With short hops and a Continental approach to cruising, keeping your boat in France will seem like one long holiday
Normandy coast
For south coast boaters that are starting to look further afield, the first place on the horizon is France’s Normandy coast.
Tidal harbours and long approaches across drying sandbanks may make it seem daunting at first but once you get the hang of planning your departure and arrival times you should have ‘pas de problème’, as the French say.
For those interested in military history, the French have done a very impressive job of preserving the historic battle grounds of the Second World War, providing a fitting memorial to those events.
Many, such as Ouistreham, Caen and Grandcamp-Maisy are directly accessible by boat, while others, such as Courseulles-sur-Mer and Bayeux, are a short drive away when you visit by car.
The best way to explore this coastline is from west to east; that way high water gets later as you progress east, meaning you can leave at high water at one port, and still arrive at the next one in time. Of course, to really make the most of the area, you could base yourself there for a season.
Read the full feature in the May 2010 issue of Motor Boats Monthly…
