Where to Sail: the 5 Best Boat Trips with Lunch in France

1.Marseille: Sunset Boat Cruise with Buffet and Organic Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 459 reviews · 3h 30m · from $94Our pick

Spend 3.5 hours on a quiet electric boat from Marseille’s Old Port to the Frioul archipelago. You’ll swim in a sheltered cove, eat a fresh vegetarian buffet, and watch the sun set over the Mediterranean. Captains such as Patrick, Eric, and François are known for friendly hosting, though the captain and route can vary.

“We loved Captain Eric! He was fabulous! The dinner was pretty tasty (vegetarian menu) and the drinks were good. The cruise is relaxing around the Friol Archipelago and then anchors for dinner and the sunset, which was pretty. Highly recommend!”

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2.Nice: Sunset Boat Tour with Wine and Local Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 430 reviews · 1h 30m · from $64Best value

Set out from Port Lympia in a small group of up to 12 with guides such as Leo, Jean-Baptiste, Paul, or Antoine. Cruise past Cap Ferrat, stop in Villefranche Bay for wine, homemade Niçois snacks, swimming, and snorkeling, then return by way of the Cap de Nice as the sun sets.

“The sunset cruise was an exciting ride and leisurely stroll through the lives of the rich and famous. Our hosts (the crew) were super friendly and competent. Highly recommend.”

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3.Marseille: Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 411 reviews · 7 hours · from $159

Sail from Marseille aboard Le Don du Vent, a historic yacht with a friendly French and English-speaking crew. Enjoy coffee and navettes, then cruise toward Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or La Côte Bleue. Swim, snorkel, and eat a generous chef-prepared buffet with organic white wine and rosé.

“Excellent day on the boat. The crew was extremely professional, kind, and funny! Delicious food and wine, great swimming and views. Nice balance of shade and sun on the boat, with comfy bean bags for lounging. We cut the engine and sailed when the wind cooperated, which was really special. It’s a spectacular and historic boat, too. Overall, super!”

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4.Marseille: Calanques Sailing Cruise with Lunch and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 354 reviews · 1 day · from $153

You board Goélette Alliance at Marseille’s Old Port for a full day around Château d’If, Frioul, Riou, and the Calanques. Expect two swimming stops, masks and fins, a fresh vegetarian buffet, coffee, snacks, and one glass of rosé. The crew speaks French, English, and Italian, with Cap Fabio and Patrick among the guides mentioned by name.

“Wonderful day aboard a sailboat. The crew was the best: helpful and kind. As always, the employees make the excursion excellent ! Snorkeling in the Mediterranean is bliss. The food aboard was awesome and I have not been so relaxed in a Long time.”

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5.Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 214 reviews · 4 hours · from $135

Sail from Cannes’ Old Port to the Lérins Islands aboard a spacious catamaran. You’ll have time to swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard before a cold buffet lunch and glass of rosé. The half-day trip ends on St. Marguerite Island, where you take the included ferry back to Cannes.

“Such a great trip! Was the best thing we did all weekend! Would recommend getting there early to get a good spot on the boat.”

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