Anchorage

Anse des Vieilles

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Shelter: NW, N, NE, W
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sandy cove on the south coast of Île d'Yeu, 2.5 nm SE of Port-Joinville.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the SE along the island's south coast. Rocky foreshore either side of the sand beach, and two unmarked rocks known as les Ours lie near the entrance, awash and dangerous close to high water though shown on GPS charts, with another reported rock off the beach at about 46 41.5N 002 18.4W. Anchor in 3 to 5 m over sand, clear of the rocks. Yellow swim buoys now push boats beyond the 5 m line where the western swell reaches them and the roll builds near high water. Open to southerly swell, untenable in winds from S to SE, with good shelter from NW through N to W, though a roll can set in from the NW.

Practical

Daytime anchorage only in settled weather. No services on site. Nearest shelter is Port-Joinville 2.5 nm to the NW, or Fromentine 14 nm to the NE.

Ashore

Sentier côtier GR80 runs along the cliff above the cove, and a small landing on one side of the bay suits the dinghy. Walk 4 km west to the Vieux Château d'Yeu, a ruined medieval fortress on a rocky headland. Shops are limited, a bakery and butcher about 30 minutes on foot along a busy road, with the village of Saint-Sauveur 2 km inland. Port-Joinville centre, shops and ferry terminal lie 5 km by road to the north.