Harbour

Port de Vallabregues

2.8France

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Maximum length: 39 ft
Maximum draught: 9 ft

Small Rhône river port of 2 berths on the right bank, between Tarascon and Avignon in Gard.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

On the navigable Rhone at PK 265. Approach from downstream via the Beaucaire lock 2.2 NM to SE, or from upstream via Aramon 3.1 NM to NE. Although the port is rated for 3 m draught, the level at the berths can fall by about 40 cm when the upstream hydroelectric plant draws the river down, and boats have grounded in the mud in around 1.4 m, so sound the berth on arrival. Watch for commercial barge traffic and current of 1 to 3 knots depending on flow.

Practical

Only 2 visitor berths on a floating pontoon, with water and electricity; a shower on the pontoon and others at the nearby campsite by arrangement. There is no VHF, someone comes down to greet arrivals, and with just two berths the place is often full and boats may be turned away. Around 18 to 27 euros a night. Village bakery, small grocery, a bar and a restaurant within 400 m. No fuel on site.

Ashore

Musée de la Vannerie in the village centre, dedicated to basketry, a traditional craft of Vallabrègues. Riverside walk along the Rhône dyke. Tarascon castle 6 km downstream by road.

History

Vallabrègues is the last village of Gard on the Rhône left bank before the river splits. It was historically a basketry centre using willow from the river islands, a trade active since the 18th century.