Anchorage

Le Petit Rhône

Shelter: NW, N, NE, W, E, SW, S, SE
Seabed: mud
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage off the mouth of the Petit Rhône on the Camargue coast, mud bottom, 0.8 nm NW of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Mud holding is good once the anchor is set. The bar carries around 2.5 metres and depths hold near 5 metres once inside the river, though the figure varies with river flow and silting, so sound carefully; following the trip boats in and out is the safest way through the sandbanks. Anchorage is open to all directions, only usable in settled weather. Strong outflow during flood periods on the Rhône. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance after dark in summer.

Practical

No services on the mooring. Port Gardian at Saintes-Maries lies 2.3 nm SE with water, diesel and visitor berths.

Ashore

Camargue regional natural park starts on the west bank of the Petit Rhône. Walled town and fortified church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer at 0.8 nm SE, pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. Flamingo observation area at the Étang de Ginès 4 km inland.

History

The Petit Rhône has formed the western arm of the Rhône delta since the medieval rerouting of the river's main flow. The church of Saintes-Maries served as a fortified refuge and contains relics linked to the Marys of the Gospel.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 43.47007, 4.37954 (43°28.20'N 4°22.77'E)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: mud
Anchoring: Allowed
Boaters' rating: 4.4/5
Updated: October 15, 2026