Anchorage

Port-des-Barques

Shelter: N, NE, E, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Forbidden

Mooring on buoys off Port-des-Barques in the Charente estuary, Charente-Maritime, 4 berths on sand.

Water
Mooring buoys
Visitor buoys
Pontoon

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach up the Charente from the Pertuis d'Antioche, leaving Île Madame to the south. Strong tidal streams in the estuary, entry easier on the flood. Exposed from the west quadrant when the wind blows against the ebb. Deep-draught boats should stay in the river channel and mind the depth around low water, where the stream can catch boats out. VHF 9.

Practical

Four visitor buoys at around 25 euros a night, water available ashore, no other service on the buoys. A shore shuttle runs from the moorings, Wednesday to Sunday from mid-April to the end of June and again in September to mid-October, and daily in July and August, roughly 8 to 12 and 14 to 18; call on VHF 9 or 06 42 62 06 89. Chantier des Fontaines 0.2 NM to the south for technical assistance. Fouras Port Sud at 2.4 NM to the NW.

Ashore

The passage du Gois de l'Île Madame, a tidal causeway uncovered at low water, links the village to Île Madame at 700 m. The fort de la Pointe de la Fumée and Fort Boyard are visible to the west. Rochefort 12 km upriver by road, with the Corderie Royale built by Colbert in 1666 and the Hermione replica frigate.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 45.95226, -1.05952 (45°57.14'N 1°3.57'W)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north, north-east, east, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Forbidden
Maximum length: 44 ft
Fees: Paid
VHF channel: 9
Phone: +33607296504
Services: Water, Mooring buoys, Visitor buoys, Pontoon
Boaters' rating: 2.6/5
Updated: October 15, 2026