West Coast of France Summer Cruising

[breezydays]

Hi,
We are thinking of cruising the W coast of France - somewhere in the period May / September. How feasible, in that area, is it to spend at least significant chunks of that time at anchor rather than in marinas ?
Thanks

[Hydra]

Yes, it is possible to cruise the W coast of France and spend a significant part of the time at anchor. Of course, you will not be alone in many anchorages.

S Brittany, between Pointe du Raz and the Loire estuary, is considered the French paradise of yachting. There are many marinas and a bigger number of anchorages but you have to take the Atlantic swell into account, even in summer. So, the good anchorages may be crowded.

These pictures were taken in the same location, 2 months apart (1st week of March, 1st week of May).

N Brittany is more difficult: stronger tides (up to 12m / 40feet) and tidal streams (exceeding 5kts in many areas). Many sheltered anchorages dry at low tide. The weather is slightly cooler and rainier. Then, it is much less crowded.

Alain