Anchorage

La Rochelle before marina

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

Waiting anchorage west of the Port des Minimes entrance in La Rochelle, used before lock openings or when berths are full.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Mud bottom with good holding. Shelter from NW round to SE; open to W and SW where the Pertuis d'Antioche swell builds quickly. Watch for the marked channel leading to Minimes and keep clear of ferry traffic to the Île de Ré. Listen on VHF 9 for the port.

Practical

Port des Minimes lies 0.6 NM east, around 3500 berths, fuel and all services. The Vieux Port sits 1.3 NM east, entered through a lock on the tidal basin. Dinghy landing inside Minimes only.

Ashore

Bus line 3 links Minimes to the old town in 15 minutes. Tours de la Chaîne and Saint-Nicolas at the entrance of the Vieux Port date from the 14th century. Maritime Museum and Aquarium near the canal.

History

La Rochelle was one of the main Huguenot strongholds until the 1627 to 1628 siege led by Richelieu, which ended with a sea wall blocking the harbour and the surrender of the city.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 46.14896, -1.18135 (46°8.94'N 1°10.88'W)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, east, south-east winds
Seabed: mud
Anchoring: Allowed
Boaters' rating: 5.0/5
Updated: July 7, 2026