Comprising the northernmost part of mainland France, the Nord department (59) has an immense historical and cultural heritage, the richness of which is enhanced by its border location with Belgium. The region has numerous tourist attractions. Between the fortifications of Maubeuge, the Citadel of Lille and natural sites such as the Bay of Canche, the Baives Hills and the Pâture Mille trous, vacationers who criss-cross this region will not have time to get bored.
In addition, the region's long maritime tradition means that yacht charter in the Nord is one of the department's most popular leisure activities. A sailing or motor yacht excursion in the English Channel offers a multitude of interesting choices to cruise passengers. For example, they can sail close-hauled along the marvelous French coastlines of the Côtes d'Opale, Côtes d'Albâtre and Brittany, among others.
From Dunkirk, they can also sail to the coastal cities of Belgium and the Netherlands, and even as far as England. In fact, the English city of Dover, known for its white chalk cliffs and impressive castle, is only about forty nautical miles from the port of Dunkirk.
A rich cultural heritage
The Nord department is well worth a visit, especially if you want to treat yourself to a little cultural and gastronomic break after a beautiful cruise on the North Sea. Coiled down a rope between Belgium and the Pas-de-Calais department, the Nord is home to a rich historical heritage that you can discover during a short urban trek through its picturesque towns. Dunkirk offers you a great introduction with its monuments proudly dominating the rooftops, such as the Leughenaer Tower, built in the 15th century, the belfry and the Town Hall, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Staying in the Dunkirk conurbation, you can reach the magnificent seaside resort of Malo-les-Bains, where you can combine a historical visit with a swim and a gourmet break. From a historical point of view, you are quickly struck by the colorful facades of the church of Notre-Dame du Sacré Cœur, the town hall and Place Turenne. In Malo-les-Bains, you will also find a few Dunkirk recipes with Flemish origins, such as mussels and chips simmered in white wine, or Flemish beef stew, pieces of meat cooked over a low heat in a beer sauce.
The seaside resorts of the Nord around Dunkirk
After this historical and tasty interlude, how about following the coastline of the Nord to reach its most beautiful seaside resorts? There are five of them, offering the very long sandy beaches that characterize the Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
On the Belgian border is the seaside resort of Bray-Dunes, with a beach over 10 km long where the Dunes du Perroquet and the Dunes du Marchand meet. The small seaside resort of Leffrinckoucke, halfway between Dunkirk and Zuydcoote, offers its visitors a little peace and quiet as they discover more than 150 hectares of dunes.
What type of boat to rent around Dunkirk?
Filovent offers monohull sailboats for charter in the North, close-hauled to Dunkirk. Monohulls are more affordable and better suited to sporty sailing for adventure enthusiasts. They are also lighter than catamarans and therefore more suitable for shallow waters. If you are looking for a sporty and challenging sailing experience, a monohull is probably the best choice for you.
How much does a yacht charter close to Dunkirk cost?
The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for a yacht charter in the Dunkirk area for a week. Note that these prices are a dead reckoning and may vary depending on several factors (season, model and size of the boat).
For more information on prices and yacht charter, please don't hesitate to contact our team of advisors!
| Type of boat | High Season July and August | Mid-season May, June and September | Low Season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monohull (2 cabins) | 1,200 USD | 1,000 USD | 835 USD |
| Monohull (3 cabins) | 1,300 USD | 1,100 USD | 900 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 1,800 USD | 1,600 USD | 1,500 USD |
What license do I need to rent a boat close to Dunkirk?
A boat license is compulsory in France if you want to rent a motorboat. If you want to rent a sailboat, you must prove that you have sufficient nautical experience, so you must present a nautical CV that details all your sailing experience.
Yacht charter near Dunkirk with skipper
The skipper will take care of navigation and boat-related tasks, leaving you free to enjoy your cruise. You can relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery and go for a swim. In addition, a skipper can provide you with information about the region, the best beaches, tourist sites and restaurants. He can also help you plan your sailing itinerary. Finally, if you have some knowledge of sailing but feel you are not experienced enough, a skipper can help you learn more throughout your cruise!
Information to remember for your yacht charter close to Dunkirk
| Types of boats | Monohulls |
|---|---|
| Average price | 1200 USD per week |
| Minimum price | 835 USD per week |
| Maximum price | 1800 USD per week |
| Manufacturers | Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria and others |
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 61 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess |
| Average price per week | $2,214 |
| Minimum weekly price | $496 |
| Maximum price per week | $10,349 |