Google review
Logo Bark Europa diapositive Home Bark EUROPA

La Rochelle to Scheveningen

10 days voyage

Next voyage: Jul 13 - Jul 22, 2027

Starting from €2.100,- pp

La Rochelle to Scheveningen

Coastal voyage

Sail EUROPA from France back to her home port!

Early bird

Bark EUROPA arrival in Scheveningen
Dates & prices

This voyage takes us from the historic French port of La Rochelle, northward along the Atlantic coast, through the busy maritime highway of the English Channel, to Bark EUROPA’s home waters in Scheveningen, The Netherlands. Carried by the prevailing southwestern winds, we have scheduled ample time on open water to focus on hands-on sail training and traditional seamanship.

Ocean sailing on board Bark EUROPA
Aloft on the ocean

This voyage is more than a passage from La Rochelle to Scheveningen. it's a journey through the heart of Europe's rich maritime heritage. Sail north along France's Atlantic coast, cross the dynamic waters of the English Channel, and follow historic trade routes into the North Sea. From tranquil coastal stretches to lively shipping lanes, the rhythm of the waves and the power of the wind become your constant companions. This is sailing in its purest form.

Up in the rigging

Destination

Embarkation in La Rochelle

At the edge of the Charente Maritime region where Biscay meets the French coast, Bark EUROPA lies moored in the historic harbor of La Rochelle. The crew inspects the rigging and makes sure that all provisions are safely stored on board for our passage north. After settling into your cabin, we will set sail to our home port in Scheveningen. 

From sailing the sometimes rough and unpredictable Bay of Biscay to navigating the busiest shipping lane in the world, the English Channel, this voyage gives you the chance to ease into life at sea. Learn to sail on board Bark EUROPA, build confidence as an active member of the watch, and experience the unforgettable arrival in her home port of Scheveningen.

Disembarkation in Scheveningen

After days of active sailing, standing watch, and navigating across changing seas, Bark EUROPA sails into her homeport of Scheveningen. Steeped in maritime heritage, this historic Dutch port was once bustled with fleets of traditional herring loggers (haringloggers) setting out into the North Sea. Arriving here under sail bridges past and present, connecting your passage along Europe's coastline with centuries of seafaring history. After a final breakfast on board with your fellow crewmates, you will step ashore with new sailing skills, unforgettable memories of the Channel and Biscay, and the satisfaction of having brought Bark EUROPA all the way back home.

Route

Departing from the historic port of La Rochelle, this voyage takes you north along Europe's Atlantic coast, across the legendary Bay of Biscay and through the bustling English Channel. Navigating these busy maritime waters requires sharp lookout and active teamwork. Depending on wind conditions, we may sea a glimpse of the dramatic coastline of Northern France and the Channel Islands. Passing through the Strait of Dover into the North Sea, the final stretch carries us along the sandy beaches and dune-lined coast of the Netherlands until the lighthouse and piers of Scheveningen come into view. Experience the changing character of the sea as you sail from open waters to the Dutch coast, culminating in the memorable arrival at Bark EUROPA's home port of Scheveningen.

Route La Rochelle to Scheveningen

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: The adventure begins

Your journey will start in La Rochelle in France. The first day on board, you'll meet your fellow travellers, you'll be welcomed by the crew and you get yourself comfortable in your bunk and cabin. Welcome on board! With sails set and the island fading on the horizon, you'll head into the vast ocean, beginning a true adventure at sea.

Rigging - Jack Cox.jpg

Itinerary

Day 2-4: The challenge of the Bay of Biscay

The Bay of Biscay is one of Europe's most renowned sailing grounds, known for its ever-changing conditions and rewarding passages. Here, Atlantic swells, shifting weather systems and coastal influences combine to create a dynamic and engaging sailing experience. Days are spent setting and trimming sails, standing watch and working together as crew while enjoying the beauty of life at sea. From calm mornings beneath clear skies to fresh winds and rolling seas, every day brings something new. Keep an eye out for dolphins surfing the bow wave, seabirds gliding overhead and unforgettable sunsets that make this legendary stretch of water so special.

Bark EUROPA on the high seas

Itinerary

Day 4-8: The Channel and coastline

Setting course for the English Channel. We will see a fascinating blend of traditional seamanship and modern maritime navigation. As one of the world's busiest shipping routes, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the constant movement of commercial vessels while sailing a traditional square-rigger. Along the way, the coastline unfolds with dramatic white cliffs, historic harbours and picturesque seaside towns, each telling part of Europe's rich maritime story. 

Pulling ropes

Itinerary

The watches

Standing watch, keeping a lookout and working the sails as ships pass on the horizon makes every watch engaging, while the ever-changing tides, winds and coastal scenery ensure that no two days are ever the same.

Participating in the watches

Itinerary

Day 9-10: Arrival

After days at sea, arriving in Scheveningen is a memorable finale to your voyage. As Bark EUROPA's home port, it is the perfect place to celebrate the journey with your fellow crew, reflect on everything you've learned and experienced, and enjoy the satisfaction of bringing the ship safely alongside after an unforgettable adventure.

The next day will be disembarkation day. We will waive goodbye, with our minds and hearts full of new memories.

Bark EUROPA arrival to Scheveningen.jpeg

Reviews

Stephanie Fowler - OceanCape Town to Horta

You may imagine what a trip on bark Europa will be like. But the journey is beyond imagination. The sights, the places, the people, the activities were all extraordinary and incredible.

Jos van der Weele - OceanScheveningen - Cascais

What a beautiful and exciting sailing experience on my trip with Bark Europa to Cascais! We had all types of weather, including a storm on the Atlantic Ocean. The Europa is a steady and safe ship with a very experienced and dedicated crew. It is so nice to be part of the sailing crew and be able to help with sailing the ship. For me it was the first time to sail non stop to Cascais on the Europa and it was an indescribable experience and worth repeating.

Piet Hein Coebergh - OceanOcean Crossing

The permanent and voyage crew were very pleasant, relaxed and gezellig, the sailing was marvelous, the ship is a sheer beauty, the ocean was magnificent. It was a wonderful, joyful and obviously unforgettable experience. I wish this unique ship and crew indeed many more wandering voyages like these.

Bark Europa in the Pacific Ocean

Why choose us

  • Adventurous coastal sailing 

    Sail facross the dynamic Bay of Biscay, through the busy English Channel and learn all about the timeless art of sailing from our experienced crew.

    View from the rigging

  • Authentic tall ship adventure

    Experience life at sea and immerse yourself in the ship's vibrant community of sharing stories, laughter and making music together, creating unforgettable moments.

    Music on board

  • Arrival in Scheveningen

    Arrive in style as part of the Bark EUROPA crew and enjoy the ship's arrival in her hometown Scheveningen after quite some years!

    Arrival in Covid times in Netherlands

Dates & prices

Sailing north in 2027: Namibia - Azores - France - The Netherlands

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime as Bark EUROPA sails across the Atlantic in 2027! Starting from the wild coast of Namibia, these voyages will take you to the Azores and can be extended with a 2-weeks voyage to the picturesque French harbor La Rochelle, a short voyage to the city of Bordeaux and the voyage back home to Scheveningen.

Choose your own adventure: join us for a single leg or embrace the full experience of life at sea by combining multiple legs. Each voyage offers its own charm, whether it's learning new sailing skills on an ocean crossing, or visiting La Rochelle and Bordeaux. Step on board and become part of our sailing family! Reserve your spot today.

What's included

  • Small and personal expeditions with a maximum of 46 voyage crew members
  • Sail training and interesting lectures from our permanent crew
  • Delicious meals from our experienced cook, unlimited coffee & tea
  • Spend your “off-watch” time in the ships library, lounge, poker corner, deckhouse or ships bar
From To Days Nautical miles Price pp 4/6p cabin Price pp 2p cabin
From
La Rochelle, France
To
Scheveningen, The Netherlands
Days
10
Nautical miles
770
€2.100,-
Early bird until 15/09: € 1890
€2.600,-
Early bird until 15/09: € 2340
Book now

I'm interested but not sure yet. Block me a voyage for two weeks.

Make optional reservation

FAQ

What does a day on board the EUROPA look like?

Every day on board is different and unexpected, due to continuously changing weather conditions and the watch system, but we’ll try to sketch how a day could look like: you get waken up at 4 am by another watch: It's your turn to stand watch with your watch mates. You check out the weather and put on your sailing gear. Then, you head outside and take turns keeping a lookout, steering, and handling the sails with the crew. After 4 hours, you wake up the next watch and its breakfast time. The cook has prepared a delicious buffet: fresh bread, yoghurt, granola, and all sorts of fruits. Then, you can catch up on sleep or hang out outside, chatting with your fellow travelers or helping the crew with ship maintenance. Once lunch is served, it's back to your watch duty. The weather and course may have changed, so you need to hoist or lower the sails accordingly. After dinner, you can either take a nap or grab a drink – the choice is yours. Read here to learn more about the watch system on board!

What if I get seasick while on the ocean?

It sometimes happens that people experience seasickness while sailing. Fortunately, there are many simple solutions available nowadays that can provide significant relief. Additionally, we have a doctor on board who is always ready to assist you.

What does an optional reservation entail?

If you are interested in a specific voyage and you cannot decide immediately or if you have to make any necessary arrangements we can block a bunk for you for two weeks. That way you will have some time to decide without the risk of losing your berth. Please let us know in which voyage you are interested and how many bunks (male or female) you would like to block and if you prefer a 2-person cabin (can only be booked by couples or duo’s) or a bunk in a 4/6-person cabin. We will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your optional reservation.

 

How can I make a booking?

You are welcome to send in your booking form via our website as soon as you are ready for the adventure! Choose your voyage in the sailing schedule, scroll down to the date you wish to sail with us and click the 'Book now' button. You adventure is just a view clicks away!

How does Bark EUROPA promote sustainability while traveling?

At Bark EUROPA, respecting the oceans is at the heart of it all. We strive to increase the awareness of our trainees and draw attention to the oceans and their vulnerability during our voyages. We inspire our trainees to open themselves up to the beauty and diversity of ocean life. Through onboard lectures, collaboration with researchers, and promoting environmentally friendly products, we aim for a more sustainable future. Read more about caring for the environment aboard Bark EUROPA here.