With its rugged coastline, its hundreds of islands and its characterful harbours, Brittany is one of the finest destinations in France for a sailing cruise. Boat hire in Brittany starts from around €590 depending on the boat, the duration and the season, with or without a skipper. Prices are shown in euros; an approximate sterling equivalent is available on request. From the Gulf of Morbihan to the Iroise Sea, by way of Belle-Île, the Glénan Islands and the Channel Islands, every stopover is a chance to discover an authentic Breton harbour, with family, as a couple or with friends.
The types of boat to hire in Brittany
Sailing in Brittany means open-sea navigation: the choice of boat depends on your crew, your experience and the level of comfort you are after.
- The monohull sailing boat: the most common and most affordable option for a sailing cruise, perfect for experiencing navigation up close and making the most of the Breton winds.
- The catamaran: more stable, more spacious and brighter, ideal for groups and offering generous living space on board. Discover our offers to hire a catamaran, with or without a skipper.
Skippered or bareboat: which option suits you?
Depending on your sailing level and the kind of trip you are looking for, you have two options for sailing in Brittany:
- The hire with a skipper: an experienced skipper takes care of the navigation, guides you to the finest anchorages and knows the Breton tides and currents inside out. Ideal for enjoying the cruise without taking the helm.
- The hire without a skipper: for independent sailors who can demonstrate sailing experience, complete freedom to plan your own itinerary and stopovers at your own pace.
How much does boat hire in Brittany cost?
Weekly sailing boat hire in Brittany starts from approximately €590, rising to around €2,360 for a 5-cabin vessel in high season. The price then varies according to the number of cabins, the length of the cruise and the season. The table below gives a rough idea of the usual rates for a one-week hire.
| Number of cabins | High season July and August | Mid season June and September | Low season April, May and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 cabins | €1,200 | €900 | €590 |
| 3 cabins | €1,700 | €1,300 | €1,000 |
| 4 cabins | €2,100 | €1,600 | €1,300 |
| 5 cabins | €2,360 | €1,900 | €1,500 |
The price includes, as a rule, the boat hire, the handover and technical assistance during the cruise. The price does not include fuel, the end-of-stay cleaning package, the deposit, harbour fees during stopovers and provisioning.
We also recommend two insurance options:
- Cancellation insurance: it covers every member of the crew, whereas individual insurance or cover through your bank card will only cover the holder.
- Deposit waiver: at sea, a minor mishap at anchor or alongside can happen; this cover lets you recover a significant part of your deposit in the event of navigation-related damage.
For exact prices and available boats, request a personalised quote from our advisers.
Where to sail in Brittany?
Brittany offers two main sailing areas, plus a possible getaway to the Channel Islands.
Southern Brittany
This is the most popular area: the Gulf of Morbihan, Quiberon Bay and a string of islands among the most beautiful in the region, including Belle-Île-en-Mer, Houat, Hœdic, Groix and the Glénan Islands. Each one is worth a stopover. Distances are short: Belle-Île lies about 15 nautical miles from La Trinité-sur-Mer. The harbours of La Trinité-sur-Mer, Lorient and Vannes make ideal departure bases for your cruise. For inspiration, follow our one-week sailing itinerary in South Brittany.
Western Brittany and the Iroise Sea
More demanding, the Iroise Sea is explored stopover by stopover: the Brest roadstead, Camaret, Douarnenez, Morgat and the Pointe du Raz. An area of strong currents and spectacular landscapes, reserved for confident sailors or crews with a skipper.
The Channel Islands
From Northern Brittany, in particular from Saint-Malo, Jersey and Guernsey are within sailing reach: Jersey lies approximately 25 nautical miles from Saint-Malo, a complete change of scene between impressive tides, sheltered coves and a British atmosphere. As charter companies often apply a sailing-area restriction, confirm any Channel crossing with the operator before you set off.
When to go sailing in Brittany?
The sailing season runs from April to October. The best times are late spring (May-June) and September: milder weather, manageable winds and less crowded spots than at the height of summer. July and August remain the busiest months, with longer days but fuller harbours. Whatever the season, the water stays cool (around 17°C at the height of summer), so remember to pack warm and waterproof clothing.
Sailing conditions in Brittany
Sailing in Brittany means dealing with the tide and the wind. The tidal range is among the largest in Europe: it reaches about 7 metres in the Iroise Sea and up to 14 metres in the Bay of Saint-Malo, compared with less than 4 metres in Southern Brittany — making it the more forgiving option for less experienced crews. The prevailing winds come from the west and often blow Force 3 to 5 in summer, with gusts increasing near the headlands. It is essential to check the tide tables and the weather forecast before each leg, and to plan your harbour entries and exits according to the tide times.
Currents can be strong, particularly in the Iroise Sea (Raz de Sein, Chenal du Four). On the Atlantic coast, some moorings allow you to dry out on the sand, but only shoal-draught hulls are designed for this. Before setting your boat down on the sand, check with your charter company what is allowed: our FAQ explains whether you can beach a hired boat.
Do you need a licence to hire a sailing boat in Brittany?
No. In France, sailing a yacht requires no licence: the boating licence is only mandatory for motorboats. You can therefore hire a sailing boat in Brittany without a licence.
However, for hire without a skipper, the charter company will ask you to demonstrate genuine sailing experience (a sailing CV, sometimes a list of the cruises you have already completed); a recognised qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper or ICC is well regarded. If you are a beginner, or if you would rather sail with peace of mind in a tidal area, opt for the hire with a skipper.
What to do during your cruise in Brittany?
Brittany is packed with activities between stopovers:
- Island stopovers: walking the coastal paths of Belle-Île, swimming in the coves of Houat and Hœdic, exploring the nature reserve of the Glénan Islands.
- Heritage and harbour towns: strolling through the harbours of Vannes, Concarneau and its Ville Close, or Lorient, discovering Brittany's maritime culture.
- Local flavours: tasting oysters, crêpes and seafood in the ports of call.
As an inland alternative, Brittany can also be explored by waterway, on the Nantes-Brest Canal or the River Vilaine: for a gentler approach, consider canal boat hire in Brittany, for example departing from Messac.
Frequently asked questions about boat hire in Brittany
How much does sailing boat hire in Brittany cost?
Sailing boat hire in Brittany starts at around €590 and varies according to the number of cabins, the duration and the season. On top of the hire price, allow for fuel, the cleaning package, the deposit and any harbour fees.
How many days do you need to sail in Brittany?
One week is the ideal duration: from La Trinité-sur-Mer it lets you explore Southern Brittany and visit Belle-Île, Houat, Hœdic and the Glénan Islands. A weekend is enough for a first taste along the coast.
What is the best month for a cruise in Brittany?
September is often the best month: more settled weather, steady winds and less crowded harbours than in July and August. May and June offer a comparable compromise.
Do you need experience to sail in Brittany?
Yes for hire without a skipper: Southern Brittany is accessible to competent sailors, while the Iroise Sea and its currents (Raz de Sein, Chenal du Four) are reserved for experienced sailors. If you are a beginner, opt for the hire with a skipper.
How far is Belle-Île from La Trinité-sur-Mer?
Belle-Île lies about 15 nautical miles from La Trinité-sur-Mer, roughly a few hours' sailing in a Force 4. It is one of the most popular crossings in Southern Brittany.
What is the tidal range in Brittany?
It is among the largest in Europe: about 7 metres in the Iroise Sea and up to 14 metres in the Bay of Saint-Malo during spring tides, compared with less than 4 metres in Southern Brittany.
What is the water temperature in Brittany in summer?
The water reaches around 17°C in July and August. Pack a jumper and a windproof jacket, even in fine weather.
Where do cruises in Brittany depart from?
The main departure bases are in Southern Brittany, in particular La Trinité-sur-Mer, Lorient and Vannes, as well as the Brest roadstead for the Iroise Sea.
How do you finalise the booking of your boat in Brittany?
As soon as we receive your request, an adviser will contact you by phone to understand your plans, then send you boat suggestions by email. Once the boat is chosen, you pay a deposit in your customer area to confirm the booking and secure the boat.
Ready to cast off? Compare the available sailing boats, request your free quote and hire your sailing boat for an unforgettable cruise in Brittany.
Good to know
| Number of available boats | 381 |
|---|---|
| Services types | Skipper, Hostess, Chef, Sailor |
| Average price per week | 2 037 € |
| Minimum price per week | 415 € |
| Maximum price per week | 14 000 € |