Best sailing areas in French channels. Sailing routes, weather and wind details, facts about region and important details to sail in French channels.
France is a world-famous resort town. The country's canals are a system of navigable waterways. It includes rivers, natural and artificial canals and a few lakes.
Traveling on a yacht along the French canals, you will see all the beauty of cities, villages and give yourself an unforgettable yacht vacation.
The total length of waterways in France is comparable to the length of highways.
Many rivers of France's navigable waterways are connected to each other by artificial canals. Therefore, France can be crossed from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, go to the English Channel or along the Seine to get to Paris.
It is possible to travel on a yacht along the French canals in any season. Bad weather conditions, strong winds, high waves remain in the Strait of Gibraltar. Everything is calm in the internal waters of France.
The French canals include many navigable rivers: Loire, Meuse, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Moselle, Marne, Dordogne.
Not all rivers and canals can accommodate sailing yachts. You will have to remove the mast frequently. Otherwise, you will not be able to swim under low bridges. Some canals are up to 1.8 meters deep. This makes it very difficult to navigate if the draft of the yacht or houseboat is greater than the depth of the channel.
The routes of the French canals are very varied. They are suitable for traveling on a yacht with children. Many channels are connected to each other. This increases the yachting area.
The most popular canals and rivers for traveling through the inland waters of France. The:
South Canal or Le Canal du Midi. It is a 360-kilometer canal network. It connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Likewise, it was built between 1667 and 1694;
Marne-Rhine canal (Canal de la Marne au Rhin). Connects the rivers Marne and Rhine. Famous for its beautiful mills and castles;
Canal du Nivernais. Passes through western Burgundy and the beautiful Morvan Regional Natural Park;
rivers Mayenne, Sarthe and Odon. Places for privacy and enjoyment of beautiful nature. There are few locks along the route. This greatly simplifies navigation;
Seine river. The most famous river in France;
Burgundy Canal. On the route, beautiful landscapes and cozy villages await you. It is considered one of the most popular sailing routes.
The climate in France varies by region. There are snow-capped mountains and the dry heat of the Mediterranean. But in general, the country has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. In summer in Marseille the temperature reaches 30 °C.
In Brittany, the weather is slightly cooler. Spring and autumn are rainier than summer. In winter, snow and frost are possible when cold winds blow from the east. The high season is in the summer months. Inland yachting is popular all year round, especially on houseboats.
You can find out the weather forecast on the following sites: