Harbour

Bègles

3.2Bordeaux, FranceGironde

Maximum length: 82 ft
VHF channel: 9
Maximum draught: 7 ft

River marina of 40 berths on the left bank of the Garonne at Bègles, in the southern outskirts of Bordeaux.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Reach the port by the Garonne from the Gironde estuary, 45 NM upstream from the Pointe de Grave. The river runs on a mascaret tidal bore in spring and autumn on the strongest tides, check SHOM bulletins before transit. Flood tide carries up to 4 knots, ebb similar. The Garonne carries floating debris, tree trunks in particular on big coefficients, so keep a watch on the mooring. VHF 9 for Bègles, VHF 12 for Bordeaux port control. Max draught 2.2 m alongside.

Practical

The marina is listed at 40 berths, but most pontoons were destroyed by 2024 and boats now lie close against the bank. Access is secured by digicode and the sanitary block is clean. A large shopping centre for provisions stands 300 m away. Tram C station Terres Neuves is 600 m off, direct to central Bordeaux in 15 minutes.

Ashore

Quai de la Garonne promenade runs upstream and downstream. Cité du Vin, the wine museum opened in 2016, lies 3.9 NM north on the right bank. Bordeaux Port de la Lune, listed UNESCO in 2007, is reached in 3.8 NM up river at the quai d'attente.