Anchorage

La Patache

Shelter: NW, N, W, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sand anchorage off Pointe de la Patache, on the north-west tip of Île de Ré, at the outer entrance of the Fier d'Ars.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the west on the buoyed channel leading to the Fier d'Ars. Stay south of the Banc du Bûcheron sandbank, which dries at low water and extends 2 nm offshore. Sand bottom with good holding at 3 to 5 metres. Shelter covers NW through S via W, open to winds from N to NE and E. Tidal currents run up to 2 knots on spring ebbs, anchor on slack if possible.

Practical

No mooring buoys, anchor only. Tender landing on the beach. Bassin de la Criée at Ars-en-Ré is 1,2 nm SW, water and fuel at the harbour office. Check Fier d'Ars oyster beds, clearly marked with wooden posts, before dropping the hook.

Ashore

Pointe de la Patache beach runs several kilometres along the Banc du Bûcheron at low water, known for bird watching over the Réserve naturelle de Lilleau des Niges on the south shore. Ars-en-Ré village at 1,8 km on foot, with the black and white steeple of Saint-Étienne church listed as a historic monument. Bakery, market hall and grocery on the village square.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 46.22499, -1.48485 (46°13.50'N 1°29.09'W)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north, west, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed
Services: Beach
Boaters' rating: 4.4/5
Updated: July 7, 2026