Sailing routes in France
France has two charter areas: the Côte d'Azur with bases in Cannes, Antibes and Toulon (the Lérins and Hyères islands, Saint-Tropez) and Corsica, from Ajaccio or Bonifacio, one leg away from La Maddalena in Sardinia. The coast is lined with expensive town harbours, so most nights are spent at anchor in the bays. The main wind is the mistral from the north-west: it can blow for several days at up to 30 knots, and routes are planned around it. Season May to October, with July–August the busiest.
France
When is the best time to charter a yacht in France?
France's season runs May to October. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months; June and September bring warm water and fewer people. In any month the route is planned around the mistral, which can blow up to 30 knots for several days.
Which sailing route should I pick in France?
Sailing routes in France, planned day by day: “Toulon — Saint-Tropez”, 7 days, about 120 nautical miles; “Hyères — Porquerolles”, 7 days, about 90 nautical miles; “Ajaccio — Bonifacio”, 7 days, about 115 nautical miles. Each route page has the legs, miles and overnight stops.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
For a bareboat charter (no skipper or crew provided), yes: a skipper's licence and, as a rule, a VHF radio certificate. Without a licence, we add a skipper, paid separately from the boat price.
What is the security deposit and how is it paid?
The security deposit is your insurance excess in case of damage, usually €1,000–8,000. It is taken at the base at check-in on a credit card issued outside Russia: charter companies don't accept Russian cards or debit cards. With a hired skipper the deposit terms may be different, and not every charter company accepts a cash deposit or deposit insurance: check with the manager.
