Sailing the French Atlantic coast: Complete guide
France's Atlantic coast is one of the world's most renowned sailing destinations. Although it can be a challenge for inexperienced sailors, the Atlantic coast offers some of the most magnificent natural harbors and estuaries.
Unlike the Mediterranean coast, the Atlantic coast is better suited to those seekingadventure rather than simply a relaxing boating vacation. This region can be dangerous in places, and doesn't offer as many marinas and harbors 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. During winter, the winds are too strong and the temperature too low, so it's best to visit during summer when the temperature is higher and the sea calmer.
The whole region offers a mix of tourist attractions, historic buildings, magnificent natural views and incredible cuisine. With major cities such as Nantes and Bordeaux just a few dozen kilometers from the coast, you might want to consider a short visit to inland France while you're at it. 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 a visit, and everything you need to know about sailing in the region (ease of marina access, facilities on offer, tips and tricks).
Brest
What to do in Brest
Brest is Brittany's second-largest city, known for its rich maritime history. Today, the city'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 port. While you're in Brest, it's also worth visiting the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique, a nature reserve just outside the city, with its rich flora and fauna.
Sailing in Brest
Although the port of Brest is mainly focused on trade, it is also suitable for yachts, with two marinas available. Access can be tricky 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.
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, thanks to its warm climate and peaceful beaches. Opposite the town is Tristan Island, which can be reached on foot when the tide is out.
Sailing in Douarnenez
There are several harbors in Douarnenez available for yachts. Treboul harbor, on the west bank of the Pouldavid River, can be difficult to access due to frequent strong winds, so your best option might be the floating harbor 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 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 city and how it was destroyed and rebuilt.
Sailing in Lorient
Getting into Lorient is easy, as its natural harbor 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 Escal'Atlantic museum, a life-size reconstruction of an ocean liner, which celebrates the city's naval past. The town is also famous for its impressive bridge over the Loire. While Saint Nazaire itself is well worth a visit, it is also the gateway to another major French city, Nantes, just 50 km away.
Sailing in Saint Nazaire
Access to the port of Saint Nazaire is easy, although shipping traffic along the Loire can be quite heavy. There are several options for yachts, with basic services and repair facilities.
Les Sables d'Olonne
What to do in Les Sables d'Olonne?
Les Sables-d'Olonne, the jewel of the Vendée coast, offers sun-drenched days of golden beaches and invigorating strolls. Stroll through the picturesque Ile Penotte district, where houses adorned with shells reveal the local artistic expression. The Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte-Croix offers a cultural immersion with its collection of contemporary art. Nature lovers will find refuge in the Forêt d'Olonne, offering winding hiking trails among 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 welcome sailors, and the town is famous for being the starting point of the Vendée Globe, a solo sailing race around the world. For boat enthusiasts, this is the place to be.
La Rochelle
What to do in La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a beautiful city with medieval architecture and a strong maritime tradition. The city center is home to houses, churches and buildings from the Middle Ages. The Ile de Ré is a small island opposite La Rochelle with beautiful ocean beaches and a large lighthouse, the Phare des Baleines, which can be visited and offers a beautiful view of the city. The 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 well worth a visit is the Baie de l'Aiguillon National Nature Reserve.
Sailing in La Rochelle
La Rochelle has a commercial port, Le Vieux Port, and a large marina for yachts and pleasure boats, Les Minimes. Both harbors are easily accessible and offer full service and maintenance facilities. La Rochelle is a very attractive city all year round, although it becomes quite busy during the summer months, attracting tourists from all over France and Europe.
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 boasts extremely beautiful sandy beaches over 2 km long. Other tourist attractions worth visiting include Planet Exotica, a zoo and amusement park, Notre Dame de Royan, a concrete church with post-war architecture, and the Musée de Royan. Royan is only 50 km from Bordeaux andArcachon, one of France's largest and most culturally rich cities.
Sailing in Royan
Royan becomes extremely crowded in summer, but is well worth a visit all year round. Royan has a large port, although access can be difficult due to occasional strong winds and heavy traffic. Another alternative is Port Medoc, which lies on the other side of the Royan estuary. It offers full service and repair facilities.
Arcachon
What to do in Arcachon
Arcachon's Atlantic coast offers an exceptional seaside experience. Famous for its bay (including Cap Ferret) and the Dune du Pilat, the highest in Europe, Arcachon's charm is undeniable. The winter town 's elegant architecture reflects its rich past. Between golden beaches and seafood tasting in seaside restaurants, Arcachon's accessible and well-equipped port offers the ideal base from which to explore this maritime region. A holiday where relaxation, architecture and adventure meet naturally.
Sailing in Arcachon
The port of Arcachon is accessible and offers facilities for yachtsmen, providing an ideal base from which to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Bayonne
What to do in Bayonne
Bayonne is a picturesque medieval town in southwest France. It boasts a beautiful cathedral and a lively old town with street markets. However, Bayonne's main attraction is being right next door to Biarritz, the elegant and renowned seaside resort with magnificent 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 harbor, but there is a good marina for yachts due to its proximity to Biarritz. Access is safe and easy all year round 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.
Saint Jean de Luz
What to do in Saint Jean de Luz
Saint Jean de Luz is a fishing town just a few kilometers from the Spanish border. The town is located in the Basque region, so it has its own identity, 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 this period, with churches and museums displaying magnificent works of art.
Sailing in Saint Jean de Luz
Saint Jean de Luz has a natural harbor and a port mainly used for trade. It's not a popular destination for yachts, but the port does offer some basic services and maintenance. 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.
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