Anchorage

Grande Calanque

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

Anchorage on the east side of Pomègues in the Frioul archipelago off Marseille, sand bottom.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the east between Pomègues and Ratonneau. The middle of the cove is deep, about 12 to 15 metres, shoaling to 4 to 8 metres nearer the head. Holding is good on clean sand, less reliable on the posidonia patches near the shore, and a line can be taken ashore at the head to lie to it. Bay is open to E and SE swell and can roll, use with W to N winds only.

Practical

No services on the mooring itself, and landing the dinghy on the small beach at the head is awkward. Water and diesel are available at Port du Frioul about 1 nm NE. A wastewater outfall nearby can leave a smell and murky water in the morning, so swimming is not always advisable.

Ashore

Footpath along the ridge of Pomègues towards the old sémaphore at 86 m. Port du Frioul village and bakery at 1 nm NE. Château d'If visible 1.5 nm ENE, landing possible with ferry ticket from the island.

History

Pomègues and Ratonneau served as a quarantine station from the 17th century for ships arriving from the Levant. The ruined lazaret buildings are still visible along the shore.