Bay and Coastal Catamaran Cruises in France: the 8 Best Days on the Water

1.Côte d’Azur: Half-Day Coastline Catamaran Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 266 reviews · 3 hours · from $76Our pick

Spend three hours on the Côte d’Azur aboard a spacious catamaran, with an aperitif after boarding, a swim stop, kayaks, paddles, and views near Saint-Tropez. Crews including Alex, Clément, Ryan, Gaël, and Leia have earned warm praise for friendly service. Lunch boxes are optional.

“It was a nice boat trip and fun to swim and paddle on the stop in the middle of the trip. Free drinks and a fresh snack. And lots of space to relax.”

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2.Sunset at sea on a Maxi Catamaran – Villefranche Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 235 reviews · 2 hours · from $81

Sail from Nice to Villefranche Bay on a roomy French-made maxi catamaran. Expect a safety briefing, sunset views, an anchorage for swimming or paddleboarding, music, and included soft drinks plus planteur punch. The crew speaks French and English, and Francois may handle the welcome and safety talk.

“We had a wonderful time on the cruise! There were many opportunities to take photos of the beautiful view. The staff was very responsive. We are very happy we went!”

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3.La Grande Motte: Le Grau-du-Roi Bay Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 232 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $34Best value

Set out from La Grande Motte with a French-speaking crew for a 90-minute to 2-hour catamaran cruise across the Bay of Aigues-Mortes. Relax on the roof, deck, or nets, enjoy music and Camargue views, and swim during the 2.5-hour summer sailing offered in July and August.

“super activité. superbe ballade avec super personnel. De grands moments”

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4.Hyères: Morning Discovery – Guided Tour of the Coast by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 34 reviews · 3 hours · from $76Top rated

Spend three hours aboard the 22.85-meter Iladora, sailing from Hyères past Port-Cros, Porquerolles, and Fort de Brégançon. Your French or English-speaking crew adds local stories, then anchors for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, soft drinks, and planteur punch.

“Le confort sur le catamaran était top, les guides étaient très sympas, bonne ambiance, bonne musique Même s’il y a beaucoup de monde au port, on ne se marche pas dessus sur le bateau ! Un temps de baignade supplémentaire serait aussi un plus !”

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5.Morning Catamaran Discovery Tour – Guided Tour of the Coastline

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 31 reviews · 3 hours · from $69

Spend three hours aboard the Maxi Catamaran Mayba, sailing from Nice past Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. A French and English-speaking crew guides the route, then anchors for swimming, paddling, and an included aperitif.

“Very interesting activity, new modern boat, nice route from Nice eastbound, fantastic views! However too crowded and very little food!”

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6.Day trip on a catamaran in the bay of ajaccio

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 10 reviews · 7 hours · from $123

Spend a full day on a catamaran from Ajaccio, sailing toward the Sanguinaires Islands and Capo di Muro. You’ll stop at quiet coves for swimming and snorkeling, use the supplied masks and floating noodles, and hear local stories in French or English from the crew, including Stephane and Felix when scheduled.

“Overall the experience was good. Only downside was that the gyg price was way more than the actual price offered by the tour provided.(20 eur more per ticket)”

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7.Private catamaran trip in the Bay of Juan les Pins at sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6 reviews

Spend 80 minutes on a private, silent solar catamaran from Juan les Pins Marina. Your guide, possibly Mylène, points out Cape d’Antibes villas, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, yachts, and sunset colors. The boat holds up to five people and includes blankets or swim noodles by season.

“Sadly the weather deteriorated and our trip had to be cut short due to the weather conditions. I had hoped to see more of the coastline and get a real sense of the area. We did have a lovely sunset and our skipper was very pleasant but I was disappointed as it was supposed to be a very special birthday celebration.”

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8.3H30 Explore the south shore of the bay of Ajaccio Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 4 reviews · 3h 30m · from $94

Spend 210 minutes sailing from Ajaccio along Corsica’s south shore with a French-speaking guide. Stop at one or two secluded coves for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding, then return past the Sanguinaires Islands. Bring water, a towel, sun cream, and a cap.

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