Anchorage

Le Petit Rhône - Grau d'Orgon

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

Anchorage near the Grau d'Orgon, an outlet of the Petit Rhône across the Camargue, east of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Shallow approach across a shifting sand and mud bar at the mouth; soundings at the bar vary with the alluvial deposits, reported between about 1.70 and 2.6 metres, so deep-draught boats are sometimes turned back. Enter keeping to the left, passing some 10 to 15 metres off the left jetty and heading in wide and square to the bank to clear the shoal, then hold mid-channel where the current runs and trawlers pass. Anchor about 500 m up at the first meander. Sand and mud bottom, good holding once inside. Shelter from NW through NE and from W, exposed to SW and S. Held to mid-channel, the river carries at least 3 metres up to the Le Sauvage ferry.

Practical

Forain anchorage with no services. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer lies 0.5 nm to the N, Port Gardian 1.3 nm to the E for fuel, water and a berth.

Ashore

The anchorage opens onto the Parc naturel régional de Camargue. Étang des Launes and the salt lagoons with flamingos are within walking distance of Saintes-Maries. Pilgrimage church of Sainte-Sara and the Gitan pilgrimage site are in the village, 0.6 nm from the anchorage.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 43.45383, 4.39409 (43°27.23'N 4°23.65'E)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east, south-west winds
Seabed: sand, mud
Anchoring: Allowed
Boaters' rating: 2.8/5
Updated: October 15, 2026