Harbour

Port d'Arzal-Camoël

Maximum length: 82 ft
VHF channel: 9
Maximum draught: 16 ft

Marina of 1250 berths on the Vilaine, immediately upstream of the Arzal dam, between the Morbihan communes of Arzal and Camoël.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

The Arzal lock is the only access point between the sea and the Vilaine. Lock cycles run during daylight hours, with the schedule adjusted by tide, and the passage should be booked in advance on the port website. The lock closes roughly from November to March and delays of an hour are common in summer. The Vilaine approach channel is narrow, with an unlit green buoy off Trehiguier. VHF 18 for the lock, VHF 9 for the harbour office. Maximum draught 5 metres in the basin, no tidal constraint once past the lock.

Practical

Diesel fuel berth, water and electricity on all pontoons, crane up to 45 tonnes and a boatyard with hard standing, where wintering rates ashore are well priced. Ageing sanitary blocks with showers and laundry, cleanliness varies. Chandlery, sailmaker and several marine services on site. The Arzal side is handier than Camoel, whose R and S pontoons are a long walk from the office and limited to 12 hours. Restaurant and small grocery at the port, supermarket 3 kilometres away in Muzillac, and no cash machine within about 10 kilometres.

Ashore

Barrage d'Arzal crossing point with pedestrian walkway and interpretation panels on the Vilaine estuary. Billiers peninsula and Pointe du Halguen with sandy beach 4 kilometres north of the port. Wine estates of the Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu appellation within 15 kilometres.

History

The Arzal dam was built between 1965 and 1970 to stop the tidal bore and silt deposits upstream, and to secure a freshwater supply for southern Morbihan. The marina was developed shortly after on the newly created freshwater basin.