BOAT-COMPARATOR

BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Renting a boat in La Rochelle, Île de Ré and Les Sables-d'Olonne

La Rochelle's towers, Île de Ré's salt marshes, the start of the Vendée Globe: the guide to renting a boat in Charente-Maritime and Vendée.

By Clément Lacaille, editor of Boat-Comparator · updated

Between La Rochelle and Les Sables-d'Olonne, the Atlantic coast lines up historic harbours, flat islands and long sand beaches — a coastline where a rental suits a gentle outing just as well as real open water.

La Rochelle, city and sea

The two towers guarding the Old Port's entrance (Saint-Nicolas and de la Chaîne) are the landmark for every departure. From there, head to Île d'Aix or Fort Boyard, visible offshore, or toward Île de Ré through the strait.

Île de Ré, lived slowly

Linked to the mainland by a bridge, the flat island is lined with salt marshes still worked around Loix and Ars-en-Ré: cruising its coast by boat, between coves and sandbanks exposed at low tide, perfectly complements a cycling visit ashore.

Les Sables-d'Olonne, the Vendée Globe port

Start and finish port of the Vendée Globe, the solo non-stop round-the-world race, Les Sables-d'Olonne keeps a genuine sailing culture — a good port for a first coastal sailboat rental.

Tide and currents

As everywhere on this Atlantic shore, the tidal range sets the rhythm: harbour departure times, water depth over sandbanks, currents through the straits. Worth checking systematically before leaving.

Budget

Count on €100-250/day for a no-license boat in sheltered zones, €200-600/day for a RIB or motorboat. Compare offers in La Rochelle, Île de Ré and Les Sables-d'Olonne.

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