Port

Brouage

Name: Brouage
Address: Saint-Just-Luzac, FR

2.6Saint-Just-Luzac, FranceCharente-Maritime

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Type: Harbour

Canal harbour at the foot of the fortified town of Brouage, Charente-Maritime, in the marais of Saint-Just-Luzac.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Reached by a tidal canal running 3 km across the marshes from the Seudre estuary. Shallow depths, dries in places, enter near high water. Canal suitable for small craft with draught under 1.5 m.

Practical

Small harbour against the ramparts of the walled town, limited moorings, mainly flat-bottomed marsh boats. Shops, bakery and restaurants inside the walled town at 300 m.

Ashore

Fortified town of Brouage, labelled Plus Beaux Villages de France, enclosed by 17th century ramparts still intact, walkable in about 1 km. Église Saint-Pierre inside the walls with memorial to Samuel de Champlain, born here in 1574. Marennes oyster port 6 km south-west for tastings of Marennes-Oléron oysters.

History

Brouage was founded in 1555 and became a major salt-trading port and royal stronghold in the 17th century, fortified under Richelieu. Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec City in 1608, was born here. The harbour silted up progressively and the town lost its maritime role by the late 17th century.