Sailing between France and the Netherlands: sea or canals, which route to choose?

Publication date: 04/02/2026

Sailing from France to the Netherlands – why do it?

Many of you, boaters, dream of sailing from France to the Netherlands. Whether to explore a new region, temporarily change your sailing area, or as part of a move, the journey by boat from France to the Netherlands is an incredible experience to undertake.

Once in the Dutch territory – on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, Wadden Sea, Frisian Lakes, or, for example, in Zeeland – there are countless treasures to discover, always as part of exceptional sailing experiences.

Sailing France–Netherlands: several options

To reach the Netherlands from France by boat, there are different possibilities. Several routes are suitable, each for very different boats, crews, and sailing plans:

• The maritime route, via the English Channel and the North Sea

• The inland route, via the canals

• A mix of maritime and inland navigation along the way

Note: according to our team, there is no “best route for sailing from France to the Netherlands.” Every route is worthwhile!

You simply need to choose the one that best suits your boat, your crew, and the way you want to sail.

Option 1 – Sailing from France to the Netherlands by sea

A coastal route, port to port

By sea, the journey from France to the Netherlands crosses the English Channel, then the North Sea. The route is direct, and distances between ports of call are generally reasonable. However, the passage requires skill and can be challenging: navigation demands anticipation and precision, particularly in areas with heavy maritime traffic and strong currents.

In our view, the sea route is ideal for owners of offshore or semi-offshore yachts who want to convoy their boat quickly while fully enjoying open-sea navigation.

Suitable for which boats and sailors?

• Well-equipped offshore yachts

• Motorboats with good autonomy

• Crews comfortable with changing weather, tides, and commercial traffic

Example of a maritime route between France and the Netherlands

Along the sea route between France and the Netherlands, you can visit several ports generally popular with boaters.

For example:

• In France – depending on your departure point: Paimpol, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Calais, Dunkirk

• In Belgium: Ostend, Zeebrugge, Blankenberge

• In the Netherlands: Vlissingen, Amsterdam…

Areas to watch along the route

On the sea route between France and the Netherlands, be mindful of strong currents and sometimes dense traffic, particularly around the Pas-de-Calais. Extra vigilance is required near shipping lanes, and you should remain constantly on VHF watch. In Belgium, also monitor the weather, as there are few intermediate shelters.

In general, we recommend staying flexible with dates so you can always depart at the best moment.

Option 2 – Sailing from France to the Netherlands via canals

From France to the Netherlands through the inland waterways

From northern France, the French inland waterway network allows access to Belgium and then the Netherlands without ever leaving inland waters. On the canals, navigation is calm, regulated by locks, and minimally dependent on the weather.

According to our team, this is the perfect route to turn the journey from France to the Netherlands into a true voyage – discovering charming canal sides and stopover towns.

Suitable for which boats and sailors?

• Inland or river-marine motorboats

• Pleasure barges

• Sailboats with removable masts

• Crews seeking comfort and a discovery-oriented journey

Example of an inland route between France and the Netherlands

The inland route from France to the Netherlands will take you from France to Belgium, then from Belgium to the Netherlands. Along the way, you can use the following rivers and canals:

• The Seine 

• The Oise 

• Northern canals

• The Scheldt

• The Belgian canal network

• Dutch inland waters

Recommended stopovers along the canal route from France to the Netherlands

On your way from France to the Netherlands, there are several charming places to stop. Among them:

• In France: Compiègne

• In Belgium: Tournai, Ghent

• In the Netherlands: Strijensas, Hellevoetsluis, Lelystad…

Some points to anticipate along the route

• Slower navigation

• Air draft often limited (approx. 3.50–4.50 m)

• Frequent lock passages

Option 3 – Mixed route, maritime and inland waterways

A journey through maritime and inland areas, from France to the Netherlands

This is often the preferred route for boaters: by choosing a mixed navigation approach, sailors can use the sea to reach Belgium quickly, then switch to the canals to sail leisurely towards the Netherlands.

For many boaters, this is the most balanced solution: the mixed route offers less exposed navigation, greater weather flexibility, and the opportunity to gradually discover Northern European sailing.

This journey is a good option for a first adventure beyond French borders. It also allows you to enjoy the widest variety of landscapes.

Suitable for which boats and sailors?

• Coastal yachts

• Versatile motorboats

• First international sailing projects

Example of a mixed route between France and the Netherlands

From France, you can follow the French coast by sea to Ostend. The Belgian canals can then be taken from Ostend to Ghent, then from Ghent to Antwerp. The final leg via this route allows you to explore the Dutch inland network – from Antwerp to ports such as Rotterdam, Almere, Naarden, Bruinisse…

Sailing from France to the Netherlands by sea or canals: 3 questions to ask yourself

1. Are my boat’s capabilities suitable for sea navigation?

If you wish to sail from France to the Netherlands by sea, first check that your boat’s category allows it. Then ensure your boat is equipped to handle North Sea conditions: do you have sufficient autonomy, protection, safety, and navigation equipment? You must also hold the necessary navigation licence.

2. Does my boat’s air draft allow me to use the canals?

If you own a sailboat and wish to sail from France to the Netherlands via canals, it is important to consider your boat’s air draft: for some passages, you may need to remove the mast.

3. How much time can I devote to my journey?

A few days, several weeks, or several months… You can choose how to sail from France to the Netherlands depending on the time available for your trip. Do you want a quick journey or a leisure voyage?