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Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to Northern France
While many yacht charters flock to the southern shores of the glitzy riviera, this is only one piece in the perfect puzzle of France. Northern France may have cooler temperatures and more challenging waters, but the landscapes are lavish, the culture as old as time, and the food nothing short of hearty. From one of the worlds favourite capitals to countryside retreats, the wild Camelot inspired coastline of Brittany, and the tragic beaches around Dunkirk – Northern France is a patchwork quilt of a thousand storeys.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Northern France
Artistic Vibes
From Monet’s garden to the curious smile of the Mona Lisa, when it comes to fine art – Northern France has got you covered. While Van Gough may have favoured the warmer southern climate, the North is flecked with artistic history and famous paintings. Visit the Louvre in Paris or wander the Pompidou, head to Giverny or Etretat to see some of Monet’s brush dabs come to life.
Epic History
The beaches of D Day make for heartbreaking history. Hailed as the largest sea-based invasion in the 20th century and beyond, more than 6 thousand ships rocked up on France’s northern coastline and more than 37 thousand troops perished in one of the bloodiest periods in memory. From the sweeping sands of Arromanches to the white crosses at Omaha Beach, a yacht charter to discover the deathly shores of Dunkirk is a must for history buffs.
Fairytale Sights
The twinkling lights of Mont Saint Michael, the curve of the River Seine, and the Kingdom of Arthur, Northern France is brimming with enchanted spots. Yacht charters cruising the waters around the north, will find scenic villages, powder white cliffs, striking chateaux’s, and regal palaces. Wander the gardens of Marie Antoinette, climb the Eiffel Tower, and fall in love with fairytale joie de vivre in fabulous France.
French Finesse
Cheese and wine and all the wonders in-between. A yacht charter to Northern France will show you a different side of the glitzier culture you are apt to find down in the south. Brittany especially has a strikingly strong Celtic culture – expect sea-salt laced beers, freshly shucked oysters, and moules mariniers with frites.
Where to Visit in Northern France
La Rochelle
The White City of La Rochelle is one of Northern Frances signature seafront spots that dates all the way back to the 14th century. The sweeping stone harbour, the half-timbered houses, and Michelin starred restaurants where you can taste famous lobster stew – what more could you want from a European yacht charter destination? From starting your day at the boulangerie to afternoons cycling through town or visiting the nearby Ile de Re to splurge at the beautiful boutiques, La Rochelle stands up to its name as a stunningly unspoilt French seaside town.
Brittany
The former kingdom of Arthurs Camelot and stronghold of the Celts, Brittany is soaked in mystical and mythical culture. The forests are dark, the coastline wild, and the cider and crepes are a first-class experience worth having. See the ancient duchy capital of Nantes with its mediaeval moat and elegant square, admire the architecture in Rennes, and fall in love with sleepy small island charm on the pretty Belle-Ile-en-Mer. History buffs should be sure to visit the megalithic sites of Morbihan, and punchy pink granite coast is spellbinding.
Paris
The City of Lights, the City of Love – Paris is a feature on every bucket list. Leave your yacht charter back at the bay and head into the city that inspired a thousand poets and painters. From the roving eye of the Eiffel Tower to the glass fronted boutiques on the Champs Elysees, sipping tea at the Blue Mosque, climbing the tower of the Notre Dame, and wandering the gilded streets that sketch past the milky green Seine – Parisian experiences are endless. Don’t leave the cultural capital without admiring the Mona Lisa, tiptoeing through the Musee Orsay, and sipping coffee in a sidewalk café.
Normandy
The surreal sight of Mont Saint-Michele is a highlight of Normandy. This UNESCO heritage spot rises up out of the water like a scene from Disney with its soaring gothic spires and shifting appearance as it seems to float on water or sit upon the sands depending on the tide. Another must for yacht charter guests to Normandy is visiting the D day beaches and town of Rouen where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. Finally, art lovers will find their heart in Normandy – from the famed Bayeux tapestry to visiting Monet’s garden in floral draped Giverny.
When to Charter a Yacht in Northern France
The northern shores of France are a little moodier than the south. The closer you get to the English Chanel, the more likely you are to witness roving rains and chillier damp temperatures. Yet, when she is fair, the weather can be wonderfully warm, and the coastline splashed in sun. The best time to take your yacht charter out exploring Northern France is late spring, summer, and early autumn. Still, heaven knows fewer pleasures than curling up with a bottle of cider and roaring fire as the storms roll across Breton.
