Opt for a yacht charter in Marseille, one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean located in the south of France. Marseille is also one of the most visited cities in France thanks to its beaches, history, architecture, and culture (24 museums and 42 theatres). The city has a long history and is truly a cosmopolitan melting pot. Besides beautiful beaches and museums, there are a lot of cultural events you can attend when you charter a yacht in Marseille and have an unforgettable sailing holiday.
Find Your Ideal Yacht in Marseille Sailing Region
Why is Marseille Popular Among Sailors?
Marseille owes its popularity to its proximity to the French Riviera, with which it shares the perfect combo of a mild climate, picturesque landscape, bustling ports, and charming seaside villages. Furthermore, sailing conditions in the Marseille region are very friendly towards sailors: mild climate, favourable winds, and small tides. These conditions are perfect for novice skippers, who want to sail on their own for the first time on a charter yacht, but also for experienced sailors who want to enjoy offshore sailing further from the land.
Yacht Charter in Marseille Sailing Region
Charter your yacht in the oldest city in France – Marseille and explore the most popular place in the city - the Old Port of Marseille or Vieux-Port, where you can still see old yachts and wooden fishing boats. Don’t miss the morning fish market!
Yacht charter in Marseille, allows you to try bouillabaisse, the world-famous fish stew that originates from this area. It is usually made for large groups of people, so you’ll have a chance to socialize over a plate of this delicious stew!
Charter a yacht in Marseille and sail to the fjords of France – the Calanques. Calanques National Park is a spectacular mountainous area with one of the most beautiful sceneries on the Mediterranean and bays surrounded by high cliffs.
Best Places to Visit in Marseille Region
Although not as popular as the French Riviera, the Marseille sailing region has its share of beautiful sights, bays and charming bistros for every sailor to visit on a yacht charter vacation. Marseille is France’s oldest and second-largest town. The history of Marseille starts around 600 BC which means there are many sights to visit today such as Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a spectacular church on a breathtaking hilltop location or Abbaye Saint-Victor, one of the oldest buildings in the city.
One of the top attractions in Marseille is a cube-shaped Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. One part of this spectacular building is even built underwater. If you are in town on 21 June, you will witness the entire city becoming a big concert stage as it is when Fête de la Musique, a big music festival with free concerts, takes place. Before sailing on, make sure to taste bouillabaisse, the local fish stew speciality.
When you charter a yacht in Marseille and start sailing from the old port, you will see the Frioul archipelago, a group of islands just 2 miles from Marseille with the most popular destination of Château d’If, a fortress (later a prison) which was the setting for Alexandre Dumas’ novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Today, the entire main island is heavily fortified with high walls and gun platforms that rise steeply from the surrounding sea. Apart from the fortress, the island is uninhabited, while the rest of the archipelago has a population of about 150 inhabitants.
Cassis is a perfect town to enjoy nature with lots of peaceful locations for swimming and taking a break. You can visit Morgiou, a mineral and water paradise where you can watch the colour of the water change from emerald to turquoise. While you are in the area, be sure to taste white and rosé wines that originate from local vineyards.
A small town on the other side of Cap Canaille, La Ciotat, lies in the same vineyard region as Cassis. Do not miss a chance to try some of the exquisite local vines. The most popular beaches are Mugel and Figuerolles and if you get hungry, you can dine in one of the many charming restaurants that this small town is famous for. In case you get the chance, be sure to play a game of Pétanque with the locals as this bowling game originates from this small city.
The island of Île des Embiez is an oasis of peace as there are no cars allowed on the island. Take a break on one of the beautiful blue flag beaches and visit one of many natural caves that are yours to explore while visiting the island.
Important Info for Sailing in Marseille Sailing Region
Best time to sail
April - October
Most popular marinas
Marseille Marina Vieux Port
Nearest airports
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Number of charter yachts
20+
Popular regattas
Optimist Coach Regatta Marseille, The SNIM Regatta
Top attractions
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Calanques National Park, Château d'If, Palais Longchamp, The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations
Gastronomy Highlights of Marseille Sailing Region
When on your Marseille boat tour, be sure to get a taste of the local food. Marseille cuisine uses a large number of vegetables for lighter preparations, as well as herbs such as thyme, sage, rosemary, basil, savoury, fennel, marjoram, tarragon, oregano, and bay leaf.
Bouillabaisse is a world-famous French soup originating from the city of Marseille that combines vegetables, fish and shellfish.
Navettes are French cookies from Marseilles that are shaped like a boat or a shuttle and flavoured with orange-flower water and are traditionally consumed on February 2nd, known as Candlemas Day.
Anchoïade is a dish prepared with anchovies, capers, olive oil and garlic, often eaten as an aperitif on slices of bread, or in a salad.
Les Pieds paquets are traditionally made with lamb offal (paunches and feet). Each piece of the belly is stuffed with lean pork, garlic and chopped parsley. As for the lamb's feet, they must be very white and dehaired before being put on the flame for the crunch.
Pissaladière is pizza’s distant relative, traditionally served as an appetizer or a snack made up of a doughy crust, anchovies, olives, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs on top.
