Sponsor a Miniature Sailboat at the Grand Bassin

If you are visiting with children or simply want to experience a historic tradition that dates back to the 1920s, head straight to the central octagonal pond. Here, a small kiosk rents out charming, hand-crafted wooden sailboats equipped with colorful fabric sails and a wooden stick to push them off the basin's edges.

Rentals typically run from spring through autumn on afternoons, weekends, and school holidays. Make sure to bring cash in small euro notes or coins, as credit cards are not always accepted at the boat rental stand.

Watch the wind direction before setting your boat free. Pushing your boat against the prevailing breeze will result in it coming right back to you, whereas launching it with the wind will send it gliding magnificently across the water toward other park visitors.