France - Spectacular Routes

Picturesque coasts and French lifestyle! Nowhere else can you experience the real France better than on a boat. Read now everything you need to know about sailing in France!

With over 5,000 kilometers of coastline, the French coast has much to offer. From cultural experiences to great relaxation opportunities. All sailing areas promise an impressive vacation and lots of culinary delights. Learn more about the sailing areas in France here.

In this article you can expect:

Sailing areas and level of difficulty
Weather and sailing season
The marinas
Nature
Cities and culture
Cuisine

Sailing areas and difficulty

The Côte d’Azur is one of the most famous sailing areas, followed by the picturesque island of Corsica and the windy Gulf of Lion. Although no sailing license is required for chartering in France, sailing in this country is more suitable for experienced skippers and rather unsuitable for beginners. The Côte d’Azur is the less difficult sailing area with many marinas and anchorages. For a trip in Corsica you definitely need some sailing experience. The Gulf of Lion is one of the stormiest in the world – ideal for sporty sailing enthusiasts.

Weather and travel season

The climate is Mediterranean and the sailing season lasts from May to October. In summer the temperatures are around 25°C – 30°C. Normally the wind force is 3-4 Bft. Nevertheless, France is considered a demanding sailing area. The mistral and the libeccio can quickly become a challenge. Numerous harbors and anchorages offer sufficient protection. Shoals (sandbanks) and the weather are to be watched daily in any case.

The Marinas

The Côte d’Azur is a well-known sailing area with some of the best marinas in the world. Of course, the best conditions and luxury come at a price. The French Riviera is incredibly crowded during the months of July and August, a spot reservation is definitely necessary here. The numerous marinas in France are easy to reach due to the very good infrastructure.

Nature

In Corsica you can expect an impressive natural scenery with dreamlike bays and steeply rising cliffs. The beautiful medieval harbor towns of Macinaggio, Saint-Florent and Bonifacio invite you to stay with their small cafes and nice restaurants. In France you will find a dream destination for wine lovers, beaches and mountain hikes. By boat you can explore countless caves and sandy beaches here.

Cities and culture

Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Saint Tropez – The Côte d’Azur is one of the most famous areas in France. As early as the 19th century, it was a meeting place for artists and aristocrats. There is good food and fancy yachts everywhere you look. The museums of Picasso, Matisse and Chagall are definitely worth a trip. From July to August, the Riviera is incredibly busy – celebrities and paparazzi included. If you like fancy dining and nightlife, France is definitely the destination for you.

French Cuisine

Good food is part of the French way of life, in France only the highest quality products and specialties of the region are put on the table. In addition, the best wines in the world. It is not for a reason that French cuisine is considered the mother of all cuisines. The bistro menu includes croque madame, onion soup, quiche Lorraine, salads and light desserts from the patisserie. An incredible variety of scents and tastes awaits you: specialties and stews from Provence, fish and seafood par excellence to exciting modern creations. Chocolate mousse, crepes, lemon tartelettes or creme brulee to top it off. Who says no to that?

Book your dream vacation in France now!

If you now feel like sailing in France, you should immediately click through our offer on our website. There are more than 100 boats waiting for you. The BOATICO team is looking forward to your non-binding inquiry!