Yachtcharter France

With coasts facing the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Channel and the North Sea, France has sailing areas of very different character. On France's Mediterranean coast, the Côte d’Azur spreads lunar flair and variety between city and beach life, while the island of Corsica attracts nature-loving yacht charterers.

In Brittany and Normandy, sports and experienced sailors will find a challenging sailing area, but there are, for example in the inland Gulf of Morbihan, also quiet areas.

Those interested in France's overseas territory can find more information on Martinique and St. Martin.

Climate: Mediterranean on the Mediterranean coasts and Corsica, in Brittany temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees
Wind: Marin (Scirocco) and Mistral (especially in the Golfe du Lion) in the Mediterranean
Sailing season: April to October

Yacht charter France

City hopping on the Riviera or active vacation on Corsica

Two popular sailing areas in France are the Côte d'Azur and Corsica - connected by the sea, yet with completely different characters. Corsica rises to alpine heights in the island's interior, is blown around by up to nine different winds and has a correspondingly harsh, natural charm that contrasts beautifully with the lovely French Riviera. This is where the painters resided, first and foremost the French Impressionists, who captured the special light of the azure sea, and this is where the crème de la crème of society has met for more than 200 years.

So even the most experienced sailors will not be disappointed in both yacht charter areas: a relaxing vacation cruise with exciting harbor stops awaits you on the Côte d'Azur, for example from our starting port Antibes. A yacht charter trip from Bormes-les-Mimosas or Saint Mandrier sur Mer in the south could lead you to the very beautiful Îles d'Hyères, which are located in front of the southern tip of the French Riviera. On Corsica, on the other hand, you can take on sailing challenges; the winds here are reliable and can take you around the island, to the Tuscan Archipelago, or to the gorgeous archipelago off the southern coast, if you wish. Here you'll find Bonifacio, a town dramatically-beautifully perched above a cliff. Opposite it are the Italian island of Sardinia and the famous Maddalena archipelago.

On the French Riviera, the nearest town is not far away. During the day, you can relax in the sun on the beach, and in the evening you can plunge into the diverse nightlife, for example in Nice. ©sergiyzinko/Fotolia

Sporty sailing, historical sites and impressive coastlines in Normandy or Brittany

When sailing along the Atlantic coast and the English Channel, the tides should be taken into account when planning your trip. You will be rewarded with impressive cliffs, beautiful islands, many sights and fewer tourists than on the Mediterranean. In Normandy you can stop and relax in seaside resorts, follow the historical traces of World War II, and take in special stretches of coastline like the chalk cliffs of Étretat. Our bases at Cherbourg and Diélette are centrally located, making it easy to sail to both western and eastern Normandy. From Diélette you can also reach the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, and if necessary further to the south coast of England.

In Brittany, sailors will find well-equipped marinas and beautiful coastal scenery. From La Trinité-sur-Mer, or Lorient, you can head north towards Brest and past the Cap towards St. Malo for those who like it sporty and are experienced. For a relaxed island hopping there are several islands in the bay of Quiberon and in the Gulf of Morbihan, a protected inland sea, the tides are at work, but not the power of the Atlantic. Alternatively, you can depart from our base at Arzon, right at the mouth of the Gulf, and head straight for the calmer waters where more than 40 islands and small medieval towns await. From La Rochelle further south on the west coast you can sail down to the Spanish Biscayan coast or head north to the part just described. The city itself is also not to be missed. It boasts a beautiful medieval town center.

On the Breton coast there are many villages and towns with old town centers, modern marinas and a long seafaring tradition. Here, Saint-Malo on the north coast of Brittany. ©antoine2k/Fotolia

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