Mouillage

La Patache

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Shelter: NW, N, W, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sand anchorage off Pointe de la Patache, on the north-west tip of Île de Ré, at the outer entrance of the Fier d'Ars.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the west on the buoyed channel leading to the Fier d'Ars. Stay south of the Banc du Bûcheron sandbank, which dries at low water and extends 2 nm offshore. Anchor in the deeper water-hole shown on the chart, just to port of channel buoys 2 and 4 and south of the small Patache dike, on flat sand that holds well and lets boats dry out safely. Shelter covers NW through S via W, open to winds from N to NE and E. Tidal currents run 3 to 4 knots at mid-tide, so the boat swings hard around the anchor; work it around slack water. Watch for stones and old timbers on the sand near the shore.

Practical

A few small mooring buoys rated under 4 tonnes lie here, otherwise anchor. Tender landing on the beach. Bassin de la Criée at Ars-en-Ré is 1,2 nm SW, water and fuel at the harbour office. Check the Fier d'Ars oyster beds, clearly marked with wooden posts, before dropping the hook, and keep clear of the oyster barges.

Ashore

Pointe de la Patache beach runs several kilometres along the Banc du Bûcheron at low water, known for bird watching over the Réserve naturelle de Lilleau des Niges on the south shore. Ars-en-Ré village at 1,8 km on foot, with the black and white steeple of Saint-Étienne church listed as a historic monument. Bakery, market hall and grocery on the village square.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 46.22499, -1.48485 (46°13.50'N 1°29.09'W)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north, west, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed
Services: Beach
Boaters' rating: 4.1/5
Updated: October 15, 2026