Five Days Enjoying France's Atlantic Coast Under Sail.
This relaxed late-summer sailing voyage links two of France’s most characterful ports, combining hands-on tall ship sailing with coastal exploration along the Atlantic shoreline. Departing from the historic harbour city of La Rochelle, you’ll join the crew aboard a traditional sailing vessel and spend five nights navigating one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal cruising regions.
Rather than rushing from A to B, this voyage is designed to make the most of the sailing. Depending on weather and sea conditions, you may visit small harbour towns, anchor off offshore islands, or even head south towards the Spanish coast in search of the best winds. Along the way you’ll stand watch, steer the ship, help handle sails and settle into the rhythm of life at sea.
The voyage concludes with one of the highlights of the trip: sailing up the Gironde River and arriving directly into the heart of Bordeaux, one of France’s most celebrated cities.
Why you'll love this adventure
- A slower-paced voyage with time to actually enjoy the sailing.
- Explore beautiful coastal towns and island anchorages.
- Learn traditional sailing skills as part of the working crew.
Dates
Itinerary
This voyage follows the French Atlantic coastline between La Rochelle and Bordeaux, with a flexible route designed around weather conditions and good sailing opportunities. Harbour stops, anchorages and sailing plans may change depending on wind and sea conditions, making each voyage slightly different.
What's included
- Accommodation onboard
- All meals during the voyage
- Sailing instruction and participation
- Safety equipment and briefings
- Professional captain and crew
- Shared cabin accommodation
Not included
- Travel to A Coruña
- Travel from La Rochelle
- Drinks from the onboard bar
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses ashore
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
All cabins are equipped with a hot and cold tap sink, bedding and towel, European sockets, heating, and forced ventilation for a comfortable night in the tropics. Toilets and showers are communal and separate for men and women. The living area is spacious and comfortably furnished, with large tables, games, musical instruments, a projector and screen, and a library – perfect for relaxed social evenings after an active day at sea or wandering the islands.
Meals
An experienced chef prepares three well-balanced meals a day. Snacks are served between meals. Coffee, tea and milk are included, and other drinks are served at regular bar prices.
Who is this trip for?
Adventure travellers, solo travellers, sailing enthusiasts and anyone wanting a genuine hands-on sailing experience. No previous sailing experience is required, although guests should be reasonably fit and comfortable spending several days at sea. Voyage difficulty level: 2.
Additional notes
- Dates: 5–10 September 2026
- Duration: 5 nights
- Voyage Level: 2
- No sailing experience required
- English spoken onboard
- Guests actively participate in sailing operations and watch systems
- Route and harbour stops depend on weather conditions
- Arrival into Bordeaux includes a scenic passage up the Gironde River
Tour operator
For over 30 years, this operator has been creating incredible tall ship voyages, enjoyed by new and experienced sailors alike. Most recently they completed a historic two-year expedition in the wake of Charles Darwin called Darwin200.
The aim of their voyages is to have a hands-on, active experience, immersing yourself into life at sea, the rhythm of sailing and the culture of the regions you travel between.
Based out of the Netherlands they have two ships and work with a third providing sailing experiences around the world.
Their Three-masted topsail schooner
The last remaining representative of the large fleet of schooners that sailed under the Dutch flag at the beginning of the 20th century.
The ship is furnished comfortably and supplied with all modern conveniences. All the cabins are fitted with a washbasin with hot and cold running water and there are separate sets of showers. In the spacious and stylishly appointed salon there are reading tables, seating areas and a piano. Life on board is made even better by delicious meals prepared by a professional chef to fuel you up for a day’s sailing.
It is one of the world’s finest, fully restored historic tall ships and the largest sailing vessel ever to be restored in the Netherlands. She is registered by the Dutch Government as a monument of great cultural and historical value. The ship is one of the oldest and most authentic ships in the international fleet of Tall Ships.
Over the past 30 years she has welcomed thousands of sailors and adventure seekers on board including royalty, politicians, presidents and pop stars, even once hosting a birthday party for Sir Tom Jones!
The first Dutch commercial tall ship to sail to both the north and south poles and successfully tackle the infamous Cape Horn.
Their Two-mast clipper-brig
Built in 1919 and thoroughly stripped and rebuilt to modern standards in 1983. The tall-boat brig style was developed by the Americas during the war of independence to evade the much heavier English Man o' War. As such, the ship combines traditional design with fast speed. Since 2008, she has operated as a sail training vessel, undertaking her regular Atlantic circuit through the Canaries, Cape Verde and the Caribbean.
Below deck there is a spacious saloon which is the heart of the ship and each cabin has a basin with hot and cold running water. Showers and toilets are separate – outside the cabin.
Enquire today
La Rochelle to Bordeaux: French Atlantic Tall Ship Voyage
"*" indicates required fields
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
Why Book with Another World Adventures?
Book direct with the tour operator. No mark-ups, no fees.
Save time by browsing our handpicked collection of the best adventure travel experiences.
Claim free travel gifts when you use our site to find your next trip.
A most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable travel company!
Very helpful and provided lots of research material and excellent personal perspectives on the tall ship sailing trip I was interested in taking.— Martin
Excellent thoughtful service.
They were prompt and friendly, and so thorough and helpful in connecting me with my adventure.— Tina
One of a Kind Service!
From the very beginning of reaching out to AWA, they were super helpful, enthusiastic and informative.— Matt
