Port

Oudon

Name: Oudon
Address: Oudon, FR

Oudon, FranceAtlantic coast

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VHF channel: 10

Small river harbour on the north bank of the Loire at Oudon, between Ancenis and Nantes in the Pays de la Loire.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Enter from the Loire channel on the flood, as the reach between Ancenis and Nantes is tidal up to Bellevue. The river runs fast on the ebb, and sandbanks shift after winter floods, so keep to the marked channel. The pontoon lies below the medieval tower, on the north bank just downstream of the Hâvre. VHF 10.

Practical

Visitor pontoon managed by the commune, with water and electricity. Bakery, grocer and a few cafés in the village, within 300 m of the pontoon. Train station on the Nantes to Angers line is 500 m from the quay, useful for crew changes.

Ashore

The Tour d'Oudon, a 14th century octagonal keep, stands 200 m above the pontoon and is open to visitors in season. The Loire à Vélo cycle route runs past the harbour, with Ancenis 8 km upstream and Champtoceaux across the river by bridge. The confluence of the Hâvre stream and the Loire is a Natura 2000 site frequented by herons and egrets.

History

Oudon grew around its river toll, levied from the 13th century on boats carrying salt, wine and slate between Nantes and Anjou. The tower was rebuilt between 1392 and 1415 by Alain de Malestroit on the orders of the Duke of Brittany to watch over the Loire frontier.