Harbour

Ile Nouvelle

Name: Ile Nouvelle
Address: Blaye, FR

2.0Blaye, FranceGironde

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Type: Harbour

Conservatoire du Littoral island in the Gironde estuary off Blaye, managed for nature, with a landing for visiting boats.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the Gironde main channel. Strong tidal streams in the estuary, up to 3 knots on springs. Use the landing on the eastern side at sufficient water. Halte nautique de Blaye lies 1.1 nm to the southeast.

Practical

The pontoon is managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral and is free of charge, but booking is essential and overnight stays are not allowed. Toilets in the central building of the hamlet, with non-drinking water only. No other services on the island.

Ashore

The island is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral and open to walkers on marked paths. Former polder farmland returned to tidal marsh, with birdwatching hides. The citadel of Blaye, inscribed on the UNESCO list as part of the Vauban fortifications, stands 1.1 nm to the southeast.

History

Île Nouvelle was formed in the 19th century by the merging of two smaller islands. Vineyards and farms were worked here until the 20th century. The dykes were later breached deliberately to restore tidal marshland as part of a Conservatoire du Littoral project.