Tall Ship sailing from Bordeaux to Brittany

Setting Sail from Bordeaux on a French Coastal Adventure

Bordeaux → Gironde Estuary → Poitou Coast → Brittany → Brest

Your tall ship sailing in France begins in Bordeaux, one of Europe’s great river cities, where the grand quaysides and elegant architecture set a fitting scene for the start of a voyage. The captain shares the plan for the journey north over your first communal dinner aboard.

You spend the first night in the port of Bordeaux, and in the morning, a local pilot comes aboard to navigate Oosterschelde through the Gironde estuary toward the open sea. Along the banks, low-lying riverbanks, working ports and the famous vineyards of the Bordeaux region slip past.

Along the Poitou Coast Toward Brittany

Once clear of the estuary, Oosterschelde turns north along France’s western coastline. The long sand shores and open bays of the Poitou coast are broken up by fishing harbours and small seaside towns tucked behind headlands and dunes.

With plenty of time to cover the distance to Brest, the days take on an easy, unhurried rhythm. There will be opportunities to draw closer to shore for time in a quiet harbour or anchorage, exploring at your own pace before heading back aboard for the evening. Tides and currents shape the navigation along this stretch of coast, and the crew will share what they know as the miles pass beneath the hull.

• Sail out of Bordeaux through the Gironde estuary with a local pilot
• Pass the vineyards and working ports of the Gironde banks
• Explore fishing harbours and seaside towns along the Poitou coast
• Anchor in quiet bays and coves along the way
• Learn how tides and currents shape coastal navigation

As the Oosterschelde makes the final approach to Brittany, she heads toward the major naval port of Brest, where the charming town of Camaret-sur-Mer lies near the bay’s entrance. The iconic Vauban Tower stands out, a golden sentinel that reflects the area’s rich maritime heritage.

Camaret-sur-Mer, with its bustling fishing harbour, exudes a unique character marked by salt-weathered boats and rustic stone quays. The town embodies the unhurried rhythm that Brittany is known for. Once you disembark, take the time to explore the area around you. It boasts stunning cliffs, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walking paths — an ideal setting to stretch your legs after ten days at sea.

Tall Ship Oosterschelde

With three masts, a topsail schooner rig and over 50 metres in length, Oosterschelde is one of the largest Dutch tall ships still actively sailing today. Built in Rotterdam in 1917, she has sailed all over the world and brings a sense of history and occasion to every voyage. Her professional crew welcome all ages and abilities, and no previous sailing experience is needed as the crew will guide you through every aspect of tall ship sailing from the moment you step aboard.

• Sleeping: Six twin-berth and three four-berth private cabins, sleeping 24 guests
• Bathrooms: Five shared bathrooms; all cabins fitted with washbasins
• Saloon: Spacious communal saloon with library, bar, reading tables and piano
• Dining: Full board; freshly prepared meals by a professional chef, using local produce
• Experience: Hands-on sailing on a traditionally rigged tall ship

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Night watches?

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.