France’s top boating destinations
What could be better than discovering France by sea? From Provence to the tip of Brittany, via the south, there’s no shortage of spots to discover. You don’t have to travel miles to find a piece of paradise. SamBoat profiles five unmissable vacation spots that are only accessible by sea.
The Agriates Desert in Corsica
Saleccia beach is one of Corsica’s most beautiful wild beaches, nestled in the heart of the mysterious Désert des Agriates, between turquoise sea and scrubland. This long stretch of white sand bordered by pine trees is only accessible by sea. This inaccessibility makes it a true haven of peace, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
“Today, the Désert des Agriates is a protected natural area, and at SamBoat, we pay close attention to this and support our owners in complying with the regulations governing these areas,” explains Nicolas Cargou, founder of SamBoat.
from €500* (recommended retail price, may vary according to boat and owner) per day, departing from Saint-Florent with skipper.
Porquerolles Island in the Var region of France
An emblematic site in the Mediterranean basin, the island of Porquerolles continues to attract the most covetous visitors. Accessible only by boat – 1 hour from the port of Hyères – this jewel is home to one of France’s most beautiful beaches. Plage Notre-Dame, on the east coast, is a real gem, ranked as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches – in 2015. Bordered by a pine forest, it offers a natural setting, with no nearby buildings. A perfect place to reconnect with nature and recharge your batteries, far from the hustle and bustle.
“Located in the Port-Cros National Park, the beach is protected, and boat anchoring is regulated to preserve the fauna,” points out SamBoat’s founder.
from €360* for a motorboat (recommended retail price, may vary according to boat and owner) for a day with skipper, departing from Hyères.
The island of Chausey in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
Made up of some fifty small islands and islets, the English Channel is full of nuggets. The island of Chausey in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is no exception. This atypical place is distinguished by its wild beaches, which stretch as far as the eye can see – only during high tides. Accessible only by boat from Granville, this island invites you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of summer. The peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere is ideal for lovers of tranquillity and wide-open seas – and there are plenty of snorkeling spots to be found.
from €292* for a sailboat (recommended retail price, may vary according to boat and owner), day trip departing from Granville with skipper.
Hoëdic Island off the Morbihan coast
A small Breton paradise, the island of Hoëdic has a seductive authenticity and well-preserved flora and fauna. Accessible only by boat from Quiberon and entirely car-free, this island offers travelers peace and quiet and nature as far as the eye can see. With its wild, majestic beaches, this island land is renowned for its long hiking trails. A perfect place for nature lovers.
from €260* for a semi-rigid (recommended retail price, may vary according to boat and owner), day trip departing from Quiberon.
Banc d’Arguin beach on the Arcachon basin
Its immensity needs no further demonstration. An emblematic site in the southwest of France and Europe’s highest dune at 107 meters, the Dune du Pyla towers over the Banc d’Arguin, located just behind it. This nature reserve is constantly changing with the winds, offering an ever-changing landscape on every visit. To take full advantage of this unique site, nothing beats hiring a boat and spending the day there. Accessible only by sea, the Banc d’Arguin can be reached by boat from Cap Ferret or Arcachon. The beach is also a haven for seabirds and a popular kitesurfing spot in the southwest.
from €333* for a pinasse (recommended retail price, may vary according to boat and owner) for a day with skipper, departing from Arcachon.
*Prices may vary according to options & itinerary chosen by travelers.
Source : SamBoat Blog
