Getting around by boat and ferry France

Donville-les-Bains, a charming coastal town in Normandy, offers a unique experience thanks to Granv'iles Charter. This boat rental service offers visitors the chance to discover the region's magnificent seascapes. Their website provides all the information you need to book a boat. In addition to boat hire, Granv'iles Charter also offers overnight accommodation on board the Swift Trawler Escapade II. This yacht-hotel offers unusual and romantic accommodation, with its owner's cabin, panoramic saloon and upper deck offering a breathtaking view of Granville, the marina and the sea. For those wishing to explore the surrounding islands, Granv'iles Charter organizes cruises to the Chausey Archipelago, the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey and Serk, and Mont Saint-Michel. Whether for a personalized seminar or a private cruise, Granv'iles Charter is ready to accompany visitors in their desire to get away from it all.

With its marinas, located 15 miles from Nieuwpoort (Belgium) and 35 miles from Dover (UK), the city of Dunkirk offers a well-deserved stopover for those sailing along the coast. Boats of all sizes can stay in the Grand Large harbour (250 berths) in the eastern channel of the harbour (accessible directly from the sea), in the Bassin de la Marine (170 berths) and in the Bassin du Commerce (140 berths) in the city centre.

Since 2017, La Compagnie Vendéenne offers the possibility of a^3rd departure port to Yeu Island: La Fosse-île de Noirmoutier. This departure port, used in the past, is once again accessible following the reconstruction of the Estacade. Located opposite Fromentine, on the Noirmoutier side of the island, it offers a number of advantages. A direct 45-minute crossing to Yeu Island. A few departures are offered with a stopover via Fromentine, with an extra 15 minutes added to the journey time. Free parking (limited spaces available).

What better program than to take to the open sea? Based on the Quai d'Honneur, the catamaran Lucile is an invitation to discover the coastline. Handle the sail, dive into the blue of the Mediterranean, share a barbecue on board, enjoy a magnificent sunset or a fireworks display... Any occasion is a good one, whether personal or professional. And last but not least, fares here are very affordable, and the trip is simply exceptional. Relaxation and beautiful scenery guaranteed!

If you are sailing along the Yonne, you should know that the river stop at Sens has been given a facelift! In the heart of the town, just a few dozen metres from the historic centre, you will find plenty of comfortable stopovers! In addition to the quay, there is now a 150-metre floating pontoon, and 6 service stations that will supply you with water for one hour and electricity for 24 hours. The 4 located on the pontoon work with tokens that you can get (free of charge) at the tourist office, and in various shops.

This boat is a good way to cross the Charente. Based in the port of Soubise, the Rohan carried out the crossing between Soubise and the bilge of Rochefort located right opposite the old road of Soubise, behind the lagunage station. This river link is particularly interesting at the moment because the ferry bridge is in work. With a capacity of 11 people, the passage times of the Rohan are established according to the tides.

Thanks to this shipping company, it only takes 15 to 20 minutes by boat to get to the island of Saint-Honorat from Cannes. You will enjoy an unforgettable day, between relaxing on the quiet creeks, walking through the vineyards and cultural discoveries at the Lérins Abbey and the fortified monastery. Its boats are the only ones to carry passengers to the island of Saint-Honorat. They operate all year round and it is possible to privatise one of the boats for a transfer or mini-cruises.

The city of Sète welcomes many tourists during the summer season and offers a variety of means of transportation accessible to all. Among them are the boat-buses, shuttles that allow to cross the canals of the singular island. This service is available on Wednesdays, market day, every day in high season, but also on the evenings of festivals at the Théâtre de la Mer. The departure is from Quai Paul Riquet, along the Mas Coulet parking lot, and the arrival is at Quai du Général Durand. Practical and atypical, this river transport is entirely free.

This port on the Deûle, a wide-gauge canal linking Belgium to the Lille metropolitan area, enjoys a privileged geographical position. At the heart of the Lille metropolitan area's green lung (with its extensive soft traffic network), it is centrally located near the Prés du Hem infrastructure (leisure center and marina) in Armentières, and the ports of Halluin and Wambrechies. This location has the advantage of attracting a diversified clientele. These include regional yachts located in local ports, and cross-border yachts in transit.

The port is also home to Fluvialys France, a company offering a full range of services, including boat handling with the installation of a lifting crane, and boat sales, repairs and winter storage. These services enhance the port's attractiveness and contribute to the development of river tourism in the region. Further information: www.fluvialys.fr or 06 32 66 13 83.

Since 1976, CroisiEurope has established itself as a reference in the field of river cruises. The cruise operator has joined forces with the Club Vosgien de Strasbourg to add an original offer to its holiday card: the marriage of river wandering and walking excursions. Why just admire the scenery from the boat when you can put on your hiking shoes and set off to discover the backcountry on an accessible hike, supervised by a guide? What's more, the comfort of a good meal on the way home is always a motivating promise!Beautiful à la carte excursions and special offers on offer.

Didier Meynard, a former oyster farmer, has become a professional skipper with a qualifying diploma. A local boy, he knows the Bassin and the marine environment like the back of his hand. He'll take you aboard his 11-meter catamaran, which can accommodate up to 17 people in its covered space. Depending on your wishes and budget, set sail for Ile aux oiseaux, Banc d'Arguin or Dune du Pyla. Bonus: oyster and white wine tasting. Privatization available for personal or business events.

This shipping company offers links to Bréhat at low prices on a fleet of four intimate vessels. The latest addition, Le Guerzido, is a hybrid. A gesture for the environment and an innovation in the region! In addition to direct crossings (booking essential), Sur Mer offers boat tours of the island lasting 45 min to 1h30, including, at certain times, a cold buffet or an aperitif-dinner. An opportunity to discover the island's breathtaking beauty and unspoiled wildlife with experienced nature guides.

Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) is an Italian shipping company operating in the cabotage and passenger transport sector in the Mediterranean. Since 2012, GNV has been operating between the ports of Sete, Tangier and Nador several times a week depending on the season. The crossing from Sete to Tangier takes 40 hours and 30 minutes for the fastest ships, slightly longer if there is a stopover in Barcelona. On board, you can choose to travel in an armchair, a berth, a cabin or a suite. There are restaurants, cafes and a store.

For all the amateurs of soft mobility, vacationers who would like to come to discover the Archipelago of Thau from Toulouse or around: it is possible to rent a barge to sail on the Canal du Midi. You will evolve quietly for several days on this nationally renowned canal and even beyond, passing locks, shaded areas, stopping in some guinguettes on the banks, to finally arrive on the side of Marseillan and enter this unique territory that is the Thau Basin. With family or friends, relaxation is guaranteed.

It is the first river company in the Hauts-de-Seine. It is now, in the context and with the concern for sustainable development, booming. She organises various dinner cruises with embarkation in Paris like Captain Smashes (whose chef is the best worker in France), as well as receptions, especially in the largest area of the Seine, Les Calanques, which can accommodate 400 people on 3 levels, including a terrace facing the park of Saint-Germain Island.

An information desk is open to the public inside the terminal. Here you'll find information on timetables for boats, coaches, maritime shuttles... as well as tourist brochures. Companies: Mobylines (✆ 04 95 73 00 29), Ichnusa Lines (✆ 04 95 25 50 86) and Ponza Jet. Line: Bonifacio/Santa-Teresa Di Gallura maritime metro every day. Four connections a day in low season and up to eight in high season.

To reach England from Normandy, there are three ports and three possibilities: Le Havre, Caen-Ouistreham and Cherbourg. From each of these ports, you can embark on one of the ships of the fleet, direction Portsmouth, which offers direct access to the main motorways and is 2 hours from London by car. Crossings average between 2h15 (for fast ships) and 8h45 for a night ferry crossing. Every year, hundreds of thousands of passengers board the ferry.

The Port Saint-Roch is undergoing a major transformation. A new marina will be built to revitalize the pleasure of the waterways from June 2024. The waterways are like the veins of the body irrigating the city, bringing a marine air and spirit to the city. Expanding the number of moorings will enhance the pleasures of yachting and attract the tourists needed to develop tourism. Who's to say that a floating yacht hasn't already been part of a dream adventure? The people of Montargue cherish their reputation and love to stroll along the water's edge.

The Finist'mer company links the mainland with the islands of Ouessant, Molène and Sein from Lanildut, Le Conquet, Camaret and Audierne. Crossings take between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the destination. The company's modern launches are fast and comfortable (bay windows, excursion seats, upper deck seating). Outings in RIBs are also available to discover the wildlife! Futé: the gift voucher for a round-trip crossing, valid for two years.

With more than 30 years of experience, Les Canalous offers you tailor-made vacations on the water. With family or friends, 2 or 12 people, for a weekend or a week, you will find in their vast fleet the boat that fits your desires. And you don't need to be an experienced pilot, nor a license, just a few explanations are enough... Homps is one of the Canalous rental bases. From Homps, program your cruise on the Canal du Midi.

With Passe Marée, David, an all-round sailor, offers you a round-trip day trip to Arcachon from Andernos-les-Bains or Cap Ferret. Rates are very reasonable, with discounts for families with a minor child or groups. You can also take advantage of theIntégrale, a day trip from Andernos-les-Bains to discover most of the basin. A number of "event" outings(Grand Tour du Bassin, Marcher sur Arguin, etc.) complete the range offered by this fuel-efficient boat, over 90% recyclable.

An unusual and environmentally-friendly means of transport, this river shuttle links Balaruc-les-Bains to Sète. Aboard an unsinkable hybrid catamaran, twelve passengers can enjoy a twenty-minute crossing with their hair blowing in the wind. In summer, crossings are frequent, and it's worth noting that it's possible to take your dog or bike on board. As an added bonus, l'écothau offers privatizations with the captain to enjoy a sunset on the water or discover the beauties of the pond on an evening stroll.

To get to the famous spa town, Ecothau's little water shuttle is a very pleasant way to travel. A company specializing in eco-friendly cruises, Ecothau offers this boat-bus service between the Tivoli bridge in Sète and the "La Piscine" pier in Balaruc-les-Bains. The crossing on the lagoon takes around 20 minutes, the capacity is for 12 passengers and it is also possible to take 4 bicycles (2 adults and 2 children) on board. Practical and bucolic!

The port of Leucate is one of the largest European marinas in the Mediterranean. It has had the "Blue Flag" label since 1990 because of the care taken to protect its natural environment. In concrete terms, it has 1,200 moorings divided into three basins and a marina in the naturist village. Bordered by a large beach, it is an irresistible tourist stop and a stopover. As a bonus, it is possible to buy fresh fish directly at the arrival of the boats at the Quai des Pêcheurs, on the side of the central basin.

Auxonne boasts one of France's finest river ports, known as Port Royal. Located at the foot of the ramparts built by Vauban in the 17th century, the port managed by^H2Ohas 150 berths for boats from 6 to 38 meters, spread over 6 hectares. The harbor master's office welcomes boaters with all the professionalism of^H2O: reception area, showers, tourist information, rest room, wifi and webcam for boat monitoring. a further 30 berths are available along the terraces.

An old fishing village, Les Cabanes de Fleury was once made up of modest reed huts, typical of 19th century Aude coastal villages. Nowadays, this pretty seaside resort is a pleasant stop for families, walkers and photographers. Its beautiful wild beach, where naturism is allowed on a part, extends to Saint-Pierre. It is also a dream haven for yachtsmen, who can count on the pontoons of the port, located one mile (1.6 km) from the mouth of the Aude, with its 230 moorings all year round, plus 80 in summer.

Port Gardian is a pretty port, with a pleasant atmosphere, a bit like the ports of the past. This does not prevent it from having modern and efficient facilities. Originally a fishing port, Port Gardian also welcomes yachtsmen who travel the Mediterranean and seek shelter. Eighty-four berths (out of the three hundred and seventy available) are reserved for passage. Visitors will find many amenities in Port Gardian: free provision of bicycles (1/2 hour maximum), weather forecast each morning, wifi...

Club Nautique de Vassivière Port Crozat is a yacht club located in Peyrat-le-Château. It offers a variety of nautical activities and has a website where you can find out more about their services and events. They also offer water safety training for members. The club's home lake, Lac de Vassivière, is ranked among the 10 most beautiful lakes in France by Géo magazine.

Public port with private, catways berthing, bilateral, bar with access to users, supply of water and electricity. Free inclined plane access.

Public port with private, catways berthing, bilateral, bar with access to users, supply of water and electricity. Free inclined plane access.

Third in number of pontoonplaces in the rank of marinas of the Atlantic façade with its two ports, that of Château and that of Moulin Blanc, Brest now has more than 2,200 places for visitors and boats of any size. These two ports are run by Brest'Aim, the mixed economy company of the city and BMO. Equipped with floating pontoons and facilities for boaters, port du Château is also fitted with a full equipment for waste-water treatment but also for the draining and motor oils. This is why with its ideal location (near the bottleneck) and its large linear pontoons from 300 to 400 metres long, port du Château reconciles the city with the sea. A harbour office, named Espace Bernard Giraudeau, was operating in 2012. This marina is the theatre of the maritime activities of the urban area, like the Tonnerres de Brest festivals. Many other events punctuate the place, including the departures and arrivals of major transatlantic races. Along the marina, you will find bars and restaurants and you can walk on the prints, registered in the bronze, in the hands of great navigators. Port du Moulin Blanc, bordering Oceanapolis, is the historical port of the city. Many pontoons and few bar-restaurants, like Le Tour du Monde of Olivier de Kersauzon, make the place successful.

Penn-ar-Bed is the gateway to the Finistère islands! From Brest, you can reach Sein, Molène or Ouessant on a crossing that takes up to 2 hours 30 minutes, with the boat calling at Le Conquet. Aboard one of the company's six ships, the view of the coast is breathtaking and the sea spray invigorating! Tip: to spoil your loved ones, Penn Ar Bed offers "Pass'Ports" gift vouchers for a round-trip sea crossing, valid for one year.

Ideal for discovering the Odet and all the wonders hidden along this river, Les Vedettes take you for a walk along the water. Along the way, you will also be able to admire the large charming houses as well as the luxuriant flora that can be found on the banks of the river. Stories and legends will be told to you, traces of the past of this place which separates the Bigouden country from the Fouesnantais country. With the Vedettes de l'Odet, you will also have the opportunity to take a trip to the Glénan Islands .

In a way, this former oyster harbor represents the living memory of the commune. Nowadays, activity is reduced, but it will soon be redeveloped to enable yachtsmen to moor in this authentic, peaceful setting. The oyster huts, built by the fishermen themselves, add a touch of nostalgia to the charm of this place. They are due to be refurbished. A project for a fishing lake with a small hamlet of light housing is also planned, creating an exceptional leisure haven.

Towards the end of the ^18th century, the cultivation of vines encouraged the expansion of this small port, whose activities were divided between river transport and fishing. Today, it's the pleasure boaters who come to make a stopover and take advantage of the berths (36, including 2 for visitors) available in the port. Good to know: every year in July, the municipality organizes the Goulée port festival, which includes a pétanque competition, a night market, a funfair and the throwing of a wreath into the sea in memory of lost sailors.

From Cherbourg, the company offers many departures to the English coast, via several fast ships in the summer (making the crossing in less than 3 hours) or via huge ferries, the most recent of which is called Galicia. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people, individuals or professionals, use the company's boats from the capital of Cotentin: traffic, after a complicated period due to Brexit and especially the health crisis, is gradually picking up.

This vast building is the nerve centre of a busy cross-Channel port. On site, you'll find a wide range of services, including stores, restaurants, a cash dispenser, a waiting room with disabled access, and a tourist information office. The hall is alive with departures and arrivals to and from the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland. For some years now, Cherbourg has been France's leading port for trade with Ireland.

Come aboard the Krog E Barz, an authentic replica of a 1910 bocq langoustier built in 1992, and learn to maneuver the boat the old-fashioned way: set the mainsail, hold the tiller or tow a line. Set sail for the islands of Houat or Hoëdic, or discover the charm of the Golfe du Morbihan by sailing up the Auray river for a unique aperitif-outing. Based in Port-Navalo, at the tip of the Presqu'île de Rhuys, this 22-meter old rigging is ideal for day trips, either individually or as a customized charter.

From Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the crossing to the island of Yeu with the Compagnie Vendéenne takes 60 minutes. On the day of departure, come to the pier 30 minutes before. You will board theOgia, a fast ship with a capacity of 309 passengers, which will ensure you speed and comfort. Equipped with an exterior aft deck, it is the ideal place to get some fresh air or to perfect your tan and breathe in the fresh air of the open sea, while not missing any of the superb panorama that opens up to you. It is also equipped with a panoramic lounge.

With its 1,400 berths, it is the largest marina in the Vendée. 24-hour access with a minimum draught of 2 m. In the summer, about a hundred berths are available to visitors. Maximum boat length: 20 m. A special pontoon is dedicated to catamarans. Complete port facilities: fresh water, electricity at each berth, fuel station at the quayside, slipways, lifts, 24-hour security. VHF weather station on channel 9. It is from Port-Olonna that the boats set off for the Vendée Globe race.

Another alternative to the boat to connect the island of Yeu to the mainland, this company will take you for your private, professional, tourist and event trips, from the Fromentine heliport to the island of Yeu. Approximately 10 minutes of crossing during which you will admire the coast from the sky. Several flights: the baptism, a discovery flight of 4 minutes; the tour of the island where you will admire the wild coast with the point of Chatelet, the old castle. Other walks: the tour of Noirmoutier, tailor-made formulas, parachute jumping in helicopter.

It is located 12 miles from Les Sables-d'Olonne, 5 miles from Bourgenay (Talmont-Saint-Hilaire) and 17 miles from Saint-Martin-de-Ré in Charente-Maritime. It offers 508 moorings and 211 pontoon berths. It is accessible within 2 hours before and 2 hours after high tide (draught less than 1.50 m). The approach at night is to be avoided as there are no lights. You will be able to enjoy its natural cove by relaxing in the shade of the café and restaurant terraces.

VNF, Voies Navigables de France Nord-Est, carries out its 3 missions on a daily basis: development of freight transport, regional planning and tourism development and hydraulic management on the river network entrusted to it, which is made up of 1,375 km of waterways, 1,037 km of which are navigable, thus guaranteeing the various uses of water while respecting the natural environment. A few figures: 12.5% increase in overall traffic for the river transport of agricultural materials, 54% increase in river transport between 2017 and 2018 in Givet, 4,380 commercial boat passages, etc. Find all the information on the social networks and on the dedicated website.

A hundred places are available for your sailboat or motorboat.

Located on a branch of the Canal Latéral à la Loire, the Port de La Jonction is a haven of peace at the gates of the city, for all boaters. A 220 m long pontoon, to welcome barges, and 56 places for boats of less than 15 meters make up the marina. In addition, there is a harbour master's office and numerous services. The cycling stop is very popular and has various facilities to facilitate your walks.

Close to the town center, the harbor is equipped to welcome visiting yachtsmen. In all, more than 15 berths at the halte fluviale and its reception pontoon, and a further 60 berths at the port in the Baie Mignot basin. A unified range of services: mooring contracts, Tourist Office services, souvenir store, sale of cold drinks and ice creams. Sanitary facilities, showers, laundry, garbage can, play area, picnic area and motorhome area complete the offer.

Safekeeping of private boats for the winter. Wharf with water and electricity points, showers (pay facilities). For information: several docking docks, including one in the city centre, are at your service. Water, electricity and showers (July and August).

Chalon-sur-Saône is the place to be if you're just out for a stroll, or if you want to spend a week cruising the canals or the Saône. Many yachtsmen sail up or down the wide river, and enjoy stopping off in the city of Chalon. This pretty port is a haven of peace right in the center of town. Open all year round, it has around 150 berths and a water and electricity supply. Numerous services available at the harbor master's office.

Travel comfortably and at a cheap price between Sweden and Finland, including in the Baltic States, on board ferries cruise Tallink & Silja Line. Daily departures throughout the year from Helsinki to Stockholm and Turku 6 types of cabins, a variety of restaurants, duty-free shops, international entertainment, beauty salon and a casino await you on board.

River access, harbor master's office, club house. The port has some 380 residents for 425 pontoons and catways, with vacant spaces occupied by visiting boats. Spanish and English speakers welcome you all year round. Situated on the left bank of the Adour, 700 m from its mouth, the 15 mooring pontoons are all equipped with water and electricity. With a wide choice of services: toilets and showers, laundry, wifi, weather forecast, water and electricity.