2.3mm |  S |
| FEB | 10.0°C (50°F) | 1.7°C (35°F) | 0.2mm | SSE |
| MAR | 12.7°C (55°F) | 4.8°C (41°F) | 2.3mm | SSW |
| APR | 14.6°C (58°F) | 5.2°C (41°F) | 1.4mm | SSE |
| MAY | 20.0°C (68°F) | 9.1°C (48°F) | 1.3mm | ESE |
| JUN | 27.0°C (81°F) | 13.6°C (56°F) | 2.3mm | SSE |
| JUL | 25.7°C (78°F) | 14.1°C (57°F) | 1.9mm | SW |
| AUG | 24.8°C (77°F) | 14.6°C (58°F) | 3.0mm | SW |
| SEP | 26.5°C (80°F) | 14.2°C (57°F) | 2.9mm | S |
| OCT | 19.8°C (68°F) | 9.6°C (49°F) | 2.7mm | S |
| NOV | 11.4°C (53°F) | 5.8°C (43°F) | 3.3mm | SW |
| DEC | 9.2°C (48°F) | 4.8°C (41°F) | 2.3mm | SW |
The official language of France is French, and English is widely spoken.
The official currency of France is the Euro (€).
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You can't beat a monohull charter from France on a sailing holiday for an authentic sailing experience and connection with the wind and water. Whether you're looking for a bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charter where you can sit back and relax, we've got all the bases covered.
Discover natural beauty in diverse cruising grounds, and soak up the local atmosphere in a wide variety of anchorages. We‘ll handpick a selection of yachts to suit your needs, so you can start planning a journey to remember.
A catamaran charter from France on a sailing holiday is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A luxury yacht charter on a sailing holiday from France is the epitome of opulence and comfort. Our boats have beautifully designed interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a supremely relaxing and luxurious experience.
Customise your itinerary according to the destinations, activities, and experiences you desire; your crew will be on hand to ensure a fully tailored and unique trip. Whether you're looking for gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, wildlife spotting around remote islands, glamorous nightlife, or swimming in secluded coves, contact one of our experts today to create a unique and unforgettable trip.
A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.
Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.
Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.
Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.
On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.
The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.
The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.
On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.
A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore France and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around France and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered sailing holiday, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
A crewed sailing holiday from France comes in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
France is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream sailing holiday via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, stands as a pioneer in yacht chartering, boasting world-renowned expertise cultivated over generations.
Another superb region for sailing holiday charters in France is the island of Corsica, located to the north of Sardinia. It offers rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. Exploring the secluded anchorages and picturesque bays that dot the coastline is a captivating experience, as is Corsican cuisine which is influenced by both French and Italian flavours. It's also only a short sail to Sardinia if you feel like extending your stay.
France's culinary prowess is world-famous. As well as the Michelin starred hotspots of the Cote d'Azur you'll find excellent cuisine which is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients and regional specialties.
Sail along the coast, discovering charming towns from Monaco to Saint-Tropez and make full use of the beach clubs along with excellent dining opportunities.
Each stop on your sailing holiday charter offers a new opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of French food. From casual beachside cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants, the French Riviera and beyond provide an unforgettable culinary journey.
A French sailing holiday charter offers a perfect mix of glamorous cities, quaint villages, natural wonders, and food heaven. From the star-studded French Riviera to the rugged beauty of Corsica, each destination provides unique experiences that showcase the best of coastal France.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.