2018 FRENCH BOATING GUIDE


Approach the villages and calanques of France’s Mediterranean coast from a different angle by arriving in a sailboat


various towns and cities. www.vantagetravel.com


Viking River Cruises +44 (0)800 319 6660


Cruise company with routes from Paris to Prague, Avignon to Lyon and around Bordeaux. There’s a range of ship types, including stylish longships. www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk


OCEANS


The English Channel to the north, the Bay of Biscay to the west and the Mediterranean to the southeast… France is flanked by vast bodies of water. As such, its beach resort scene is alive and kicking come summertime. For the spirited adventurer, though, little compares to going off-shore. The Côte d’Azur has long been the go-to destination for the rich and famous. Its blue sea and enviable climate drew flocks of upper-class Brits in the 19th century, followed swiftly by


artists like Monet and Matisse. It was, of course, also immortally glamorised by Brigitte Bardot when she graced St Tropez with her bikini-clad form during a shoot for And God Created Woman (1956).


This veneer of glitz remains steadfast, making the French Riviera one of the nation’s biggest tourist attractions today. Among the visiting throngs are seafarers eager to man the multitude of yachts and sailboats that are rented out here by local and international charter companies. Unpredictable waves, glittering views and lungfuls of fresh, salty air all make for an intoxicating experience in this highly desirable location. You needn’t be a pro, however – skippered and crewed options are often available for those who want the thrill without the skill.


Corsica is another popular spot for sailing. Nestled between France and Italy, this island


belongs to the former whilst strongly retaining the culture of the latter. It’s formed of craggy cliffs, steeped towns, white sandy bays and stunning views of the land from the ocean.


Alpha Yachting +1 954 234 2203


Specialising in crewed and skippered motor yacht charters in Greece, Alpha Yachting also offers Mediterranean cruise packages aboard a luxury ship. www.alphayachting.com


AquaCruise +44 (0)1425 688 146


A bespoke yacht charter helping customers find luxury yachts, specialising in trips around the French Riviera. www.aquacruise.com


Boatbookings +44 (0)20 7193 5450


Grace the waters of the French Riviera or Corsica on a choice of


crewed motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans or bareboat sailboats, catamarans, and day charters. www.boatbookings.com


BoatBureau +44 (0)20 3393 3878


Established in Barcelona in 2011, this service is dedicated to helping customers rent a boat online and pursue their dream sailing holiday. www.boatbureau.com


Clearwater Sailing +44 (0)7 979 537 648


A family-run business based in the UK, offering sailing trips, holidays and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses around France. www.clearwatersailing.co.uk


Cool Sailing


+44 (0)20 3499 0697 Be charmed by France’s gleaming coastlines while cruising with


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IMAGE © COOL SAILING


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