- Maximum length
- 98 ft
- VHF channel
- 9
- Maximum draught
- 7 ft
Wet dock of 240 berths set directly below the ramparts of Vannes, a prefecture town of about 54 000 inhabitants at the head of the Gulf of Morbihan.
Guide
Approach and anchoring
From the Gulf, follow the buoyed channel past Conleau and Kerino. The Kerino lock into the wet dock opens only about two hours either side of high water, with a cill near 2.2 m at opening, so time it on a good tide and take care on neaps though the dock holds 2.4 m. Waiting pontoons lie before the lock in shallow water, the port-hand side carrying about 1.6 m, places given out by staff on VHF 9. The channel narrows after the footbridge with a choke point by the boat hoist, so obey the traffic lights and give way to outbound yachts. Staff wait in a RIB to take lines.
Practical
240 berths on pontoons with water and electricity, a fuel berth, and a clean sanitary block that is undersized, with few toilets and occasional queues for the driers. Boats often raft three or four abreast in season. Berths on the far bank mean a long walk round to the toilets and office when the footbridge is open. Prices run on the dear side but weekly rates are better, and a Golfe du Morbihan pass eases registration and can earn free nights. Boatyard at Chantier Caudard 1.2 nautical miles downstream. Full shops, supermarkets and restaurants in the old town within 200 m of the pontoons.
Ashore
Old town of Vannes begins at the head of the basin, with the cathedral of Saint-Pierre, half-timbered houses of the 15th and 16th centuries, and a near-complete circuit of medieval ramparts. Bars line the harbour and run late, so central berths are noisy at night. The creperie Moulin du Roy sits at the port entrance, the pizzeria Don Camillo by the water, and Le Petit Belon is good for seafood. Weekly market on Wednesday and Saturday morning at Place des Lices, 350 m from the port. The station is a 20 to 30 minute walk with fast trains to Paris. Aquarium and Parc du Golfe are on the west bank, 800 m from the pontoons.
History
Vannes was the capital of the Veneti, the seafaring Gallic tribe defeated by Julius Caesar in a naval battle in 56 BC. The town was later a seat of the Dukes of Brittany, and the 1532 act of union between Brittany and the Kingdom of France was ratified here.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour
- Coordinates
- 47.65101, -2.75796 (47°39.06'N 2°45.48'W)
- Town
- Vannes
- Country
- France
- Maximum draught
- 7 ft
- Maximum length
- 98 ft
- VHF channel
- 9
- Phone
- +33297015520
- Boaters' rating
- 4.5/5
- Updated
- October 15, 2026
Getting there
Vannes lies at 47°39.06'N 2°45.48'W, that is 47.65101, -2.75796 in decimal degrees. Call the harbour on VHF channel 9 before entering.
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
What boat length does Vannes accept?
Vannes accepts boats up to 98 ft.
Which VHF channel for Vannes?
Vannes answers on VHF channel 9.
How do boaters rate Vannes?
Vannes is rated 4.5/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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