Sailing in the French Alps

Sailing Courses:

The terms “bow”, “port”, “starboard” or “jibing” don’t mean anything to you? The good news is: you don’t need to spend a holiday by the ocean to get more familiar with the sailing basics. Sailing a boat is one of the many water sports you can do right here in the heart of the Southern French Alps, on the largest artificial lake in Europe, the wonderful Lac de Serre-Ponçon and its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop.

In the morning when the wind is low, it is the perfect time on the Serre-Ponçon Lake to learn the basics of the activity. In the afternoon, when the mountain winds get stronger, you’ll be surprised by the speed you can easily reach with your boat, sailing over the blue waters. Also, as this climatic phenomenon is reasonably consistent, there are very few bad days for sailing in this region!

Our instructors operate with a range of boats so there's something for all levels and abilities. There are “fun boats” for children which have a single sail and are perfect for grasping the basics. For adults and teenagers there are catamarans: “new cats” and “hobbie cats” for more speed and sailing thrills!

We offer different sessions of 2 hours everyday. The morning is generally reserved for children or beginners with its calm winds and the afternoon is better for sensations thanks to the stronger winds. 

As sailing is a skill that requires some mastering, we recommend that you do a minimum 3 session course, but you can also sign up for a 5 session course if you want to become a sailing expert in less than a week! You can choose sailing as part of a customisable summer activity holiday and mix and match a few other water sports or mountain activities whilst you are here.

If you are an experienced sailor and don’t need instruction, you can of course hire a boat, though you will need some proof of your sailing skills so make sure you bring your certificates! With your own hired sailing boat, you can have the lake breeze, the beautiful alpine sun and the stunning mountains all to yourself!

There are many creeks and coves to explore around the shores of the Serre-Ponçon Lake, but you can also traverse the wide waters at speed and generate some sailing sensations!

Mini-Cruises in Echo 90 Yacht 

The Echo 90 is a 9 metre day yacht perfectly suited to mini-cruises on large lakes. This beautiful yacht skippered by a fully qualified team will take you on a short mini-cruise around the magnificent Serre Poncon lake so you can experience real yacht sailing as part of your activity holiday in the Alps. It's not every day you can go sailing in the Alps!

The Serre Poncon lake is famous for its sailing and professional sailors come here to train every summer. It is renowned for its calm mornings and challenging afternoon katabatic winds!

In 2021, the Serre Poncon lake became the first ever inland lake to host a stage of the Sailing Tour de France, placing it firmly in the history books as a quality and unique sailing venue!

Sensation Sailing in Trimaran

Official boat of the Tour de France à la Voile since 2015, it was awarded Boat Of The Year 2017 by Sailing World.

Experience speed like never before thanks to our Skipper! Whether you are an experienced sailor or a beginner, you will gain insights into the world of sailboat racing and manoeuvres in an hour. The Skipper can take up to three people at a time  for a 1 hour sensational sailing experience.

From 10 years old (10 to 15 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult)