Marseille: Day sailing in the heart of the Calanques with organic lunch and wine

Imagine spending a day on a traditional sailboat, gliding through the turquoise waters of the Calanques with the sun warming your face. For around $111 per person and lasting about 7 hours, this tour offers a memorable blend of sailing, swimming, and local gourmet cuisine in one of France’s most stunning coastal landscapes.

What we loved about this experience: first, the authentic sailing aboard a classic boat truly immerses you in the maritime soul of Marseille. Second, the organic vegetarian lunch paired with chilled rosé adds a sophisticated, health-conscious twist to the day.

A minor consideration: this tour is weather-dependent, so if the wind isn’t cooperating, some planned stops might be shorter or altered. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and a touch of local flavor, especially those who appreciate the slower pace of sailing and the chance to unwind in nature.

This experience is ideal for those seeking an authentic nautical adventure, anyone curious about sailing without prior experience, or travelers who want a food and wine experience with a scenic backdrop. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find value here, especially given the flexible, laid-back atmosphere emphasized by happy reviews.

Key Points

• Authentic sailing experience on a traditional boat in the Calanques.
• Beautiful stops for swimming and snorkeling in sheltered coves.
• Organic and seasonal vegetarian meal paired with Provençal rosé.
• Flexible itinerary including scenic viewpoints, photo stops, and water activities.
• Guides and crew praised for their friendliness and attentiveness.
• Weather reliance means potential changes in plans based on conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Allure of Marseille’s Calanques from the Water

We’ve visited many coastal destinations, but sailing through the Calanques offers a uniquely intimate perspective. The limestone cliffs plunge dramatically into clear waters, and with a traditional sailboat beneath us, we felt like we’d stepped into a painting.

This tour’s seven-hour duration is just enough to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed. It’s not a frantic sightseeing dash but a leisurely cruise where you can truly savor the views, the sea breeze, and the sensation of sailing.

The starting point at Quai du Port in Marseille situates you perfectly—close to the Old Port’s lively atmosphere yet peaceful enough to start the day calmly. The crew welcomes you with fresh fruit juice, tea, coffee, and cookies, setting a friendly, laid-back tone.

The Scenery and Stops

One highlight is the passage by Château d’If, made famous by Dumas’ novel. It’s a quick cruise-by, enough to snap some photos of this iconic fortress. Next, the boat passes the Frioul archipelago—a cluster of islands that are just as intriguing from the water as they are on land.

The Plage du Prado offers a quick glimpse of Marseille’s urban beach scene, while Île Maïre provides a taste of island life. These moments are more than sightseeing—they’re opportunities to breathe in the salty air and relax.

Lunch in the Water

The organic vegetarian buffet, served aboard, is a standout. Made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, it reflects a genuine commitment to sustainability and flavor. Paired with a chilled Rosé de Provence, it turns a simple meal into a memorable gourmet experience. As one reviewer noted, the food was “delicious,” and the drinks “very well served,” which adds to the overall value.

Water Activities and Scenic Relaxation

After lunch, the boat navigates through the Riou archipelago and other coves, with the chance to swim or snorkel in calm, sheltered waters. Masks and snorkels are available, making it easy to explore underwater life without lugging your own gear. The second stop offers a chance to linger and enjoy the natural beauty.

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Guides and Atmosphere

Throughout the day, the crew’s friendly and attentive attitude received consistent praise. One traveler from Italy said, “The crew was super friendly and polite,” and another from Brazil appreciated how guides “were very attentive and helpful.” The relaxed, convivial atmosphere makes it especially appealing for those not seeking a high-adrenaline adventure but rather a peaceful escape.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance water activities, scenic views, and relaxation:

• Start at Quai du Port: close to the city, easy to reach.
• Cruise by Château d’If and the Frioul archipelago: iconic sights just out of reach from the land.
• Passing Plage du Prado: a quick peek at Marseille’s city beaches.
• Île Maïre: a small island stop for photos and quick swims.
• Calanques National Park: the heart of the experience, where you’ll take a longer break for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and photo opportunities amid towering cliffs.
• Additional scenic cruising: with more water activities, scenic views, and relaxing sailing.
• Return to Quai du Port around 5:00 p.m., with plenty of time to reflect on a day well spent.

The Practical Details

The price of $111 covers a lot: a welcome drink, a vegetarian organic buffet or oriental buffet (subject to availability), and a glass of rosé. Water is also included, but transfers are not, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

The meeting spot is right opposite Marseille’s town hall, at Quai d’Honneur door 2, next to the ferry boat boarding area. The tour operates in both French and English, making it accessible for most travelers.

What to Bring

Given the outdoor nature of the tour, pack a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and your camera. The experience is suitable for all ages, but pregnant women after the 6th month should carry a medical certificate, and infants under 1 year need to be pre-informed.

Weather and Flexibility

Since sailing depends on weather conditions, the actual stops and sailing might vary. Still, the crew strives to provide the best experience possible, which means some flexibility is necessary.

Authenticity and Unique Value

Unlike large cruise ships or generic boat tours, this experience emphasizes authenticity—a real sailboat, a regional organic meal, and scenic stops that feel unspoiled. The small group size (not specified but implied) and attentive crew create an intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for those who prefer a more personal, less commercialized outing.

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that the knowledgeable guides and excellent wine and food are major highlights. Guests appreciate being well-treated and having their needs attended to, which elevates the experience from a simple boat ride to a true Mediterranean escape.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sailing trip is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day at sea with a focus on authentic sailing and gastronomy. If you’re eager to learn about sailing but don’t need a hands-on experience, this tour still satisfies with its smooth navigation and friendly crew.

It’s perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers who love nature, water activities, and good food. It caters to those who want to escape the city without sacrificing comfort or scenic beauty and are open to weather-dependent adventures.

Final thoughts

This Marseille sailing tour offers a combination of scenic beauty, authentic sailing, and gourmet food that’s hard to beat for the price. The focus on organic, seasonal cuisine paired with relaxing water stops makes it stand out among other coastal excursions. The friendly crew, scenic stops, and memorable water activities create a well-rounded experience that appeals to nature lovers, foodies, and water enthusiasts alike.

If you’re seeking a genuine taste of Provence’s coast with the added charm of sailing aboard a classic boat, this tour will likely leave you with plenty of beautiful photos and warm memories. It’s a peaceful, authentic way to experience the magic of the Calanques—highly recommended for those wanting a day of leisure, scenic wonder, and regional flavors.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, passengers of all ages are welcome, but infants under 1 year should be pre-informed for planning purposes.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

How long is the sailing experience?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including water activities, lunch, and scenic cruising.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the included meal is a vegetarian buffet made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. An Oriental buffet may also be offered depending on availability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a welcome drink, lunch, a glass of rosé, and water. Transfers are not included.

Do I need sailing experience?
No, you don’t need to know how to sail. The crew handles the boat, and the experience is more about relaxation and enjoying the scenery.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; in case of poor conditions, plans may be adjusted or canceled with a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Where do we meet?
Opposite Marseille town hall, Quai d’Honneur door 2, next to the ferry boat boarding point.

Can I help with sailing?
While some travelers wish for more hands-on sailing, the crew manages navigation. You can enjoy the views and hospitality without needing to participate actively.

This sailing tour in Marseille’s Calanques combines natural beauty, authentic maritime experience, and regional gastronomy into a day you’ll cherish. Perfect for those who love the water, good food, and scenic escape—an experience that balances adventure with relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here: