French Chandlers

[altair2]

I am now in SW France and need to apply some serious TLC to my steel boat after 3 years of selfish sailing!
I would appreciate information on the best sources, preferably on-line, for paint, a-f. and general chandlery. I would also welcome any comments on having cruising sails made in, or delivered to France. As I am close to the Spanish border is there any benefit in shopping there?

 

[gfbalduc]

The biggest french on-line chandleries are:
accastillage-diffusion (but only part of their catalog is sold on-line)
big ship , and
U-Ship

They are all franchises with shops everywhere (location-finders on the web-sites) so you may simply find their nearest outlet.

 

[BobnLesley]

Good selection of chandlers, including U-Ship & Diffusion are all handy to the quay in Marseille if you're going that far along the coast.

 

[Sea Devil]

I use http://www.accastillage-diffusion.com/ for most of my purchases for the boat. If you are buying major items or going through a major refit - talk to them. They will offer you a discount or a loyalty card. Both add up to the same thing.

They have a big central warehouse so if its not in stock they can get it in 3 days. They are very knowledgeable and helpful... Not just the La Rochelle shop but in other parts of France where I have purchased items from them.

Their catalogue is available FOC from all the shops and I think via the web site... They are the French equivalent of the US West Marine.. There is nothing on the same scale in the UK....

 

[Grehan]

If you're anywhere near Agde, there is a good chandlery at Chantier Aleman, between Agde and Grau d'Agde, Herault east bank. Professional, helpful and friendly staff. Can't vouch for prices but don't look worse than anywhere else. Don't think that Spain is any cheaper than France - probably worse . . .