Harbour

La Rochelle - Vieux port

Maximum length: 50 m
VHF channel: 9
Maximum draught: 4 m

Historic wet dock in the heart of La Rochelle, 390 berths between the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne, Charente-Maritime.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Entry between the two medieval towers at the end of the channel dredged from the Pertuis d'Antioche. The wet dock has a lock that opens around high water. Max draught 4 m inside the basin. VHF 9 for the lock and harbourmaster. Strong tidal streams across the entrance on springs.

Practical

390 berths on pontoons inside the wet dock. Water and electricity at each berth, showers and toilets at the capitainerie. Fuel berth and boatyard services at the adjacent Port des Minimes, 1 NM to the SW. Bus and train links from place de Verdun at 400 m, LGV train to Paris in 2 h 30.

Ashore

Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne, both 14th century, flanking the entrance and open to visit. Tour de la Lanterne 150 m west of the basin, 15th century lighthouse tower with graffiti left by English prisoners. Covered market on place du Marché at 300 m, open daily. Aquarium La Rochelle on the south side of the basin at 500 m.

History

La Rochelle was a Protestant stronghold besieged by Cardinal Richelieu in 1627 and 1628. The city capitulated after 14 months and the loss of about 20 000 inhabitants. The three towers guarding the old port are the surviving elements of the medieval fortifications.

Story

A chain could be drawn between the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne to close the harbour at night, a system in use from the 14th century until the 17th.

Key facts

Type: Harbour
Coordinates: 46.15649, -1.15071 (46°9.39'N 1°9.04'W)
Country: France
Maximum draught: 4 m
Maximum length: 50 m
VHF channel: 9
Phone: +33546444120
Boaters' rating: 4.5/5
Updated: July 7, 2026

Getting there

La Rochelle - Vieux port lies at 46°9.39'N 1°9.04'W, that is 46.15649, -1.15071 in decimal degrees. Call the harbour on VHF channel 9 before entering.

Directions +33546444120VHF 9