ISLAND HOPPING SAILING TRIPS IN FRANCE
Wind, season and head-count decide more about a day afloat than the brochure does. These 13 island hopping sailing trips in France are set out with the hours, the price and the swim stops so the choice takes a minute.
Join a Marseille-born captain at the Mucem for a three-hour boat trip past Vallon des Auffes, Degaby Island, and Château d’If, then spend 90 minutes around Frioul. Bring swimwear and a towel for a cove swim, or explore the quiet islands, cafés, and walking paths.
“The schedule and the view are all prefect. Thank you for bring us a wonderful trip.”
Sail from Antibes with a French- or English-speaking skipper, often Valentin or Valentino, toward Île Sainte-Marguerite and Fort Royal. You will learn the basics of sailing, stop for snorkeling and paddleboarding in warm-season months, and admire Cannes, Cap d’Antibes, and luxury yachts from the water. The boat carries nine people or fewer.
“Valentin was a great skipper! The snorkeling was great and there was also a paddle board provided. Beautiful trip to the islands, the scenery and water are amazing.”
Join skipper Valentin for a three-hour sunset sail from Juan-les-Pins, limited to nine people. Cruise past Antibes and the Lérins Islands, hear local stories, stop for swimming and snorkeling, and share local treats with wine before the sun sets over the sea.
“Such a beautiful moment with pink sky, crossing huge private yachts, enjoying hidden gems of les îles de Lerins, snorkeling and obviously an apéro composed of delicious local treats. The boat was very clean and spacious for 9 passengers”
Spend seven hours sailing the Glénan Archipelago aboard a comfortable Caseneuve Maxi Catamaran. Expect one or two island stops, two aperitifs, English or French guidance, and fine views from the water. Bring your own picnic, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. Some outings feature crew members such as Fred and Nicolas.
“Journée très agréable,détendue et informelle. Un vrai plaisir!”
Join Celia and Eric for a three-and-a-half-hour sail from Cannes to the Lérins Islands. With only six people aboard, you get time to swim, paddle, snorkel, and enjoy rosé, beer, sodas, and a cheese and charcuterie platter in a shaded cockpit. A calm, personal way to see the Côte d’Azur from the water.
“Fantastic trip. Super relaxing. We stopped and swam between the Lerin islands. Had aperitifs and charcuterie. The captains live on the boat and it is very lovely and well cared for. They were wonderful hosts and I would definitely book again.”
From Cannes, Cyril and Marie take your private group of up to five toward the Lerins Islands for 3.5 hours on the water. Swim, paddleboard, snorkel near an underwater museum, sunbathe, enjoy snacks and drinks, and try steering the sailboat with Cyril’s help. A fridge and shower are available onboard.
“What an amazing experience we had with Cyril and Marie! This excursion is a must if you’re in Cannes! We went to beautiful beach with perfect turquoise colors, had great food and champagne as we were celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary! Thank you Cyril and Marie for unforgettable memories!!!”
Join skipper Valentin in Golfe-Juan for a three-hour sunset cruise around the Lérins Islands or Cap d’Antibes. You’ll have time to swim, use the paddle board and snorkeling gear, listen to music, and share a local aperitif with wine or soft drinks. The boat carries no more than nine people and returns to the port.
“This was a great way to see sunset and swim in the sea amongst the yachts. Saw a nice view of parts of Antibes and Cannes. Ended the evening with some light bites and wine.”
Join Max for a four-hour sail from Cannes aboard his spacious yacht, limited to a small group. Swim and snorkel near a Mediterranean island, use paddleboards, relax in the sun or shade, and enjoy wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks. The boat has a kitchen, fridges, toilet, bathroom, music, and a shaded area.
“Maxx was an awesome host, a super chill day out on the water. We appreciated having a day of pure relaxation, swimming and enjoying the French Riviera by boat. The sailboat is beautiful, perfect for a small group. Maxx put together a lovely spread of charcuterie and rose. Pro tip: if you want to order from the pizza boat do so as soon as you anchor or you won't have time to order. We'll definitely use Maxx again when we visit.”
Leave Cannes’ Old Port on a private sailboat for the Lérins Islands. You’ll have about three hours for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, with drinks, alcohol, equipment, and a restroom on board. A professional skipper is required and costs an extra €350 per trip, paid locally.
“Wonderful day with Hubert on his beautiful boat! It was so relaxing and truly the perfect way to spend a day after a week of sightseeing.”
Join skipper Valentin in Golfe-Juan for a 3.5-hour sailing trip to the Lérins Islands. Swim or snorkel beneath Fort Royal, use the onboard paddleboard, admire yachts, and pass Palm Beach on the return. From September 16 to May 14, the swim stop changes to a one-hour visit on Île Sainte-Marguerite.
“It was a great boat ride! Our guide was fantastic. It was a wonderful tour with the whole family. My kids loved it.”
Spend about seven and a half hours on a private sailboat from Antibes with captain Nicolas. Sail around Cap d’Antibes, anchor in the Bay of Billionaires or La Garoupe, and use the included paddleboards, masks, and snorkels. A welcome drink, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are provided for your group of up to eight.
“Nicolas was amazing! We had an amazing time and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a private boat charter. We had an extra request and he went above and beyond in accommodating us.”
Set sail from Cannes Old Port aboard Georgette, a 15-meter yacht, with skipper Hubert and his assistant. Cruise to the Lérins Islands, anchor in clear water, and spend up to four hours swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and enjoying a Provençal aperitif with local food and rosé. The outing is private for up to eight people.
“We are 7 girls on vacation and we had the best day with Hubert and his assistant. They were so attentive and nice. They gave us all the equipment we needed to swim. And we had the best rose and pastries. They even made a video from drone for us. Book the whole day, you wouldn’t want to leave. It was seriously our favorite day in South of France. Thank you guys!”
Spend about eight hours sailing from Vallauris near Cannes to the Lérins Islands with an English and French-speaking skipper. Swim beside Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater sculptures, explore Sainte-Marguerite and Fort Royal for two hours, then stop again for snorkeling in a quiet Mediterranean spot. The boat carries up to nine people.
“Calm and relaxing time. Perfect to relax into the joys of sailing slowly, immersing yourself with the beautiful views and majestic waters around you.”
Sunset, snorkel, or the whole boat.
