If the idea of a sailing holiday in France floats your boat and you thought it might be too expensive or only for couples and groups – think again. No longer are sailing trips the preserve of the rich and famous. And, if you’re travelling solo you don’t have to share a cabin with a stranger. France offers a huge range of sailing holidays, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
Learn to sail in France – or just cruise and relax
France is spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful seaside cities and towns and stunning beaches. Plus there are islands galore from the picturesque islets which pepper the Gulf of Morbihan to the larger sunshine island of Corsica. Taking a tour by water is one of the most fun and exhilarating ways to experience the coastal beauty of the legendary French coastline from the French Riviera to Brittany and Normandy, Corsica and the Cote d’Azur.
Hiring a boat with or without a crew is expensive. However, lots of holiday companies offer trips where join like-minded travellers on a boat with a skipper and crew or join a skipper and be part of the crew and it really isn’t going to blow your budget.
Sailing holidays for solos, couples and families
Most sailing holidays require you to share a cabin. But, some do offer single berth breaks – check the details when you’re searching. It’s an ideal way to have an adventure. Some companies also offer you the chance to check in advance who your fellow passengers will be. It’s a great way to make new friends.
It’s also a perfect holiday for couples and families, especially teens, as there’s so much to do. Take part in the navigation and running of the boat if you want. Relax if you don’t. Sailing holidays range from a day, perhaps cruising the Bay of Arcachon, to a weekend, a week or longer. And for some holidays you can even book the whole boat.
Enjoy lazy hours on deck soaking up the sun. Swim and snorkel in secluded coves and relax on remote beaches which you’ll have all to yourself. Discover a new location every day from the well known hotspots such as Antibes and Saint Tropez or less well known destinations such as gorgeous Porquerolles. Time to explore the places where you dock is built into many tours according to what sort of sailing holiday you want and where. You’ll get the chance to enjoy fabulous lunches and dinners ashore or on board.
Learn to Sail holidays
You don’t need sailing qualifications to join a trip. But, if you want to learn about sailing, there are loads of courses available. From Normandy to the French Riviera you can join a boat holiday where you’ll lean to read maps, navigate the tides, deal with strong currents, address sail settings and steer the boat.
