THE BEAUTY OF BISCAY Sailing in La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a delicate melody of modern marinas, historic limestone structures and warm, sea breeze. The city has been an important settlement for centuries and was of particular notoriety during the medieval and Renaissance periods, and its rich past is visible in the city’s grand arcades, turrets and timber-framed houses. La Rochelle’s modern, bustling marina is in stark contrast with the city’s distinctive medieval quaysides and squares. Vastly different to the motor cruising scene of the Mediterranean, here, some 3500 billowing spinnakers fill the harbour, while the encroaching yet beautiful and dynamic Bay of Biscay looms ominously on the horizon.

The largest Atlantic marina on the Western European coastline, the city is a hotbed of French sailing activity, hosting more than 100 events each year and some of the biggest names in yacht racing. International Sailing Week, held during the last week of May and hosted by the France’s oldest sailing club, la Société des Regates Rochelaises, is the optimal time to go if you’re in search of Olympic medal winners, round-the-world racers and record breakers.

Life on shore revolves around the Vieux Port, at the entrance to which stands La Rochelle’s monolithic, pale limestone towers, better known as Tours de La Rochelle. The guardians of the city in eras gone by, the distinctive structures got their name by the act of lowering chainmail between the towers of St. Nicolas, and of course, Tour de la Chaine. Beyond the city’s gateway lies a bustling mixture of quaint, narrow streets and striking architecture ranging from Medieval to Gothic, Renaissance to Belle Époque, and a pleasing array of bars, restaurants and a characteristic French way of life.

Christopher Coutanceau Restaurant at La Rochelle is a gastronomic regional reference and a member of Relais & Châteaux since 1987. This modern rotunda combines ocean panorama and traditional cuisine with modern European sentiment and a refined atmosphere. The restaurant showcases the extraordinary talent of the Coutanceau family and their perfect understanding of ingredients and flavours, procuring the finest seafood from the neighbouring sea. You’ll enjoy the ‘Moment Gastronomique’, a feast for two, each sampling the tasting menu, an aperitif and a true French coffee, all washed down with a tailored wine flight prepared by the restaurants Chief Sommelier.

Tailored for the hardiest of sailors, the yacht will be luxurious yet sporty, the ideal charter for the playfully rough Bay of Biscay. Rough weather and waves the size of a two story building are not uncommon in the depths off the shore, yet, for those who have lived to tell the tale, it is perhaps the most exhilarating, dynamic and memorable of sailing regions in the world. The yacht is modern, spacious and graceful in full flow, with an exterior that provides ample manoeuvrability around the deck, guaranteeing a fun, energetic and immersing experience. On-board you’ll receive a welcoming food hamper, arranged by TRULY, created in bespoke fashion with all the French essentials including; cured meats, aged cheeses and sparkling champagne.

We Also Recommend

• Visit the last remaining medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, Tour de la Lanterne, for stunning views across the city
• Stroll the narrow streets of Vieux Port, La Rochelle’s old town, and discover picturesque centuries of nautical history
• Dine like the locals in the old town and experience La Rochelle’s sumptuous Fruits de Mer

Additional Infomation

All bookings are subject to availability. We advise booking at least 6 weeks in advance to guarantee the desired date and time.

The price of this gift is based on the maximum number of guests. Other party sizes with a minimum of four can be arranged and priced on request.

TRULY are happy to help personally design tours around neighbouring Ile d'Oléron, Brittany, Guérande, Ile D’Yeu.

Yacht: TRULY guarantees a luxury, sporting sailing yacht.

Yachts are chartered by the week.

Please note; this sailing area is for advanced/expert sailors only. We strongly advise even advanced sailors book during the summer months, as determined by the metrological calendar, as the winter months offer dangerous conditions. We recommend booking between the months of May - September.

Flights are not included to give you maximum flexibility with your travel. The closest airport is La Rochelle.