Yacht charter in France
The harbour towns of the Riviera, the national-park islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros, and Corsica’s dramatic coast for crews who want more.
- Yachts
- —
- Marinas
- —
- From / week
- —
Our France fleet is on its way
We’re adding the charter companies in France to our catalogue. Until then, tell us where and when you’d like to sail and we’ll send you suitable yachts by e-mail.
Ask for yachts
Sailing in France
Updated Nov 7, 2026
Where to sail
The Côte d'Azur runs from Saint-Tropez past Cannes, Antibes and Nice to the Italian border, with the Îles de Lérins just off Cannes for a calm first night.
The Îles d'Hyères — Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant — have sandy bays and the protected waters of the Port-Cros national park.
Corsica is wilder: granite cliffs, the Scandola nature reserve near Calvi and the fortified town of Bonifacio in the south. It suits crews with experience and an eye on the weather.
When to go
June and September are the best months. In July and August the Riviera harbours are full and expensive, and the anchorages are busy.
Wind and weather
The mistral is the wind to plan around: a cold north-westerly that can blow at gale force for several days, strongest west of Toulon and around Corsica. When it is forecast, the shelter of the Riviera east of Toulon is the safer choice. On calm days expect an afternoon sea breeze.
Getting there
Nice for the Riviera, Marseille and Toulon-Hyères for the western bases, and Ajaccio, Bastia or Figari for Corsica.
Good to know
- Reserve harbour berths ahead in high season; many Riviera ports are full by early afternoon.
- National park and reserve areas have anchoring restrictions; your charter company will point them out at check-in.
- For a bareboat charter the skipper needs a recognised boating licence.
Yacht charter in France: questions and answers
When is the best time to charter a yacht in France?
The charter season in France runs May – September. July and August are the busiest and most expensive weeks; June and September usually bring warm water, quieter anchorages and lower prices.
What is the wind like in France in summer?
Mistral: A cold north-westerly that can blow hard for several days, strongest west of Toulon and around Corsica.
How many yachts can I charter in France?
We are adding the charter companies in France to our catalogue. Send us your dates and crew size and we will reply with suitable yachts by e-mail.
Which airports are closest to the charter bases in France?
Most charter bases in France are reached via the airports of Nice, Marseille, Toulon, Ajaccio and Bastia.
Which day of the week do yacht charters start?
Most sailing yachts and catamarans are chartered Saturday to Saturday, with check-in in the afternoon and check-out in the morning. Some yachts, mostly motor boats, can start on other days; every yacht page shows its own check-in days and minimum stay.
Do I need a sailing licence to charter a yacht in France?
Only if you sail bareboat, without a skipper. The skipper then needs a recognised sailing licence, and usually someone on board needs a VHF radio certificate. The exact requirements depend on the country, and the charter company checks the documents at check-in. Without a licence, charter the yacht with a skipper.
What is included in the weekly charter price?
The weekly price covers the yacht with its standard equipment. Mandatory extras set by the charter company, such as final cleaning or a transit log, are listed in the price breakdown before you book, and a refundable security deposit is usually paid at check-in. Fuel, food and berths in marinas other than your base are paid during the week.
How do I book a yacht?
Choose a yacht and send an inquiry with your dates. We confirm availability with the charter company and send you a written offer with the payment plan.