French Atlantic, La Rochelle

La Rochelle's Port des Minimes is the largest pleasure boat marina in France, with berths for thousands of vessels just a short ride from the historic town center. The old port's iconic medieval towers are worth the trip alone, and the waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants, markets, and the excellent Musée Maritime. You can easily walk or cycle into the city from here — La Rochelle is famously bike-friendly.