Harbour

Bollene South Pontoon

1.9Bollène, France

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Maximum length: 15 m
VHF channel: 20
Maximum draught: 1.5 m

Single-berth visitor pontoon on the Rhone at Bollene, Vaucluse, downstream of the Bollene lock.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach on the Rhone in the reach between the Donzere-Mondragon canal and the Caderousse reach. Maximum draught 1.5 m at the pontoon. VHF 20 for CNR lock traffic, the Bollene lock upstream has a 23 m lift, one of the highest single-chamber locks in Europe. Current can run 3 to 4 knots in the canal section, hold close to the right bank when approaching.

Practical

One berth for a single boat to about 15 m. No water or power at the pontoon, this is a short halt. Fuel not available on site, nearest supply at Avignon about 50 km south or Viviers 30 km north. Town centre of Bollene 2 km from the river bank, bus links from the D26 road.

Ashore

Bollene old town within 2 km, medieval collegiale church Saint-Martin and narrow streets of the former silk-weaving quarter. Mornas fortress on its cliff visible 7 km south from the river. Vineyards of the Cotes du Rhone villages at Suze-la-Rousse and Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues within 10 km east.

History

The Bollene lock and the 28 km Donzere-Mondragon canal were built between 1948 and 1952 by CNR as part of the post-war Rhone hydro-electric programme. The scheme cuts off a loop of the natural river and supplies the Andre-Blondel power station, then the largest hydro plant in France.