Everything you need to know about boat rental in France
How much does it cost to rent a boat in France?
The price of renting a boat in France can vary quite a bit. There are many factors to take into account, including the type of vessel, the size of the boat, the area of the country, and the time of year. Of course, the price will also depend on whether the boat is rented with a skipper or not.
In general, though, it is cheaper to rent a boat during the low season, when a small sailboat can cost £1,000 per week. Without a skipper, expect to pay between £150 and £300 per day. Small motorboats are available from £80 per day, while larger vessels - holding a maximum of 12 people - cost about £650 per day.
What are the best areas for renting canal boats in France?
France is a great country for renting a river boat and sailing the canals. The Canal du Midi connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and passes through stunning cities including Toulouse and Carcassonne. Sailors will have plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.
The Burgundy region also contains several canals, and is an ideal destination for wine lovers. The canal system here has plenty of locks to navigate, so you might want to charter a boat with a skipper who can offer you an experienced helping hand. Alternatively, if it's peace and quiet you're looking for, rent a boat and head for the Canal de à Brest in Brittany, where the waters are calm and the landscapes are beautiful. Of course, no trip to Brittany would be complete without indulging in the delicious crepes the region is famous for.
The climate for boat rental France
The geographical diversity of France makes that there are different climates according to the regions. The summer months, from July to September, will be preferable for sailing aboard a rental boat under the sun. On the northern coast, you will enjoy an ocean climate, soft and wet, very different from what you can find on the Côte d'Azur, which is characterised by its Mediterranean climate, synonymous with high temperatures and heat during summer in France. Sailing conditions in the Mediterranean Sea change easily. Usually, winds blow from the West, North West and East. The winds of the Mediterranean Sea are numerous and have different names depending on their direction.
Useful tips for renting a boat in France
How to reach your boat from abroad? France has many airports such as; Charles-de-Gaulle airport in Paris, Orly airport in Paris, Saint-Exupéry airport in Lyon, Marseille Provence Airport in Marseille, Blagnac airport in Toulouse or Nantes Atlantique airport in Nantes.
Another interesting option is by train. You can reach your boat rental in France by taking advantage of the high-speed lines, the largest network in Europe and the second largest in the world.