Port

Port-en-Bessin

3.7Port-en-Bessin, FranceCôte Fleurie and Alabaster Coast

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Maximum length: 82 ft
VHF channel: 18
Maximum draught: 13 ft

Tidal fishing harbour on the Bessin coast of Normandy, with a single small visitor pontoon rather than a marina, max draught 4 m.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Entrance lies between two jetties exposed to NW swell. The lock gives access to the inner wet basin and opens roughly 2 hours either side of high water. Outer harbour dries at low water. Call the lock on VHF 18 before approach. Avoid a NW blow on the last of the ebb.

Practical

A single small pontoon inside the wet basin where about six boats raft up, with a two-night limit, so arrive as the lock opens to be sure of a place. Charged by beam as well as length, around 3.60 euros per metre. A water tap and a couple of power outlets have been added, though power reaches only the first few boats and needs a long cable. Showers and WC at the tourist office for a few euros. Bakery, butcher and a supermarket within a 10 to 15 minute walk, the supermarket with diesel pumps, gas exchange and a launderette, and a bus to Bayeux alongside it. Fish auction every morning on the west quay.

Ashore

Vauban tower of 1694 on the cliff west of the harbour, 10 minutes on foot. Omaha Beach and the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer are 6 km east. GR 223 coastal path runs through the port, with cliff walks toward Arromanches at 7 km.

History

Port-en-Bessin has been the leading fresh-fish landing port of Calvados since the 19th century. During Operation Overlord in June 1944 it was captured by British 47 Royal Marine Commando and became the first oil terminal of the PLUTO pipeline supplying Allied forces.