Antibes 3

Sailing Holiday
France

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.

What Makes France Special?

Stunning Coastline

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.

Gastronomy and Wine

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.

Perfect Proximity

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.

Glamorous Ports

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.

Diverse Sailing Destinations

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.

Mild Climate

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.

Festivals and Events

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.

High Quality Yachts

The yacht charter industry in France is well developed and you will have access to a fleet of top-tier, well-maintained vessels.

Island Hopping

Discover picturesque French islands like Porquerolles or Corsica. And don't forget France's farther-flung territories such as Guadeloupe, Martinique or Saint Martin in the Caribbean.

France - Antibes - Medieval Village of Eze,french Riviera,France stock photo - Getty - Potential Not To Be Missed

Rich Cultural Heritage

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.

Not To Be Missed

The Calanques of Marseille

The rugged limestone cliffs and hidden coves of the Calanques National Park near Marseille offer incredible natural beauty to discover on a sailing holiday.

Cote d'Azur Islands

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).

Corsica Island

Explore the charming towns of Ajaccio, Bonifacio, and Porto-Vecchio and discover the island's stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages.

Visit some Harbour Towns

Quaint fishing villages like Cassis, Bandol, and Villefranche-sur-Mer are delightful places to stroll, shop, and soak up the local culture.

Visit Brittany

Explore charming towns like Saint-Malo, Dinard, and Quiberon, known for their historic architecture, maritime heritage, delicious seafood and dramatic cliffs

Visit Antibes

Visit the Picasso Museum, explore its old town, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants.

Visit Saint-Tropez

Visit this iconic French Riviera town known for glamorous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and excellent food.

Calanque d'En-Vau

One of the most picturesque calanques, with turquoise waters nestled between towering limestone cliffs.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Quietly glamorous, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is always worth a visit - don't miss the famous Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its spectacular gardens in the centre of the peninsula.

France - Antibes - "Calanques, the famous geological formation between Cassis and Marseille mediterranean coast of France - I stock - potential not to be missed

Cruising the French Riviera

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.

Best Times To Visit France On A Sailing Holiday Charter

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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 7.4°C (45°F) 3.4°C (38°F) wind direction 175degS
FEB 10.0°C (50°F) 1.7°C (35°F) wind direction 158degSSE
MAR 12.7°C (55°F) 4.8°C (41°F) wind direction 200degSSW
APR 14.6°C (58°F) 5.2°C (41°F) wind direction 162degSSE
MAY 20.0°C (68°F) 9.1°C (48°F) wind direction 122degESE
JUN 27.0°C (81°F) 13.6°C (56°F) wind direction 155degSSE
JUL 25.7°C (78°F) 14.1°C (57°F) wind direction 236degSW
AUG 24.8°C (77°F) 14.6°C (58°F) wind direction 219degSW
SEP 26.5°C (80°F) 14.2°C (57°F) wind direction 183degS
OCT 19.8°C (68°F) 9.6°C (49°F) wind direction 187degS
NOV 11.4°C (53°F) 5.8°C (43°F) wind direction 224degSW
DEC 9.2°C (48°F) 4.8°C (41°F) wind direction 220degSW
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of France is French, and English is widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency of France is the Euro (€).

Tipping

Tipping in {{ location }} is generally not required as a service charge is included on the bill; however, if you receive exceptional service or want to express your appreciation, leaving a small tip is always a kind gesture.

Boat Types In France

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

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.

Wellbeing

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.

Unique Accommodation

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.

Skill Development

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.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

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.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

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.

Charter Types In France

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

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.

Skippered Sailing Holiday

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.

Crewed Sailing Holiday

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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Sailing Holiday Charter From France

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.

Pure Thoughts

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.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Sailing Holiday?

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.