Discover the islands of the Phocaean city in all their splendor and freedom, by renting a boat in Marseille.
You’ve arrived at the right port! At the gateway to the Mediterranean, Marseille is the epitome of southern conviviality and culture. The protective Forts open their doors to you. Boats return from fishing and seagulls dance around the sails. The blazing sun and mistral wind create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The watchtower of the Phocaean city, the famous Bonne-Mère, gives you a benevolent look. Your senses are overwhelmed by the overwhelming scents of iodine, jasmine, aniseed, orange blossom and pipe tobacco. Marseillais laugh, talk loudly, haggle and sing with character. But why not visit Marseille and the surrounding area from the sea? Indeed, hiring a boat in Marseille to visit the city is one of the best ways to see the area.
To help you in your search, here’s a mini-guide to yacht charter in Marseille!
Itinerary 1: the Marseille loop in six days
Photo credit: Shutterstock / alpinenature
The port of Marseille invites you to stroll along some of the country’s most lively and picturesque quays. Then, the sea beckons and you dream of raising your head to the clouds, shaded by a mast and stretched out on the bow of a sailboat or catamaran. It’s time to rent a boat in Marseille and awaken the sailor in you.
- From day one, sail to the calanques of Cassis. Anchor in a turquoise cove, surrounded by breathtaking seabeds and bathed in sunshine.
- On the second day, set sail for Bandol. A wine-growing region par excellence, it’s time for an aperitif – in the purest southern tradition – from your exclusive pontoon. Take time to touch down and stroll through the town’s quaint, old-fashioned streets.
- In the early hours of the third day, after a final swim on a charming Bandol beach, we head for theisland of Les Embiez. The anchorages are an immediate invitation to calm, relaxation and contemplation. Enjoy the silence, disturbed only by the clatter of the waves and perhaps, at some point, a dip or two in the crystal-clear water.
- On the fourth day at sea, discover La Ciotat, the Figuerolles and Mugel creeks. If you feel like it, why not try your hand at one of the many local water sports? Diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing…
- At dawn on the fifth day, anchor atRiou Island. South of Marseille, it’s home to a breathtaking nature reserve. Home to protected plant and animal species, you can witness their daily lives from the sea.
- On the sixth and final day, sail gently to the port of Marseille.
Rent a boat to explore Marseille
Itinerary 2: the Marseille loop in three days
Photo credit: Flickr – Robert Nyman
- Day 1: Leave the port of Marseille. The Château d’If beckons in the distance. The sails swell and carry you to the rocks on the deep blue sea. You disembark at the edge of the Frioul archipelago. Tread the limestone, sandy coves, unspoilt beaches and inlets where the crystal-clear, isolating waves break.
- On the second day, head for Grotte Bleue-Calanque de Morgiou-Marseille. Considered one of Marseille’s most authentic, deep and charming anchorages, it’s a must-see. Not far away, the semi-submerged grotto of the same name titillates the explorer in you and invites you on a mysterious and mystical stroll.
- On the third day, return to the port of Marseille and the bustle of the historic district.
Itinerary 3: a four-day tour of exceptional anchorages
Photo credit: Flickr – marcovdz
- On your first day in Marseille, rent a boat and stop off directly at Vallon des Auffes. This charming little port seems frozen in time. Enjoy a bouillabaisse, suspended over the sea. In the afternoon, anchor on Frioul Island.
- The next day, we head for Cap Croisette. This idyllic alcove is equally rich in history and gastronomy. Fishermen’s cottages float on the azure, the white rocks give the impression of a primitive paradise, and the jagged aerial landscapes are breathtaking.
- On the third day, discover the Morgiou cove and its famous Grotte Bleue.
- On the fourth day, anchor atRiou Island. The only uninhabited archipelago on the French coast, this natural setting offers stunning scenery. The other islands of the Riou archipelago may be off-limits to visitors, but you can still get up close and personal with their mysterious beauty.
Rent a boat to explore Marseille
Our tips for sailing in Marseille
Photo credit: Shutterstock / S-F
First of all, we recommend that you hire a skipper to accompany you on your cruise. A skipper is an invaluable guarantee of safety and peace of mind.
Renting a boat in Marseille during the summer is often hard on the budget, and tourist numbers are rising sharply. So make sure you choose your season carefully, if you have the choice.
The essentials and must-haves when chartering a boat:
- Maritime and land charts,
- GPS,
- Life raft,
- Distress flares,
- Life jackets,
- First-aid kit,
- Radar reflector,
- Gas can.
Always be aware of weather conditions, and never hesitate to postpone a sea departure.
When is the best time to rent a catamaran or sailboat in Marseille?
When is the best time to rent a boat in Marseille? We recommend June or September/October: the best choice for tranquility, sunshine and affordable offers. And if the sea isn’t at its hottest, the climate at sea is largely favorable.
How much does a boat rental in Marseille cost?
Photo credit: Flickr – marcovdz
For a sailboat or catamaran rental in Marseille, count on a minimum of €100 to €200 per day. But rentals can go up to €1000 per day for a luxury craft.
How to rent a boat in Marseille
- Private platforms: these also offer the services of skippers. To get an idea of current rates, don’t hesitate to use the services of a boat rental platform.
- From professionals: on site or online. Prices vary according to model, options and rental dates.
Rent a boat to explore Marseille
Which boat to rent in Marseille?
For a multi-day stay at sea, we recommend a motorboat with bathroom and kitchenette, but also suitable for water sports (for more fun and discovery at sea). For larger groups, consider a yacht.
Sailboats and catamarans offer fantastic sailing sensations, and are ideal for families and groups of friends. They do, however, require more experience at sea.