Destination comparison
France vs St Martin / St Maarten
Two distinct sailing grounds — here's how they compare on conditions, cost, season, and who they suit.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | France | St Martin / St Maarten |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Mediterranean | Caribbean |
| Peak season | Jun, Jul, Aug | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder | May, Sep | Nov, May |
| Sailing difficulty | moderate to difficult | easy |
| Recommended level | intermediate to advanced | beginner friendly |
| Avg wind (winter / summer) | 14 / 16 kn | 18 / 14 kn |
| Hurricane risk | None | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Currency | EUR | EUR (French side) / NAf (Dutch side) |
| Mid-tier price (7 days) | $11,000 | $9,800 |
| Luxury tier price | $45,000 | $36,000 |
| Detail page | View → | View → |
At a Glance
Mistral (cold NW wind) can be very strong; check forecast. Riviera is expensive; berth fees premium. Cannes film festival early-mid May. Peak season very crowded.
- • 5 base marinas
- • 6 must-visit anchorages
- • 27 boats in our fleet database for this region
Hurricane season June-November. Strong Atlantic swells in winter. Excellent provisioning; French side for cheese/bread, Dutch for variety. Short hops to Anguilla and St Barts.
- • 3 base marinas
- • 5 must-visit anchorages
- • 31 boats in our fleet database for this region
Sailing Conditions
France averages 14 knots in winter and 16 knots in summer. There's no hurricane season, which makes year-round planning easier.
St Martin / St Maarten averages 18 knots in winter and 14 knots in summer. Hurricane risk: Aug, Sep, Oct.
In terms of sailing difficulty, France is generally rated moderate to difficult and St Martin / St Maarten is easy. The difference matters: France asks more of the skipper — confidence at the helm and some experience with coastal navigation helps.
Cost Comparison
For a 7-day charter of a typical 45-ft catamaran (4 cabins, sleeps 8):
- Low season: $4,000
- Mid season: $11,000
- High season: $22,000
- Luxury / crewed peak: $45,000+
- Low season: $3,800
- Mid season: $9,800
- High season: $18,500
- Luxury / crewed peak: $36,000+
Bareboat base rates. Crewed typically adds ~$1,500/day (captain + hostess). Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, gratuity.
Anchorages & Must-Do
- Porquerolles — National park; bicycles; calm anchorages
- Calanques National Park — Dramatic white cliffs near Cassis
- Saint-Tropez — Glamour; beaches; market
- Cap d'Antibes — Old-money Riviera charm
- Monaco — Day trip; Casino; F1 (May)
- Maho Beach — Planes land overhead - iconic photo
- Lottery Farm — Hidden nude beach; wild
- Anse Marcel — Sheltered; great snorkeling
- Tintamarre — Day trip; wild donkeys; white sand
- Pinel Island — Short ferry from French side; restaurants
Which Should You Choose?
Choose St Martin / St Maarten. Charter fleets are abundant, marina staff speak English, checkout sails are standard.
Choose St Martin / St Maarten. Warmer water year-round (often 75–85°F), palm-fringed anchorages.
Choose France. Mediterranean culture, history, cuisine, wines.
Captain's Take
"The Mistral is no joke — gusts of 40-50 knots that can last 2-5 days. Check the forecast before heading west of Cap d'Antibes. If a Mistral is coming, plan a sheltered plan: Port-Cros (Hyères Islands), the Bay of La Ciotat, or even Monaco (well protected). On Mistral days, the coast can be unberthable but the islands are calm. For new crews, the Iles de Lérins just off Cannes are an excellent training ground with all the services you need. Berths on the Riviera are expensive — budget €100-300/night depending on boat size."
Timing and Budget: France vs St Martin / St Maarten
Frequently Asked Questions
Is France or St Martin / St Maarten better for a first-time charter? ▾
Which is cheaper to charter — France or St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
When is the best time to visit France vs St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
How do sailing conditions compare — France vs St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Which has better flight access — France or St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Which is more beginner-friendly, France or St Martin / St Maarten? ▾
Choose Between France & St Martin / St Maarten
Tell us your dates and group. We'll recommend the right one — honestly.