Sailing on the French Atlantic coast: Complete guide
France's Atlantic coast is one of the world's most famous sailing destinations. Although it can be a challenge for inexperienced sailors, the Atlantic coast offers some of the most magnificent natural harbours and estuaries.
In contrast to the Mediterranean coast, the Atlantic coast is better suited to those seeking adventure rather than those simply looking for a relaxing boating holiday. This region can be dangerous in places and does not offer as many marinas and harbours as the Côte d'Azur. Depending on the season, winds and tidal currents can be quite strong.
The sailing season on France's Atlantic coast runs from May to October. In winter, the winds are too strong and the temperature too low, so it's best to visit during the summer when the temperature is higher and the sea calmer.
The entire region offers a mix of tourist attractions, historic buildings, beautiful natural views and incredible cuisine. Some major cities like Nantes and Bordeaux are just a few dozen kilometres from the coast, so you might consider a short visit inland from France while you're nearby. To visit the entire Atlantic coast, you'll need at least 4 weeks.
We'll now list the most popular towns and villages on the French Atlantic coast, explain why each place is worth visiting, and everything you need to know about sailing in the region (ease of access to the marina, facilities on offer, tips and tricks).
Brest
What to do in Brest
Brest is the second largest city in Brittany, known for its rich maritime history. Today, the town's main source of income is its port activity, but tourism is also important. The main attractions in Brest are the Tour Tanguy, a medieval tower, and Océanopolis, a large aquarium. Sea lovers will also appreciate the musée national de la Marine, located inside the Château de Brest, a medieval castle just off the harbour. When you're in Brest, it's also worth visiting the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique, a nature reserve just outside the city with rich flora and fauna.
Sailing in Brest
Although the port of Brest is primarily focused on trade, it is also suitable for yachts with two marinas available. Access can be difficult due to the number of commercial vessels entering and leaving the port, but with a little patience you should be fine. Both marinas offer every imaginable service and provide state-of-the-art maintenance and repair facilities.
- Website: www.brest.port.bzh
Douarnenez
What to do in Douarnenez
Douarnenez is a small town with a population of just over 15,000. The town's main activity is fishing, so it has a large port with constant movement. It is now becoming a popular destination for tourists in summer due to its warm climate and peaceful beaches. Opposite the town is Island Tristan, which can be reached on foot when the tide is out.
Sailing in Douarnenez
There are several ports in Douarnenez available for yachts. The port of Treboul, on the west bank of the River Pouldavid, can be difficult to access due to frequent strong winds, so your best option might be the floating port at Port Rhu. It offers good shelter and basic services. Some repair work can be carried out at the port of Treboul.
Lorient
What to do in Lorient
Lorient is another major port city on the Atlantic coast, and is one of the most popular destinations for yachts. It offers several activities for sailing enthusiasts, such as the Cité de la Voile (a sailing museum offering sea excursions), the Keroman submarine base and the Lorient submarine museum. Lorient was invaded by the Nazis during the Second World War, so those who love history will find enormous value in this town and how it was destroyed and rebuilt.
Navigating to Lorient
Sailing into Lorient is easy as its natural harbour protects it from strong winds and tides. It's well worth a visit all year round. There are several marinas up the river offering full service and repair facilities.
Saint Nazaire
What to do in Saint Nazaire
Saint Nazaire is a medium-sized town on the right bank of the Loire. Saint Nazaire has a strong shipbuilding tradition, which is preserved in the Musée Escal'Atlantic, a life-size reconstruction of an ocean liner, which celebrates the town's naval past. The town is also known for its impressive bridge over the Loire. While Saint Nazaire itself is well worth a visit, it's also the gateway to another major French city, Nantes, just 50km away.
Navigating to Saint Nazaire
Access to the port of Saint Nazaire is easy, although shipping traffic along the Loire can be quite high. There are several options for yachts, with basic services and repair facilities.
- Website: www.nantes.port.fr
Les Sables d'Olonne
What to do in Les Sables d'Olonne
Les Sables-d'Olonne, the jewel of the Vendée coast, reveals sun-drenched days between golden beaches and invigorating walks. Stroll through the picturesque quartier de l'Ile Penotte, where houses adorned with shells reveal local artistic expression. The Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte-Croix offers a cultural plunge with its collection of contemporary art. Nature lovers will find refuge in the Forêt d'Olonne, offering winding hiking trails amid a variety of plant and animal species, in the pure forest air. A charismatic seaside getaway, combining relaxation, art and maritime exploration.
Sailing in Les Sables d'Olonne
The port of Les Sables-d'Olonne is well equipped to accommodate sailors, and the town is famous for being the starting point of the Vendée Globe, a solo sailing race around the world. This is the place to be for boat enthusiasts.
- Website : www.portolona.fr
La Rochelle
What to do in La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a beautiful city with medieval architecture and a strong maritime tradition. The town center is home to houses, churches and buildings from the Middle Ages. Ile de Ré is a small island opposite La Rochelle with beautiful ocean beaches and a large lighthouse, le Phare des Baleines, which can be visited and offers a great view of the town. L'Aquarium de La Rochelle is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and a must-see for anyone who loves the sea. Another attraction outside La Rochelle that's really worth a visit is the Baie de l'Aiguillon National Nature Reserve.
Navigating to La Rochelle
La Rochelle has a commercial port, le Vieux Port, and a large marina for yachts and pleasure boats, Les Minimes. Both ports are easy to access and offer full services and maintenance facilities. La Rochelle is a very attractive town all year round, although it becomes quite busy during the summer, attracting tourists from all over France and Europe.
- Website : www.portlarochelle.com
Royan / Port Medoc
What to do in Royan
Royan is a small town that has become one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast. Royan lies at the start of the estuary formed by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. It has extremely beautiful sandy beaches over 2 km long. Royan has other tourist attractions worth visiting, such as Planet Exotica, a zoo and amusement park, Notre Dame de Royan, a concrete church with post-war architecture, and the Royan Museum. Royan is just 50km from Bordeaux and Arcachon, one of France's largest cities with a rich culture.
Navigating to Royan
Royan gets extremely crowded during the summer, but it's well worth a visit all year round. Royan has a large harbour, although access can be difficult due to occasional strong winds and heavy traffic. Another alternative is Port Medoc, which is on the other side of the Royan estuary. It offers full repair services and facilities.
- Website : www.port-adhoc.com
Arcachon
What to do in Arcachon
In Arcachon, the Atlantic coast unveils an exceptional seaside experience. Famous for its bay (including Cap Ferret) and the Dune du Pilat, the highest in Europe, Arcachon beguiles with its charm. The Winter City reveals elegant architecture, a reflection of its rich past. Between golden beaches and seafood tasting in seaside restaurants, the accessible and well-equipped port of Arcachon offers an ideal anchorage for exploring this maritime region. A holiday where relaxation, architecture and adventure meet naturally.
Navigate to Arcachon
The port of Arcachon is accessible and offers facilities for boaters, providing an ideal base from which to explore the natural beauty of the region.
- Website : www.port-arcachon.com
Bayonne
What to do in Bayonne
Bayonne is a picturesque medieval town in south-west France. It has a beautiful cathedral and a lively old town with street markets. However, Bayonne's main attraction is being right next door to Biarritz, the stylish and renowned seaside resort with stunning sandy beaches that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Biarritz has a large aquarium, a modern museum with exhibitions on the ocean and surfing, and a chocolate museum.
Sailing in Bayonne
The port of Bayonne is mainly a commercial port, but there is a good marina for yachts due to its proximity to Biarritz. Access is safe and easy during any season from the south, with light winds. The port offers all possible services and includes repair facilities. Transport is available directly from the port to Biarritz.
- Website : www.bayonne.port.fr
Saint Jean de Luz
What to do in Saint Jean de Luz
Saint Jean de Luz is a fishing town located a few kilometres from the Spanish border. The town is located in the Basque region, so it has its own identity that is different from the rest of France. King Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain in Saint Jean de Luz, and the town has a strong historical influence from that period, with churches and museums displaying magnificent works of art.
Navigating to Saint Jean de Luz
Saint Jean de Luz has a natural harbour and a port mainly used for trade. It's not a popular destination for yachts, but the port does offer some basic and maintenance services. The best time of year to visit Saint Jean de Luz is during the summer, when the winds are calm and the sunny weather is ideal for going to the beach; during the winter, the winds can be quite strong.
- Website : www.port-saintjeandeluz-ciboure.com
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