Marseille is a city that excels at offering memorable lunch experiences that blend stunning scenery, local flavors, and a touch of adventure. The city’s position along the coast makes it an ideal place for boat trips, especially those that combine sailing, snorkeling, and a relaxed meal with spectacular views. We particularly love the Calanques sailing trips because they give you a taste of the region’s rugged coastline, delicious local produce, and the chance to dip into crystal-clear waters. For example, the Marseille: Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine offers a full day on a vintage yacht exploring protected marine areas, with onboard buffet and organic white wine that perfectly complements the scenery.
Marseille’s culinary scene shines on these boat tours, which blend authentic local flavors with the beauty of the South of France. Whether you prefer a relaxed day on a classic sailing yacht, snorkeling in secluded Calanques, or enjoying the exclusivity of a catamaran, there’s a lunch experience for everyone. Below, we’ve rounded up the five best options to help you decide which marine meal suits your style.
What Types of Tours Made the List?
Our selection includes sailing, catamaran, and traditional boat cruises that focus on the Calanques and surrounding islands. These tours stand out because they combine scenic routes with onboard lunches, often featuring organic wines and local specialties. To learn more about each experience, check out the full details for Calanques sailing trips, sailboat cruises, and catamaran adventures.
1. Marseille: Calanques Sailing Day Trip with Lunch and Wine
This tour combines the romance of a classic two-masted sailing yacht called Le Don du Vent with the natural beauty of the Calanques National Park. For around $158, you get a full 7-hour cruise exploring some of the most famous Calanques, including Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or La Côte Bleue. The highlight is the onboard buffet prepared by the onboard chef, which makes the most of fresh, local ingredients.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to swim and snorkel in lively waters directly from the boat. The crew offers organic white wine and rosé, making the experience relaxed and authentic. The boat’s itinerary includes stops to observe marine life and explore underwater—perfect for travelers who love a mix of adventure and leisurely indulgence. With a 4.8/5 rating from 408 reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find this experience both charming and rewarding.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a well-rounded day of sailing, swimming, and tasting local wines, making it ideal for those who want a traditional and intimate boat experience.
2. Marseille: Sailboat cruise with lunch, swim and organic wine
On the elegant Eleanor Mary, you’ll enjoy a 7-hour adventure along Marseille’s rugged coastline, with a focus on relaxing and soaking up the scenery. The tour features a fresh buffet lunch prepared onboard, along with organic white wine and rosé, making it a perfect choice for wine lovers. The boat’s crew is experienced, sharing insights about the region’s marine environment while you sail.
The highlight, according to reviews, is the snorkeling in the Calanques or the Côte Bleue, offering a chance to explore marine life up close. The trip also includes swimming at sunset around the Frioul Islands, which is considered one of the most picturesque moments of the day. The tour’s 4.7/5 rating from 108 reviews shows that travelers appreciate its balance of adventure, comfort, and excellent food.
Bottom Line: This cruise combines sailing, snorkeling, and organic wines in a relaxed setting, making it especially suited for those who want a flexible, enjoyable day on the water.
3. Marseille : Calanques Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Wine
For those seeking a more exclusive and spacious experience, this calanques catamaran tour is a standout. With a maximum of 30 guests, it offers a luxurious 8.5-hour journey exploring some of the most beautiful and less accessible Calanques around Cassis. The all-inclusive package features lunch, rosé wine, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and even a GoPro to capture your adventure.
What sets this tour apart is the access to hidden spots and “confidential places” that larger boats can’t reach. The huge trampoline and ultra comfort onboard ensure a relaxing experience, while the small group size fosters a more intimate atmosphere. The itinerary includes stops for snorkeling, sightseeing, and swimming, with plenty of time to relax on deck while enjoying the views.
Guests appreciate the attention to detail, noting that the included snorkeling gear and wetsuits make a big difference. With a 4.8/5 rating from 54 reviews, this is often recommended for travelers who want a luxurious, all-in-one day trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those valuing comfort and exclusive access, this catamaran tour offers a premium way to explore the Calanques with onboard amenities to match.
4. Marseille: Sailing cruise in the calanques, lunch and wine
Joining La Flâneuse on this classic Provence sailing vessel is a charming way to experience the Calanques. For just $126, you get a 7-hour cruise that combines scenic views, swimming, snorkeling, and a local buffet paired with Provençal wines. It’s a smaller, more relaxed operation with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews, reflecting a consistent high-quality experience.
The tour’s highlight is the discovery of the Calanques National Park aboard a boat that emphasizes tradition and local flavor. The itinerary includes scenic stops at the Frioul archipelago, Château d’If, and other iconic spots. Guests love the laid-back atmosphere, the opportunity to swim in pristine waters, and the chance to enjoy local Provence wines while soaking in the scenery.
Bottom Line: This option offers a more intimate and authentic sailing experience, perfect for travelers who want a traditional boat with great views and good food.
5. Marseille: Day sailing in the heart of the Calanques with organic lunch and wine
For those who want a full day of sailing with a focus on learning the ropes, this tour emphasizes traditional sailing techniques and organic cuisine. Starting at Quai du Port, it takes you past Château d’If and the Frioul Islands before entering the Calanques. The organic lunch onboard is a highlight, along with swimming, snorkeling, and scenic cruising.
What makes this tour distinct is its focus on sailing as an authentic experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing and enjoying organic food amid stunning views, this is a strong choice. The reviews, though fewer (18 reviews, 4.4/5), praise the exceptional navigation and memorable water activities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers eager to combine sailing skills with a scenic, organic meal, this tour offers a more hands-on experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Tour in Marseille
Choosing between these options depends on your priorities. If you want classic sailing and snorkeling, go for the Calanques Sailing Day Trip. For a luxury experience, the Calanques Catamaran Cruise offers comfort and exclusivity. Those seeking a more authentic and traditional vessel might prefer the Sailing cruise in the calanques, lunch and wine. Budget-conscious travelers can consider the Day sailing with organic lunch for its reasonable price and comprehensive experience.
When booking, think about your fitness level, interest in sailing or snorkeling, and whether you prefer small group intimacy or a larger vessel experience. The best time to go is during the warmer months, especially late spring through early fall, when the water is warm and the weather is reliably good.
Final Thoughts
Marseille’s lunch boat tours offer something for every traveler — from relaxed sailing adventures to luxurious catamaran trips. For most visitors, the Calanques sailing trips are a top pick because they combine spectacular scenery, delicious local wine, and snorkeling opportunities. If you’re craving a more exclusive experience, the catamaran tour is hard to beat. Meanwhile, traditional sailing onboard La Flâneuse offers a more authentic, laid-back vibe.
Book early, especially in the summer, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable meal with a side of gorgeous French coast scenery.
