Harbour

Port de Dahouët

4.4Pléneuf-Val-André, FranceCôtes-d'Armor

Maximum length: 59 ft
VHF channel: 9
Maximum draught: 9 ft

Tidal harbour of 329 berths in a narrow rock inlet at Pléneuf-Val-André, on the Bay of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Entrance via a rocky channel aligned roughly SE, marked by lit beacons. Access restricted by tide: passage possible approximately HW +/- 3h on coefficients above 70. Strong cross currents on the flood. Maximum draught 3 m inside the wet basin. VHF 9 for the harbour office.

Practical

329 berths across the inner wet basin retained by a sill; visitor places are few, so call the harbour office on VHF before arriving, the visitor pontoon lying at the far end. Water, electricity and sanitary blocks with showers. A free shuttle runs to the town centre in summer. Bakery and small shops along the quayside of the old fishing harbour. Larger shops in Pléneuf-Val-André town, 1.5 km uphill. Refuge at Port du Piégu 1.3 NM N, Port d'Erquy 5 NM NE.

Ashore

GR 34 coastal path passes above the harbour entrance. Val-André beach, 2.5 km of fine sand, begins 1.2 km east across the headland. Pointe de Pléneuf and Îlot du Verdelet bird reserve visible to the NE. Saturday morning market in Pléneuf. For a meal the restaurant Bevan sits across from the marina and La Croisette by Val-André beach is known for its oysters.

History

Dahouët was a long-distance fishing port active from the 15th century, sending schooners to cod grounds off Iceland and Newfoundland into the early 20th century. A small chapel and a memorial to the Islandais sailors stand above the harbour.