Harbour

Andance

2.6Bogy, France

Maximum length: 22 ft

River pontoon on the right bank of the Rhône at Andance, opposite Andancette in the Ardèche, north of Valence, limited to craft up to 7 m and used mainly for water sports.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Descend the Rhône between the locks of Gervans and Sablons. Strong current in spring, up to 5 knots at high water. Approach heading upstream against the current. The pontoon is reserved for water sports and craft up to 7 m and has no mooring cleats, so it is not a through-stop for larger cruising boats. Suspension bridge of Andance, the oldest iron suspension bridge still in use in France, stands at the site. VHF 10 for Compagnie Nationale du Rhône.

Practical

The pontoon has no mooring cleats and takes only craft up to 7 m, so larger boats cannot berth. A large slipway with trailer parking serves trailer-sailers and water-sports craft. Water tap on the quay. No fuel on site; nearest diesel at Port-sur-Saône or Valence, several locks away. Bakery, butcher and Carrefour Contact in Andance village, 300 m from the quay.

Ashore

Cross the 1827 suspension bridge on foot to Andancette in 5 minutes. ViaRhôna cycle route runs along the left bank, 815 km from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. Cornas and Saint-Joseph vineyards begin 8 km south.

History

Andance was a Roman river station on the Rhône trade route. The Marc Seguin suspension bridge, inaugurated in 1827, is the oldest iron wire bridge preserved in continental Europe, restored and still carrying traffic.