Anchorage

Etang Pierre Blanche

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

Open sand anchorage off the beach fronting the Étang de Pierre Blanche, west of Palavas-les-Flots in Languedoc, exposed to swell.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Anchor on sand off the beach that fronts the étang, in about 3 to 6 metres. Holding is generally good, though the sand is coarse in places and can hold poorly above 20 knots. Sheltered from NW, N and W, but open and rolly in any swell, which sets in even with a light sea breeze. An abandoned chain on the bottom near 43 degrees 29.8 N 003 degrees 52.6 E has fouled anchors. Fishing nets are laid off the beach, so keep a lookout, especially after dark.

Practical

No services at the anchorage, which is remote with no easy landing. Halte de Palavas-les-Flots at 3 NM NE and Port On Land at 3 NM NE offer water and electricity. Provisioning in Palavas-les-Flots town 3.5 km north by road.

Ashore

Réserve naturelle nationale de l'Estagnol and the wider Natura 2000 site of the Étangs palavasiens surround the anchorage. Observation hide on the north shore reached by the D185d road. Cathédrale de Maguelone, a Romanesque church built from the 11th century on its own islet, stands 2 km west of the étang. The beach fronting the anchorage is a naturist and kitesurf spot.

Story

Greater flamingos and little egrets feed year-round on the étang, with counts above 2000 flamingos recorded in winter by the Tour du Valat research station.