Anchorage

Baie Talmont

Shelter: N, NE, E
Seabed: mud
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage in the Gironde estuary off Talmont-sur-Gironde, Charente-Maritime, under the cliffs that carry the Romanesque church of Sainte-Radegonde.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Enter the estuary via the balisage from Pointe de Grave and follow the Chenal de la Grande Passe. The anchorage sits on the north bank of the estuary and gives shelter from N, NE and E winds, but is open to the SW where the tidal fetch builds a steep sea on ebb against wind. Tidal streams run up to 3 knots on springs. Bottom of soft mud, holding is good once the anchor is dug in.

Practical

No services at the anchorage. Talmont-sur-Gironde village with bakery, cafes and small shops lies 0.3 NM to the SE. Meschers-sur-Gironde harbour, 1.8 NM to the NW, has a drying marina with water, fuel and a boatyard.

Ashore

Eglise Sainte-Radegonde, an 11th century Romanesque church on the cliff edge, stands 400 m from the landing. The village is listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Estuary coastal path leads NW toward the Meschers cliff caves, about 2 km on foot.

History

Talmont was founded as a bastide in 1284 by Edward I of England, then ruler of Aquitaine, to guard the Gironde estuary. The church of Sainte-Radegonde dates from the same period and was a stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.