My first is one of the most beautiful cities in France.
My second is the largest marina in Europe.
My third is at the heart of the sunniest sailing area on the Atlantic coast.
My fourth is a hotspot for enjoying oysters, mussels, and rosé wine from Île de Ré, not to mention fries.
My whole is one and the same city you've surely already heard of.
You’ve got it: renting in La Rochelle for a weekend or a cruise allows you to enjoy both major tourist attractions and an incredibly dynamic and diverse nautical sector.
The Rochelais basin is surrounded by the islands of Aix, Ré, and Oléron, offering fantastic sailing options for a one-week cruise.
Île d'Aix, the smallest, offers three anchorages or moorings. You can go ashore by dinghy to explore the island on foot (about an hour’s walk) or by renting a bike. Virtually no cars on the island except for emergency services. Three lovely beaches, a stunning fortified village, and a few charming terraces perfect for a drink (especially around 6 PM after the day-trippers leave on the ferry).
Île d'Oléron, the largest of the three, has three main ports on its northeast side: Saint-Denis, Le Douhet, and Boyardville. There are also anchorages or buoy moorings near these ports and in front of the beautiful Saumonards beach—an essential stop in summer!
Oléron also offers a wide range of activities, from beach walks and coastal paths to forest trails and salt marsh explorations. Perfect for stretching your legs in a relaxed setting.
Île de Ré stands out for its postcard-perfect villages, particularly Saint-Martin and Ars, which are also the island’s only floating ports. Numerous bike paths, sandy beaches, all forms of surfing, and oyster bars where you can savor fresh seafood.
These three islands are all less than two hours' sailing from La Rochelle. Why not take advantage?
Within a port housing nearly 5,000 pleasure boats, the range of rental options is equally extensive: whether you're into motorboats, monohulls, catamarans, or racing sailboats, La Rochelle is the place to rent...
Traditional rentals
The Yellow Pages list over fifteen "traditional" rental companies in La Rochelle.
Catamarans, monohulls, motorboats, or racing boats, you’ll be spoiled for choice. These agencies offer standard rental services: reception, inventory of the boat, departure and return inspections... Just a bit longer than renting a car.
Peer-to-peer rentals online
In recent years, peer-to-peer boat rental options have flourished online, inspired by commercial models like Airbnb or BlaBlaCar.
Advantages of this model: flexibility and generally lower prices compared to traditional rental agencies, which have higher staffing costs.
Here, the boat owner acts as the renter, dealing directly with the tenant.
The transaction and quality of service are "guaranteed" by the Internet platform. Each platform has its unique features. In case of problems, a platform representative can usually be contacted. And in case of major issues? It's best to check the insurance conditions and procedures in case of an accident.
Start by selecting the boat and service that match your level of experience.
To rent a boat equipped with an outboard motor, you will need:
-The coastal license for unlimited power navigation up to 6 nautical miles from a safe haven
-The offshore license for navigation beyond 6 nautical miles from a safe haven
For renting a sailboat, no license is required. However, having a coastal license or an offshore license is a significant advantage as it proves your knowledge of navigation rules, maritime signage, and priorities. You will mainly need a "nautical CV," which includes documents proving your sailing experience: certificates from sailing school courses, and proof of participation in trips as a crew member.
Some rental companies require a navigation orientation to help you familiarize yourself with the boat and to assess your nautical skills. This can be a helpful step.
Others may be less concerned about your experience as long as the payment is secured. It’s up to you to choose, but it’s advisable not to aim too big if you are unsure, as larger boats are generally harder to maneuver.
If it’s your first time renting, start with a sailboat that is 10 meters or less, which will be more forgiving of mistakes.
While boats over 12 meters often come equipped with bow thrusters, these are merely an aid to maneuvering.
In case of a collision, the rental company may require you to fill out a sea report. This document is equivalent to an accident report and includes details about the incident. You will need to specify the date, time, wind strength and direction, sea conditions, the boat's heading and speed, as well as a detailed chronology of events. These details will help the insurer process your claim and determine any compensation due.
Finally, to protect yourself in case of an accident, consider taking out a damage waiver option. This will limit your financial liability in the event of significant damages.
My first is one of the most beautiful cities in France.
My second is the largest marina in Europe.
My third is at the heart of the sunniest sailing area on the Atlantic coast.
My fourth is a hotspot for enjoying oysters, mussels, and rosé wine from Île de Ré, not to mention fries.
My whole is one and the same city you've surely already heard of.
You’ve got it: renting in La Rochelle for a weekend or a cruise allows you to enjoy both major tourist attractions and an incredibly dynamic and diverse nautical sector.
The Rochelais basin is surrounded by the islands of Aix, Ré, and Oléron, offering fantastic sailing options for a one-week cruise.
Île d'Aix, the smallest, offers three anchorages or moorings. You can go ashore by dinghy to explore the island on foot (about an hour’s walk) or by renting a bike. Virtually no cars on the island except for emergency services. Three lovely beaches, a stunning fortified village, and a few charming terraces perfect for a drink (especially around 6 PM after the day-trippers leave on the ferry).
Île d'Oléron, the largest of the three, has three main ports on its northeast side: Saint-Denis, Le Douhet, and Boyardville. There are also anchorages or buoy moorings near these ports and in front of the beautiful Saumonards beach—an essential stop in summer!
Oléron also offers a wide range of activities, from beach walks and coastal paths to forest trails and salt marsh explorations. Perfect for stretching your legs in a relaxed setting.
Île de Ré stands out for its postcard-perfect villages, particularly Saint-Martin and Ars, which are also the island’s only floating ports. Numerous bike paths, sandy beaches, all forms of surfing, and oyster bars where you can savor fresh seafood.
These three islands are all less than two hours' sailing from La Rochelle. Why not take advantage?
Within a port housing nearly 5,000 pleasure boats, the range of rental options is equally extensive: whether you're into motorboats, monohulls, catamarans, or racing sailboats, La Rochelle is the place to rent...
Traditional rentals
The Yellow Pages list over fifteen "traditional" rental companies in La Rochelle.
Catamarans, monohulls, motorboats, or racing boats, you’ll be spoiled for choice. These agencies offer standard rental services: reception, inventory of the boat, departure and return inspections... Just a bit longer than renting a car.
Peer-to-peer rentals online
In recent years, peer-to-peer boat rental options have flourished online, inspired by commercial models like Airbnb or BlaBlaCar.
Advantages of this model: flexibility and generally lower prices compared to traditional rental agencies, which have higher staffing costs.
Here, the boat owner acts as the renter, dealing directly with the tenant.
The transaction and quality of service are "guaranteed" by the Internet platform. Each platform has its unique features. In case of problems, a platform representative can usually be contacted. And in case of major issues? It's best to check the insurance conditions and procedures in case of an accident.
Start by selecting the boat and service that match your level of experience.
To rent a boat equipped with an outboard motor, you will need:
-The coastal license for unlimited power navigation up to 6 nautical miles from a safe haven
-The offshore license for navigation beyond 6 nautical miles from a safe haven
For renting a sailboat, no license is required. However, having a coastal license or an offshore license is a significant advantage as it proves your knowledge of navigation rules, maritime signage, and priorities. You will mainly need a "nautical CV," which includes documents proving your sailing experience: certificates from sailing school courses, and proof of participation in trips as a crew member.
Some rental companies require a navigation orientation to help you familiarize yourself with the boat and to assess your nautical skills. This can be a helpful step.
Others may be less concerned about your experience as long as the payment is secured. It’s up to you to choose, but it’s advisable not to aim too big if you are unsure, as larger boats are generally harder to maneuver.
If it’s your first time renting, start with a sailboat that is 10 meters or less, which will be more forgiving of mistakes.
While boats over 12 meters often come equipped with bow thrusters, these are merely an aid to maneuvering.
In case of a collision, the rental company may require you to fill out a sea report. This document is equivalent to an accident report and includes details about the incident. You will need to specify the date, time, wind strength and direction, sea conditions, the boat's heading and speed, as well as a detailed chronology of events. These details will help the insurer process your claim and determine any compensation due.
Finally, to protect yourself in case of an accident, consider taking out a damage waiver option. This will limit your financial liability in the event of significant damages.