Harbour

La Rochelle - Vieux port

Maximum length: 164 ft
VHF channel: 9
Maximum draught: 13 ft

Historic wet dock in the heart of La Rochelle, 390 berths between the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne, Charente-Maritime.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Entry between the two medieval towers at the end of the channel dredged from the Pertuis d'Antioche. Deep draughts up to 4 m are fine in the channel and the basin. A lock and a swing bridge open several times around high water, roughly HW minus 2 h to HW plus 1.5 h, on the hour and the three-quarter hour; call ahead on VHF 9 and the harbourmaster meets arrivals by dinghy to allot a berth, usually in the Bassin des Chalutiers. The gates shut at night for a still berth. Strong tidal streams across the entrance on springs.

Practical

390 berths on pontoons inside the wet dock, with the third night free after two. Water and electricity at each berth, though breakers trip and the supply needs resetting daily. Showers are few, two for the basin, dated with card and push-button switches and often wet underfoot, and a walk from some berths; newer, clean sanitary facilities stand on Place Eric Tabarly on the north side of the basin. Fuel berth and boatyard at the adjacent Port des Minimes, 1 NM SW. Bus and train from place de Verdun at 400 m, LGV to Paris in 2 h 30.

Ashore

Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne, both 14th century, flanking the entrance and open to visit. Tour de la Lanterne 150 m west of the basin, 15th century lighthouse tower with graffiti left by English prisoners. Covered market on place du Marché at 300 m, open daily. Aquarium La Rochelle on the south side of the basin at 500 m.

History

La Rochelle was a Protestant stronghold besieged by Cardinal Richelieu in 1627 and 1628. The city capitulated after 14 months and the loss of about 20 000 inhabitants. The three towers guarding the old port are the surviving elements of the medieval fortifications.

Story

A chain could be drawn between the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne to close the harbour at night, a system in use from the 14th century until the 17th.

Key facts

Type: Harbour
Coordinates: 46.15649, -1.15071 (46°9.39'N 1°9.04'W)
Country: France
Maximum draught: 13 ft
Maximum length: 164 ft
VHF channel: 9
Phone: +33546444120
Boaters' rating: 4.7/5
Updated: October 15, 2026

Getting there

La Rochelle - Vieux port lies at 46°9.39'N 1°9.04'W, that is 46.15649, -1.15071 in decimal degrees. Call the harbour on VHF channel 9 before entering.

Directions +33546444120VHF 9