Boat Rental and Yacht Charter in France

Whether it's the French Riviera or Brittany's rugged coasts, France's sailing routes are filled with elegance and charm. With an experienced captain, uncover hidden beaches and indulge in world-renowned cuisine.

1035 boats available

Hero image

Filters

Trustpilot

Exclusive Deals

Take your boat holidays to the next level with exclusive boat deals featuring free and exciting add-ons!

See exclusive dealsbackground

Can't find what you want?Talk to our holiday planners today.

Frequently asked questions

What happens when I request a quote?

Once we receive your request, we will confirm the availability of the boat, as well as check for alternative ones. To ensure your experience is the best it can be, we may contact you to discuss your request in detail. Let us do the research for you - free of charge.

When can I get in touch with the captain/skipper?

The timing depends on your charter type. For crewed charters, we can provide the captain's contact details upon request. For bareboat charters with a hired skipper, you can request the contact information 1-3 weeks before departure.

What is the Charter Fee?

The Charter Fee is an additional, obligatory cost, which typically includes the end cleaning of the boat, home port fees, and linen & towels. The details of the charter fee differ depending on the boat, location and charter partner.

Are there any other costs I should be aware of?

There are marina fees and fuel costs which vary depending on the type, duration and location of your sailing holiday. Marina fees need to be paid at each marina you choose to dock overnight - the amount varies but you may be able to find this information in advance by contacting the marinas directly. Fuel costs depend on whether you’re sailing a motorboat or a sailboat. You can estimate fuel costs by double-checking your chosen boat’s engine, and the expected distance you aim to sail.

Sailing in France

A boat rental in France is going to give you the opportunity to see the country from a different perspective. France offers a variety of different landscapes and so many beautiful views in different parts of the country. Rent a boat in the South of France to discover the glitzy French Riviera, charter a boat in Corsica to learn more about a part of France that many find a little peculiar, but charming or sail along the rivers on a houseboat to see more of mainland France.

Things to do and see when sailing in France

France is certainly more than Paris. The glamorous French Riviera is best discovered by boat and the wild wilderness and sea of Corsica can be best admired from the water.

Activities in France

  • Take a walk around Antibes - located between Nice and Cannes, it is an equally beautiful seaside town along the French Riviera. The picturesque streets of the old town will make you dream

  • Rent a boat in France to explore the country from a different perspective - there are many boats available in Corsica, Nice, Cannes, Ajaccio

  • Sail to the most beautiful, but secluded beaches France has to offer

  • See the Eiffel Tower in Paris before heading to the Cote d’Azur to enjoy your boat holiday in France

  • Visit the Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice to admire the art of the painter

  • Dine in a fancy restaurant in Nice, Cannes or Antibes

  • If you want to see some Roman ruins in the South of France, visit Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez

  • Visit Bonifacio in Corsica, one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Historical buildings and interesting rock formations make for an interesting sight

Beaches in France

  • Palombaggia Beach, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica: The island of Corsica is generally known as a place with fabulous beaches, but this one stands out. The crystal clear waters invite you for a swim while the rose coloured sand asks you to stay a little longer to soak up the sun

  • Paloma Beach on the French Riviera: Literally named after famed artist Pablo Picasso, this wonderful beach is located not far from Nice and is going to charm you with its charming rocky flair

  • En Vau: This stretch of coast between Marseille and Cassis is going to surprise you. Interesting rock formations rather than golden coloured sand await you in this part of the South of France. Drive here by boat for easy access and the best views.

Restaurants in France

Casual dining in France:

  • Chez Palmyre: This formerly family-run restaurant in Nice is very popular among locals and tourists, so be sure to book your table well in advance. You can get a three-course-meal here for just 20 EUR per person.

  • Le Lamparo: Craving some delicious comfort food or a healthy meal? Enjoy the beach views while deciding whether you want to savor a pizza or a salad.

Restaurants with a view in France:

  • La Maréa: This lovely restaurant in Théoule-sur-Mer offers the most beautiful sea views. This is a particularly charming place to visit during sunset.

  • La Mandala: A fabulous restaurant in Cannes located on the Boulevard de la Croisette offers beautiful sea views and possibilities to people watch while enjoying a fantastic dinner

Fine dining in France:

  • Le Chantecler: This beautiful restaurant in Nice will make you feel like you’re dining on board the Titanic in 1912. The exquisite decorum and the exquisite dishes make it a dining experience you won’t forget

  • Mirazur: This beautiful restaurant in Menton is not only known for its scrumptious and elegantly presented dishes, but also for its breathtaking views over the Mediterranean

Bars and Clubs in France

  • Le New Orleans Juan Les Pins: This fabulous bar in Antibes is a wonderful place to wind down and relax after a long day out on a boat. Enjoy one of the best cocktails you will ever drink while enjoying the live music

  • Wayne's Bar is a lovely little pub in Nice where you can get a drink as well as a quick bite to eat

  • Martinez Bar is located in the hotel with the same name in Cannes and the perfect choice if you want to enjoy a fancy evening

Explore historical France

The history of France is obviously well known and studied. King Louis XIV who ordered to build Versailles and king Louis XVI who died on the guillotine, Jean d’Arc who was fighting in the 100 year war with England and Napoleon who tried to invade Europe for a few decades are obviously well-known figures of French history and associated with different historical buildings and sites, but there are also lesser known sites that show the rich culture of France and its intense history. There are plenty of beautiful churches to discover which don’t just take you back in time, but on a journey to discover the most interesting pieces of art. The Nice Cathedral, Eglise Saint Jean Baptiste in Corsica and Église Notre-Dame de l'Espérance in Cannes are just a few of the most beautiful churches in Mediterranean France.

Sailing conditions in France

The sailing conditions in France vary depending on the place you choose as your destination for your boat holiday. The cities along the French Riviera and the island of Corsica are blessed with typical Mediterranean weather while towns like Vermenton or Sablé-sur-Sarthe in the middle of mainland France are blessed with typical central European weather. The summers in the Mediterranean are hot and dry while the winters are milder, but temperatures rarely go below 10 degrees. Water temperatures in the summer can reach up to 25 degrees, making it perfect for a swim in the Mediterranean. The summers in mainland France can also be quite hot, but the winters are so much colder than in the Mediterranean.

Wind conditions also vary from region to region, so you should plan ahead and either book the right boat for the region or the right region for the boat you want to sail.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in France?

Chartering a boat in France certainly doesn’t have to break the bank. Sure, chartering a big yacht in Nice or Cannes isn’t cheap, but there are much more affordable boats out there - even on the Cote d’Azur. You can rent a speedboat in France for an average price of just 38 EUR per person per day. However, keep in mind that speedboats are perfect for a day trip, but not for longer. RIBs are also meant for day trips. At an average price of 49 EUR per person per day you can rent a RIB in France. A sailboat rental in France will cost you just 45 EUR per person per day on average. This makes them one of the most affordable options for a longer trip. Plus: You don’t have to worry about paying extra for fuel as sailboats are solely motored by the wind. Rent a catamaran for 70 EUR per person per day on average. This is even more affordable than some hotel room you can book in France - particularly in the South of France. A motorboat rental in France is the most expensive boat you can rent here. Expect to pay 283 EUR per person per day on average. This definitely shouts luxury vacation.

What type of boat is best for sailing in France?

What type of boat you should rent in France really depends on the region you plan on visiting, the time of year and the weather conditions. If you plan on exploring the many beautiful beaches along the French Riviera you would rent a different type of boat than the one you would go for if you plan on seeing more of the French countryside around Vermenton or Sablé-sur-Sarthe.

Rent a catamaran in France

Pros of renting a catamaran in France

Rent a catamaran in France if you want to admire the stunning beaches from up close. Whether you decide to rent a catamaran in Corsica or on the French Riviera, there is plenty for you to see and a catamaran allows you to see the beautiful beaches up close as they have a shallow draft and no keel. It is much safer to do so than with another type of boat.

Charter a catamaran in France if you are keen on having the flexibility of choosing how you want to sail your boat. You can sail with the winds if the wind conditions allow it or you can sail with the engine if they don’t.

A catamaran rental in France is the perfect choice for people who get seasick easily. Catamarans stand on two hulls which gives them a lot of stability which in turn leads to less shaky stays on your boat. Due to the two hulls catamarans are also known to be more comfortable than other types of boats.

Cons of renting a catamaran in France

One of the disadvantages of renting a catamaran in France is the fact that they are quite big in size, making it quite difficult to find a spot for mooring. The process of entering your mooring spot isn’t easy either with such a big yacht.

Charter a catamaran in France

Rent a sailboat in France

Pros of renting a sailboat in France

Rent a sailboat in France if you are ready for an adventure. Feel the wind on your skin, taste the salty water on your lips and close your eyes to take in this feeling of freedom you can only feel when sailing on a sailboat.

Charter a sailboat in France if you plan on sailing longer distances. As sailboats are moving with the wind and have the right weight to go faster, you can safely take them on your longer journeys with you. After all, there is a reason why so many sailors decide to cross oceans on a sailboat.

Renting a sailboat in France means that you get to experience a more environmentally-friendly boat holiday. As the wind is your fuel you won’t have to stock up on petrol before leaving the marinas. Most sailboats have a small engine, but you won’t use it unless the wind conditions are so bad that you can’t get into your mooring spot otherwise.

Cons of renting a sailboat in France

A sailboat charter in France has the disadvantage of having a keel. This makes it inconvenient, even dangerous, to sail close to the shore and discover all the beautiful beaches from up close. If you plan on exploring some beautiful coves and beaches a sailboat rental in France might not be the best choice for you.

Rent a sailboat in France

Rent a motorboat in France

Pros of renting a motorboat in France

One of the best parts of a motorboat charter in France is the fact that they have a shallow draft. This makes them the perfect choice to explore the beautiful beaches and coves you can find all over the country.

Rent a motorboat in France if you plan on seeing a couple of different things in a short amount of time. Compared to other boats that are made for longer trips, motorboats are relatively fast, making them the perfect choice for this kind of boat holiday.

Cons of renting a motorboat in France

One of the downsides of renting a motorboat in France is the fact that they solely run on fuel. This means that you always need to make sure that your tank is full when leaving the marina and you can expect to pay a lot of money in addition to your bareboat charter for the fuel. Fuel is expensive, so be prepared to pay the extra cash when choosing to drive a motorboat on your boat holiday in France.

Another downside of a motorboat charter in France might be the fact that the engine can be quite loud. If you’re hoping for a more tranquil boat holiday, a motorboat might not necessarily be the right choice for you.

Motorboat rental in France

Rent a houseboat in France

Pros of renting a houseboat in France

You might only associate houseboats with the Netherlands or Germany, when it comes to boat vacations, but mainland France offers a couple of beautiful routes that you can easily access by houseboat - in summer or winter. As many houseboats come with heating you can enjoy a houseboat vacation in France all year long.

Rent a houseboat in France if you are looking for a super relaxed vacation where time just passes by and you don’t need to worry about anything. As houseboats are basically like tiny houses on the water, you find everything you need on board and more. Make yourself feel right at home and enjoy the beautiful nature you’re going to pass on your houseboat holiday in France.

If you are looking for a canal boat rental in France, you should go for a houseboat. They are the perfect water vehicles for these types of waterways.

Cons of renting a houseboat in France

Renting a houseboat in France means that you should be aware of the fact that they are not necessarily the easiest to navigate. Sure, when you’re by yourself and the rivers and canals are almost empty, you won’t have to worry about anything. Come an unexpected situation, you might be in trouble.

Charter a houseboat in France

Charter a luxury yacht in France

A luxury yacht holiday on the French Riviera will make you feel like fitting right in. Relax for a week and charter a luxury yacht in France. Booking a boat rental from Nice, France or a boat rental from Cannes, France, is the perfect starting point to start your luxury sailing adventure in the South of France. A luxury yacht has everything on board you could ask for: A fridge, a freezer, a stove, a coffee machine, an ice maker. These are the basics that allow you to store and prepare your own food on board. Most luxury yachts even come with a full crew, including a captain who is navigating and operating the yacht through French waters and a team of service staff taking care of your every need while on board.

What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in France?

Anyone who wants to rent a boat in France should be aware of the rules and regulations that come with it - although some are more lenient than others, especially compared to some other European countries. Many boats don’t require you to carry a boat license.

You only need a boat license if you want to drive a boat with more than 6 hp.

Sailing routes in France

There are plenty of sailing routes to discover in France. The most popular ones take you to discover the French Riviera to see Cannes, Nice and Antibes. However, France has so much more to offer than the French Riviera. Corsica is going to charm you with its authentic island life, feeling almost unphased by modern developments. You can start your sailing adventure on the island from Ajaccio, Propriano, Porto-Vecchio, Saint-Florent or Cargèse. Whatever route you choose, you will have a fantastic time on your boat holiday in France. You can also opt for a day boat charter rather than renting a boat for a whole week. It all depends on your personal preferences.

Day 1 - Sail from Cannes to St Tropez: Walk along the Boulevard de la Croisette before making your way to another glitzy holiday destination on the French Riviera. St Tropez is particularly known for its beautiful sandy beaches and a port where luxury yachts meet regular sailboats. Although Plage Criques des Graniers is a stony exception. Walk into the old town to admire the architecture and to feel like having arrived in a Southern French town.

Day 2 - Sail from St Tropez to Plage du Débarquement: This quiet bay allows you to have the perfect beach day. Clear blue water, white sand and interesting hilly landscapes in the background without the glamor.

Day 3 - Sail from Plage du Débarquement to Ile du Levant: This picturesque island is perfect for a stopover and to discover different beaches like Plage des Grottes or Plage de Rioufred in a hidden bay. You will truly feel at peace when anchoring here for the night.

Day 4 - Sail from Ile du Levant to Port-Cros National Park: This amazing island is located right next to Ile du Levant and offers many interesting hiking trails, coves with beautiful rock formations and lovely beaches, like Plage du Sud.

Day 5 - Sail from Port-Cros National Park to Îles d'Hyères: Magnificent turquoise waters await you on this beautiful island. You can certainly find incredible beaches like Plage Notre Dame, but you can also visit Batterie des Mèdes, an impressive fortress high above the cliffs and surrounded by massive rocks standing in the water.

Day 6 - Sail from Îles d'Hyères to Cavalaire-sur-Mer: This popular beach town offers the famous sandy beaches the French Riviera has to offer and is best reached by catamaran or motorboat as they have a shallow draft.

Day 7 - Sail from Cavalaire-sur-Mer to Saint-Raphaël: This popular beach town is perfect for a stopover before heading back to the starting point of your vacation. Treat yourself to a nice meal in one of the restaurants and allow yourself to relax completely. If you feel like taking a break from sailing, you can always hike one of the beautiful paths surrounding Saint-Raphaël.

Day 8 - Sail from Saint-Raphaël to Cannes: Your boat holiday in the South of France is slowly, but surely coming to an end. Once you arrive in Cannes make sure to visit the old port of Cannes, a truly inspirational sight and grab some fruit and vegetables for your trip home from Marché Forville.

 

Discover Borrow A Boat