Charter a boat in France

Rent a boat in France with Nautal

With its delicious cuisine, scenic backdrops and romantic ambience, France is unsurprisingly one of the most popular destinations for a boat rental. When it comes to exploring this diverse country by boat, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can venture along the Atlantic coasts in the northwest, head south for turquoise Mediterranean waters or even explore the internal rivers and canals. Book your boat with Nautal and discover the blue sea, picturesque towns and rich culture that makes France one of the most popular boating holiday destinations.

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

There are various factors that affect the overall price of your boat charter in France. For example, a boat can fluctuate in price depending on the region, the type of boat, the size of the vessel, the duration of your charter and the seasonality. There are also extra amenities that will increase the price such as a crew and water sports. Below are the average prices according to boat type.

Sailboats

€1,194 per week in low season

€1,696 per week in high season

Motorboats

€1,024 per week in low season

€1,304 per week in high season

RIBs

€177 per day in low season

€248 per day in high season

Catamarans

€3,923 per week in low season

€5,157 per week in high season

Gulets

€7,671 per week

Jet Skis

€239 per day

Houseboats

€1,740 per week in low season

€2,904 per week in high season

What is the best time to visit France?

Due to the vast diversity of France’s landscape, the best time to visit depends on the region. Generally speaking, the country experiences peak tourist season during July and August, so consider visiting in shoulder season such as spring or autumn if you want to avoid these crowds.

If you want to experience a side of France with a typical Mediterranean climate, having hot and sunny summers with mild winters, then consider renting your boat in the south of France! For example, places like Cannes, Nice and Marseille are all great places to visit anytime from May to October with average temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the northern coast of France which borders the Atlantic Ocean experiences a cooler climate with more precipitation. Therefore, if you are chartering your boat in locations such as Brittany, we recommend going during the summer to experience the sunniest weather.

Should I charter a boat with or without a skipper?

As you look at the available boats on Nautal, you will find that many come with the option to include a skipper. A skipper is a professional sailor that can guide you, handling all the sailing, docking and anchoring. While you can rent a boat in France without a skipper, there are many advantages to having one on board with you. For example, it means that you do not have to know any navigational information in order to enjoy your boating holiday. Moreover, a skipper will be familiar with the regional area that you are in. This means that they can accommodate your journey to your preferences, showing you the very best of France in a safe and comfortable manner.

What to do in France?

Thanks to its incredible natural beauty, there are many breathtaking sights to see in France on your boat rental. With so many options for what to do and see, deciding where to sail is not easy. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the most popular destinations to travel to in France.

The French Riviera

Located in the south of France, the French Riviera is known for its glamorous resorts, stunning beaches and picturesque towns. Some of the most famous towns on the Riviera include Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Nice. By boat, you can take in the coastline, see the famous beaches and luxury villas and maybe stop by the Calanques de Cassis a natural park that offers a spectacular rocky shoreline, crystal-clear waters and a wide variety of flora and fauna. If you are looking for a place that combines relaxation and adventure, then you are sure to find it here.

Brittany

This region in the northwest of France is known for its rocky coastline, picturesque fishing villages and mild climate. In particular, popular sailing destinations in Brittany include the Gulf of Morbihan, the Île de Groix and the Baie de Quiberon. One of the most unique aspects of renting a boat in Brittany is getting to navigate the lively waters of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are looking to do island-hopping, then the Gulf of Morbihan, referred to by many as a hidden gem, is especially known locally for its natural beauty and tiny islands with stunning sandy beaches.

The Normand Coast

This stretch of coastline in northern France is known for its picturesque cliffs, secluded bays and charming villages. Popular sailing destinations along the Normand Coast include the Baie de Seine, the Calvados Coast and the Îles Anglo-Normandes. If you are a fan of French history, then you must visit the D-Day landings beaches such as Gold and Juno Beach. Normandy played a significant role during WWII, so there are plenty of historical sites along the area that give you an insight into its rich history.

The Canal du Midi

Found in the Languedoc region in southern France, the Canal du Midi is a one-of-a-kind canal that extends from Toulouse to the Etang de Thau. While the canal itself could take up to 10 days to travel through, it is sprinkled with enchanting towns along the way. With the mighty Midi-Pyrenees in the background, serene waters and pastel-coloured houses, this dreamy location will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.

The River Seine

Of course, the River Seine in Paris is one of the most iconic rivers in the world. If you want to impress a loved one on a romantic getaway or simply admire the beautiful capital city of France, then renting a boat here is a must. Drift through the stunning Seine and get the best views of famous landmarks such as Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.