France Yacht charters

Travelling to France is on the bucket list for millions of  people across the globe. From the fine cuisine to the pinnacle cities of  love, history and fashion, France is a country with rich culture and  glorious landscapes. For those that have the opportunity to charter a  yacht in France, there are so many places to see and experiences to  have. While most visit the landlocked Paris on their first trip,  seasoned travelers and those seeking greater adventure may opt to visit  one of the coastal towns for a one-of-a-kind vacation.

12 Knots Yachting Club offers bareboat yacht charters, sailing  catamarans, and bareboat rentals all across the French coastline. With  12 Knots, you can rest assured that your French sailing vacation will be  well worth the wait. We provide crew assistance, unique itineraries and  excursions, and the opportunity to venture into open waters on your own  in a fine sailboat. If you are a novice, you can enroll in our sailing  school for classes on all things needed to know before your yacht  charter. If you are experienced, reserve a bareboat rental and take the  journey at your own pace. When you choose 12 Knots, you absolutely  cannot go wrong.

Many people know of the beauty, architecture, and fine arts of  France. The country is well known for fine wine and high fashion, rich  culture and complicated history, but with so much to learn it’s hard to  know everything you need before your yacht charter vacation. These are  just a few details that may give you an even greater appreciation for  this beautiful nation

French is a romance language, derived closely from classical  Latin. It is also one of the most popular languages worldwide. It is the  second most taught foreign language, after English, and the only other  language to be taught in every country across the globe. The French  language is beautiful to hear, and while many French natives also speak  English, it doesn’t hurt to know a few words and phrases before  travelling.

Over 75 million tourists travel these lands annually, and it’s no  surprise. France is home to magnificent cathedrals, museums,  restaurants, and landscape. Even if you don’t make it to Paris, you are  guaranteed to have a great time during your yacht charter to France.  While you may be one of millions, choosing a boat rental  for your  vacation will certainly be more unique, and provide you a more “local”  experience of the French countryside.

It is a surprise to many travelers how small European countries  can be. France only has 3,427 km (2,129 miles) of coastline, yet it is  home to more than 65 million people. Not only is France a very popular  country for people to move, its small cottages and shorter commutes  between areas and cities allow for a much denser population.

France is given credit for having some of the finest cuisine in  Europe. It is famous for desserts and pastries, and unique savory foods.  However the beloved French toast recipe is not a classic staple in  France; neither are French fries. However, this isn’t much of a  disappointment. You will have the opportunity to have unique and  delectable foods no matter where you stop on your yacht charter to  France.

France is known for fine wine, and produces several signature  wines that can only be found in their region of France, and champagne is  one of them. One small area in northern France produces all the world’s  champagne. Any similar wine is not considered champagne, but simply  sparkling wine. All champagne is made from either Chardonnay, Pinot  Noir, and Pinot Meunier, and is fermented in a closed environment to  trap CO2 to make it sparkling.

As with any new country visited, it is best to learn a little  about the French culture and lifestyle before travelling. Because France  has such a large pool of tourists, most locals will be patient and  willing to help you learn. These are some of the social norms you may  want to be aware of before planning your sailing vacation in France:

It is common courtesy to always greet people when walking into a  store, and to compliment or greet people warmly when first meeting them.  Many shops are also homes for the owners; when you shop you are likely  being invited into a very intimate setting and point of pride for the  shop owner. Be kind, say hello and goodbye, and always act especially  friendly when interacting with French locals.

France is the most visited country in the world, which means  locals must interact with many visitors who do not speak their language  at all. It can get tedious for them, and any French person will greatly  appreciate if you attempt to honor their culture and speak their  language first. Even learning a few key phrases such as “Parlez-vous  anglais,” (Do you speak English?) will help you tremendously.

France is a very safe country; however, petty theft and  pickpocketing happen more than in other countries because it has so many  tourists year round. When you venture off the sailboat and into the  streets, pack lightly and always keep your wits about you. The more  densely populated the city, the more careful you should be.

During your yacht charter in France, you may be surprised at how  casual an attitude is carried by most of the locals. Foreign sailors are  used to a fast pace; however, in France it is expected and encouraged  that you take your time. In restaurants, enjoy the meal without asking  for the check. And don’t be too demanding to sales or service people.  Many French stores also take significant time off, so don’t be surprised  if some shops and restaurants are closed the entire time you’re  vacationing. Most local shops are closed for at least a month during the  year, as the French value quality of life as much as career  achievement. Be patient as well as kind, and you’ll fare well in France.

France is a perfect place to start a Mediterranean yacht  charter. 12 Knots offers a variety of catamaran, luxury yacht and  bareboat rentals in six different areas of France. You can find 12 Knots  Yachting Club in the Riviera, Saint-Tropez, Grimaud Toulon, and Hyeres.  We recommend Mediterranean yacht charters in the late summer when winds  are calmer. From April to October, temperatures hover around 65°F  (18°C) to 75°F (23°C). However, the sun is bright for only eight hours a  day during this season. In the fall and winter you can expect heavier  rainfall and winds, yet longer days on the open ocean. 

Choose 12 Knots Yachting Club for your Mediterranean sailing  vacation. With so many places to see and things to do, you won’t want to  miss anything during your trip to France. 12 Knots offers a variety of  unique itineraries, reliable sailing yachts, and crewed sailing trips  for beginner and experienced sailors alike. Choose a bareboat charter if  you want to test your skills, or sign up for one of our sailing classes  if you are still gaining your sea legs. We guarantee you’ll have a  once-in-a-lifetime experience on the water.