- Maximum length
- 82 ft
- VHF channel
- 9
- Maximum draught
- 10 ft
Marina of 350 berths in the Cotentin marshes, reached by a four mile canal from the Baie des Veys in eastern Normandy.
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Approach from the Baie des Veys at half tide rising, following the Carentan channel across drying banks. The channel is poorly marked, with buoys sometimes missing or broken, and carries less water than charted, so keep close to the starboard marks and never come in at night. A strong NE wind raises a considerable sea at the channel entrance even near high water. The lock at the head of the canal works roughly HW minus 2h to HW plus 3h depending on coefficient, and access needs a coefficient over about 60 for a 1.90 m draught. Call Carentan lock on VHF 9 thirty minutes to an hour before arrival. Maximum draught 3.2 m once inside.
Practical
350 berths in a fully enclosed floating basin, well sheltered and used for winter layup. Water and electricity on all pontoons, diesel at the fuel berth, 27 tonne travel-lift and boatyard. The finger pontoons are short, so larger yachts should tuck onto the port-side pontoons or risk sitting in the mud. Showers, WC and laundry, the showers older, lukewarm and push-button. A brasserie on the marina. The old town and all shops are a five minute walk, with a Monday morning market.
Ashore
D-Day beaches within reach by bike or car, with good cycling through the surrounding countryside. Utah Beach museum at 14 km, the Airborne Museum at Sainte-Mère-Église at 17 km and the Dead Man's Corner museum just outside town. Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin surrounds the canal, with birdwatching hides on the Sainte-Mère road. Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville at 32 km.
History
Carentan was liberated by the 101st Airborne Division on 12 June 1944 after the battle for the town known to veterans as the gateway to Cherbourg. The canal from Carentan to the sea was cut under Napoleon III in 1839 to open the marais to commercial navigation.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour
- Coordinates
- 49.30862, -1.23719 (49°18.52'N 1°14.23'W)
- Town
- Carentan
- Country
- France
- Maximum draught
- 10 ft
- Maximum length
- 82 ft
- VHF channel
- 9
- Phone
- +33 2 33 42 24 44
- Boaters' rating
- 3.8/5
- Updated
- October 15, 2026
Getting there
Carentan lies at 49°18.52'N 1°14.23'W, that is 49.30862, -1.23719 in decimal degrees. Call the harbour on VHF channel 9 before entering.
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
What boat length does Carentan accept?
Carentan accepts boats up to 82 ft.
Which VHF channel for Carentan?
Carentan answers on VHF channel 9.
How do boaters rate Carentan?
Carentan is rated 3.8/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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