With 600 km of breathtaking coastline, Normandy offers endless opportunities to embrace the joys of sailing and water sports. Set off from the charming harbours of Seine-Maritime, Calvados, or Manche, and let expert instructors from 80 certified sailing schools guide you on your nautical adventure. But the fun doesn’t stop at the coast—Normandy’s rivers and leisure lakes add even more ways to explore during your holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a curious beginner, the waters of Normandy are calling!
- THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN NORMANDY
- SUPERVISED BEACHES IN NORMANDY
- WHERE TO PRACTICE WATER SPORTS AND SAILING IN NORMANDY ?
Where to start Water Sports with children?
Normandy is the ultimate family-friendly destination, offering an ideal range of activities that allow children to gently start their journey into water sports.
At sea or in rivers
Plan your holidays
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced water sports enthusiast, Normandy offers a wide range of activities to suit your desires. Numerous sailing events and introductory sessions focused on water sports and gliding are available throughout the region.
In addition to coastal activities, the inland areas of Suisse Normande, the Seine Valley, and the Regional Nature Parks provide excellent opportunities for water recreation. The rivers and leisure centres in these areas serve as fantastic venues for a variety of water sports, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a unique experience in both natural and aquatic settings.
Watersports
Our selection of Normandy Experiences
Normandy Experiences are unique local activities that will bring depth and meaning to your journey. Meet passionate and inspiring Normans along the way as you explore Normandy off the beaten path
Major Nautical Events in Normandy
CIC Normandy Channel Race 2026
20 May 07 June 2026
The CIC Normandy Channel Race is one of the nautical highlights of the year. Starting from Caen, in the Calvados region, on Sunday 31 May 2026, skippers will embark on a spectacular 1000 mile race in their Class 40s to England and Ireland. CIC Normandy Channel Race: a challenging course The route begins at Ouistreham….
The Rolex Fastnet Race returns to Cherbourg!
24 July 31 July 2027
The legendary Rolex Fastnet Race will return to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in July 2027. For a week, the town will welcome the boats and sailors who will have sailed the stormy waters of the English Channel, after crossing the inevitable Fastnet Rock and taming the currents of the Raz Blanchard… A legendary race This legendary race dates back…
Rouen Armada 2027
17 June 27 June 2027
The Rouen Armada is the largest gathering of tall ships in the world. For around ten days, millions of visitors flock to the quays of Rouen to admire the most prestigious ships and greet their crews. See you there from Thursday 17th to Sunday 27th June 2027. Giants of the seas The Rouen Armada is…
Useful Information for your trip
Inspiration to kickstart your nautical adventure in Normandy